Tannoy Autograph 12 speakers pay tribute to iconic driver 70 years after the originals

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The Tannoy Autograph launched in 1954, seven years after the dual concentric driver was invented

Tannoy Autograph 12 under spotlights
(Image credit: Tannoy)

In its almost 100-year history, Tannoy's crowning moment is irrefutably its invention of the dual concentric driver, which sees a tweeter sit in the throat of the mid/bass unit for consistent dispersion and improved integration and phase behaviour. In the 77 years since the British company debuted the innovation at the London Radio Show, this driver has featured in more loudspeakers from Tannoy (and other manufacturers) than anyone could count. Indeed, it remains very much at the heart of the legendary brand's speaker line-up.

One of the earlier Tannoy designs to make use of the dual concentric was the GRF Autograph in 1954, some ten or so years before the company's famous Monitor Gold Dual Concentric range arrived. And today, Tannoy has announced it will be flaunting a modern-day Autograph at this week's High End Munich show ahead of a release later this year.

More generally, Tannoy says the Autograph 12 offer "notable contemporary features" alongside "cutting-edge technology", too. We spy some front-panel settings (tone controls?), for one.

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Becky Roberts
Becky Roberts
Freelance contributor

Becky is a hi-fi, AV and technology journalist, formerly the Managing Editor at What Hi-Fi? and Editor of Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica magazines. With over twelve years of journalism experience in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices.

In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.