Tannoy Mercury 7.2

FOR Decent detail; easy to listen to; easy to accommodate

AGAINST Poor balance; short on expression; poor timing

For those versed in Roman mythology, the name Mercury may bring to mind the God of communication. So, on the face of it, a good name for a pair of speakers.

Unfortunately, more relevant to these Tannoys is the planet named after him, in so much as it’s far from the best hi-fi on Earth. That’s perhaps a tad harsh but given our admiration for the company’s usual output – such as the Award winning Eclipse 3 or Revolution XT 6F floor standing speakers – the Mercury 7.2s are disappointing.

Good looks

They’re attractive; a diminutive, 9.4-litre wooden box finished in walnut, light oak or black oak, flaunting a 28mm soft-dome tweeter and 15cm midrange driver to the front and passive reflex port to the rear.