Tannoy Westminster (1970s)

A massive floorstanding loudspeaker using Dual Concentric technology to bring professional sound to high-end homes

Overview

The Tannoy Westminster, including variants like the Westminster Royal GR-OW and Westminster Royal Special Edition, is a large 2-way floorstanding loudspeaker developed in the 1970s. Designed to bring Tannoy's professional audio heritage into domestic listening environments, it features a signature 15" Dual Concentric driver and a compound horn cabinet. Known for effortless dynamics and room-filling sound, it's regarded by owners as a crowning achievement in the Tannoy lineup. The speaker was later evolved into high-end variants such as the Westminster Royal GR and Gold Reference models.

Specifications

Exact product name	Tannoy Westminster Royal GR-OW
Manufacturer	Tannoy
Product type	Loudspeaker
Driver	15" Dual Concentric
Enclosure type	Compound horn
Configuration	2-Way
Sensitivity	99 dB/Watt
Power Handling (Peak)	700 Watts
Cabinet Volume	530 L
Frequency Response	18 Hz - 27 kHz
Dimensions (H x W x D)	1395 x 980 x 560 mm
Connectors	5 x 4 mm 24 ct Tannoy customized binding posts
Cabinet Type	Compound horn
Crossover Frequency	1250 Hz

Design

The Westminster uses Tannoy's Dual Concentric technology, where a tweeter is positioned at the center of the bass unit, creating a point-source sound. The 15" driver combines a paper-pulp cone with fibres for structural reinforcement. The speaker is housed in a large compound horn cabinet designed to enhance low-frequency efficiency and output.

Market

The Westminster Royal GR-OW was priced at $85,900 when new, reflecting its status as a flagship model. Used examples have sold for around AUD $14,400. Some owners report connection issues or damage to the woofer's foam surround during maintenance, with replacement surrounds being a known repair path.