TANNOY 603

Pre owned. In good condition. They show slight signs of wear. Original packaging not included.

The Tannoy 603 belongs to the Six Series, a name that refers to the distinctive six-sided cabinet structure. This configuration is not merely an aesthetic choice, but the result of a design aimed at improving standing-wave behavior by eliminating parallel reflective panels, increasing overall rigidity, enhancing self-damping, and optimizing dispersion. The result is a compact yet sophisticated loudspeaker that combines refined design with advanced technical solutions.

Despite its relatively light weight, the cabinet demonstrates surprising solidity. Even when subjected to direct stress, it shows no unwanted resonances or smearing effects, reflecting careful internal bracing and the mechanical advantages of the multi-sided enclosure. The black ash finish is complemented by a marble-effect top insert in blue-green tones, a distinctive detail that adds character to the overall design. Attention to detail is also evident in the construction: custom-molded plastic components, inset brass threads at the base for secure mounting on dedicated stands, and a bi-wiring solution that ranks among the most practical and refined in its class.

The front panel houses a 25 mm aluminum dome tweeter and a 5-inch mid/bass driver, arranged to occupy almost the entire available surface according to the “Disappearing Baffle” principle. By minimizing the visual and physical impact of the front baffle, this approach favors precise soundstage reconstruction over simple bass reinforcement. The resulting imaging is accurate and three-dimensional, with exceptionally precise spatial focus.

The tweeter, mounted on a minimum-diffraction plate slightly raised from the main baffle, features a high-temperature polyamide-insulated voice coil wound on a Kapton former and is ferrofluid-cooled to ensure reliability and control. A magnetically attached metal protective grille can be removed, where safe, to achieve maximum high-frequency performance. The mid/bass driver also benefits from an anti-diffraction ring; its injection-molded cone with inverted dust cap contributes to a coherent and well-integrated response with the tweeter.

Tonal consistency across the entire frequency range is one of the 603’s key strengths. The transition between registers is smooth and natural, without the sense of discontinuity sometimes perceived in hybrid systems. In optimal configuration, with the fabric grille removed and the tweeter protector lifted, the high frequencies extend with brilliance and fast transient response, though a slight trace of sibilance may become noticeable—an effect partially filtered by the grilles. The best balance between openness and control is generally achieved by keeping the fabric grille in place.

In the low frequencies, the speaker impresses with authority relative to its compact size, delivering a sense of depth and presence more convincing than many direct competitors. When the musical program demands strong bass energy, the system remains composed, avoiding attempts to reproduce what it physically cannot and thus preserving balance and clarity. Only in very complex and densely layered passages may a slight congestion appear, particularly if the speakers are placed on lightweight or insufficiently rigid stands.

The rear binding posts allow for both conventional wiring and bi-wiring or bi-amping configurations. The gold-plated terminals are connected by a solid inverted U-shaped metal link, which can be easily lifted to separate the sections; the design ensures it remains housed within the recessed terminal area, preventing loss and ensuring ease of use.

Technical specifications:

• Drivers: 25 mm aluminum dome tweeter; 5-inch woofer
• Frequency response: 60 Hz – 30 kHz ±3 dB
• Peak power: 120 W
• Sensitivity: 88 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
• Nominal impedance: 6 ohms; minimum impedance: 4 ohms
• Recommended RMS power: 10 – 70 W
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 22.5 x 15.5 x 34 cm
• Weight: 3 kg per speaker