Speaker System can be complicated when it comes to model numbers, system names and prices, and these Tannoys are a case in point. The main issue being that the entire Mercury F range has now been upgraded to Mercury F Custom status. Last year's Award-winning Mercury Fr5.1 package featured four Fr Custom satellite speakers, but here these just do rhe job of rears, while F 4 Custom floorstanders operate as the front pair. The centre has also been upgraded to the FCCustom, but the compactTSI2 remains the bottom-end lynchpin.

All the satellites are available in smart dark oak or apple wood (pictured) veneers, though the burly sub opts for a more threatening black finish. Still it's the sound that counts, and we're soon nodding our heads approvingly as we fire up the DVD of Flags o/Our Fathers. The clearly-not-as- good-as-our- Blu-ray-copy picture almost distracts us for a moment, but the engaging, exciting sound soon wrestles our minds back to the matter in question - the soundtrack.

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The cohesion between the front three speakers is excellent, despite the relatively diminutive centre channel. The same is true of communication from front to rear. This package creates a surround whole as well as any of the systems on test here, and, thanks to a spacious, large soundstage, really fills our good-sized listening room.

Switch to the BD of Alien vs. Predator Requiem, and the exhilarating soundtrack shows the Mercury package's speed, agility e and punch. As an Oscar- winner might say, none of this could be possible without the subwoofer, which while it can't go quite as low as others, certainly never wants for tight, expressive, exciting bass. It all adds up to a sound that's as up-and-at-'em as any of the bass boxes here. Listening to Massive Attack's Teardrop from the Live From Abbey Road DVD, whether in stereo or Dolby Digital, it's clear this Tannoy package is adept wi th music, too - demonstrating decent timing, solid bass and plenty of pace. If you can deal without that rump-shaking bottom end, then this Mercury system is well worth auditioning.