The First edition Tannoy Autograph Mini (2005-2016) vs the new Tannoy OW (2020- Present)

Comparison : The  First edition Tannoy Autograph Mini vs the new Tannoy GR OW

To better understand the new versus Old Tannoy Autograph Mini

There are some differences between the First generation Tannoy Autograph Mini and the latest. 

1. Comparing the Look : Outer Appearance. 

The First generation Tannoy Autograph Mini has followed the vintage Tannoy Autograph design.

The Latest Tannoy Autograph Mini OW cosmetically looks more superiror with the Oiled Walnut veneer.

2. Comparing the Products:

A. First Generation Tannoy Autograph Mini : 2-Way Stand-Mount 4" Dual Concentric HiFi Loudspeaker (Teak)

Product Features

• 2 way stand mount loudspeaker for small sized rooms

• A miniature and authentic recreation of the famous 1950's Tannoy AUTOGRAPH design

• Dual Concentric driver technology provides class-leading coherence and point-source imaging

• 4" driver with 88 dB/Watt sensitivity and 200 Watt peak power handling deliver incredible dynamics for the size of enclosure

• Tulip Waveguide with 19 mm titanium dome enhances the point source symmetrical dispersion properties, providing exceptional Wideband high frequency clarity and articulation

• Handcrafted teak veneered cabinet with solid teak trim provides a unique and timeless piece of furniture

• Low frequency paper pulp cone with rubber surround provide natural sounding midrange and excellent bass extension

• capacitors, low loss laminated core inductors and close tolerance wirewound resistors delivering a more natural and cohesive sound

• High purity silver internal wiring maximises signal transparency

• High density birch ply cabinet provides extreme rigidity to control low frequency performance and minimise midrange colouration

• High loss internal damping panels further minimise cabinet colouration

• Cabinets rear ported for a richer and deeper bass response

• Oatmeal grille cloth contributes to retro styling

https://www.tannoy.com/product.html?modelCode=0304-AAQ

B. New Tannoy Mini Autograph Mini : 2-Way Stand-Mount 4" Dual Concentric HiFi Loudspeaker (Oiled Walnut)

Product Features

• 2 way stand mount loudspeaker for small sized rooms

• A miniature and authentic recreation of the famous 1950's Tannoy AUTOGRAPH design

• Dual Concentric driver technology provides class-leading coherence and point-source imaging

• 4" driver with 200 Watt peak power handling delivers incredible dynamics for the size of enclosure

• Point source Tulip Waveguide with symmetrical dispersion for accurate stereo imaging

• 19 mm titanium dome driver provides exceptional wideband high frequency clarity and articulation

• Handcrafted, oiled walnut veneered cabinet with solid walnut trim provides a unique and timeless piece of furniture

• Low frequency paper pulp cone with rubber surround provides natural sounding midrange and excellent bass extension

• Hard wired crossovers featuring proprietary Tannoy capacitors and low loss laminated core inductors delivering a more natural and cohesive sound

• Highly conductive, low resistance internal wiring maximises sign

https://www.tannoy.com/product.html?modelCode=0304-ABD

Summary :

1. Sensitivity : First generation Tannoy Autograph Mini (88db) vs 85db for new

2. Weight : 4kg vs 4.4 kg 

3. Maximum SPL : 105db - 111db vs 102db - 108db

4. Dimensions : 210X345X130mm vs 209X356X156mm

5. Birch vs Walnut veneer

My preference : There are several points which has determined my preference for the First Generation Tannoy Autograph Mini :

Key Points 1 : Sensitivity: The higher the sensitivity rating of a speaker, the louder it will play with a certain amount of wattage. For example, some speakers have a sensitivity of around 81 dB or so. This means with one watt of power, they'll deliver just a moderate listening level. Want 84 dB? You'll need two watts — this is due to the fact that every additional 3 dB of volume requires double the power. The Sensitivity measurements for the First generation Autograph Mini is 88 dB are about average and will be easier to drive. Anything below 84 dB is considered rather poor sensitivity. The new versions sensivity is 85db is close to poor sensivity.

Key Points 2 : Attention to details and use of superior materials. From the Tannoy‘s old manual : The Autograph Mini is a truly special loudspeaker. The high performance driver is the smallest Tannoy Dual Concentric™ ever, and includes a multi-fibre paper pulp cone for natural midrange and well defined bass. The high frequency section incorporates Tannoy WideBand™ technology, giving a more true to life performance. The driver is installed in a damped birch-ply cabinet with hardwood veneers and solid wooden mouldings. Silver-plated van den Hul wiring is used in the low frequency section and 99.99% high purity silver for the high frequencies. The carefully optimized crossover includes low loss inductors and specially damped audio grade capacitors.

Key Points 3 : Use of Capacitors

First generation Tannoy Autograph capacitors. Bigger copper coil

New generation Tannoy Autograph capacitors

Points 4 : Country of Origin : Earlier Tannoy Autograph Mini 2005-2016 were produced in the UK. Not sure abouyt the new ones from 2022 onwards?

Pomnints 5 : Costs. The costs of the older versions are cheaper than the new.