NEW Tekton Design Speakers - The Bonnevilles
I have in for review the Tekton Bonnevilles, described by Eric Alexander as a “passion project,” and easily the most attention-grabbing speakers set I’ve had in-home. These speakers aren’t for everyone, but if you have the space and can tolerate the eccentricities of setup, the Bonnevilles offer strengths that many other speakers really can’t match.
They feature four 15" woofers for deep bass, six horn-loaded tweeters arranged in a Tekton Polycell array for midrange, and a seventh dedicated horn-loaded tweeter that handles the high frequencies. Paired with the right amplifier, they can fill a room beautiful and visceral music, like a few other speakers. With proper setup, the Bonnevilles sound vibrant, alive, with absolutely amazing bass.
The Klipsch Jubilees are the closest comparison in terms of bass pressurization that I’ve heard. The Jubilees arguably have a bit more punch in the mid-bass, but the Bonnevilles seem to extend lower. I would also say the midrange and treble on the Bonnevilles are better than what I’ve heard from the Jubilees. The midrange of the Bonnevilles have the characteristic speed and detail that Tekton speakers are known for, but also seem warmer and more relaxed than Tekton’s smaller speakers.
Logistically, these speakers can be a challenge – in more ways than one. They require a lot of real estate in the listening space, they need 2-3 people to move, and turning a corner can be a real problem. But once they’re set up, the Bonnevilles deliver an absolutely gorgeous sound.
As a final brief observation, the Bonnevilles seem to require careful amplifier pairing. While the sensitivity of the Bonnevilles is relatively high – just a couple of watts will create a lot of sound – there seems to be a strong correlation between an amplifier’s power supply and current output, and the overall quality of sound. In short, the Bonneville’s seem pair well with amplifiers that can drop a lot of current.
I currently have three well regarded amplifiers available to pair with the Bonnevilles. Of those three, my current favorite is the Coda No. 8, which has an unusually large power supply and can deliver over 150A of current when needed. The other two amplifiers, while brilliant with smaller speakers, did not drive the Bonnevilles as well as the Coda.
Again, the Bonnevilles will not be for everybody – but a really fun set of speakers to listen to if you ever have the opportunity.
I’ll be publishing a full review of the Bonnevilles in the coming weeks in Stereo Times.
*For a sense of scale – the "little speakers" (as my kids call them) are the REL 212/SX subwoofers.
Has Mr. Alexander ever put together a concoction and then thought to himself, "This is a bad idea"? Even the most revered masters of fine painting were known to have painted over their work such that one canvas worth millions is known to have another painting hiding under the surface. Mr. Alexander, methinks, has nothing in common with them.
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Sometime ago, I thought the best sound I ever heard was at a relatively upscale nightclub randomly one night. I found out that it was a large higher end Pioneer PA array (XY-3B). Something about the acoustics of that venue and the PA system made it quite insane/thoroughly enjoyable. The same guys offer something in the ultra high end for the audiophiles at ~150k these days (TAD reference, beautiful finish n all). If you set up this 15k, 20k, whatever PA kit and this 150k audiophile kit in a larger room with some high end electronics, i would not be surprised if 50% of the audiophiles who did a A/B somehow preferred the sound of that PA system, i.e., the price wouldn’t matter here, just a different type of sound, they preferred.. (Put a blind-fold on them for bias removal, of course). What Tekton appears to be doing is trying to synthesize together ( trying atleast) the pros of each type of sound delivery ethos mentioned above with their own concoction perhaps. I mean it’s obvious the guy’s around live sound a lot/in a band/in venues whatever. Many manufacturers don’t even think about it perhaps, anechoic chamber, kliippel, whoop di doo. If Mark Levinson did the same thing, price will go back up to 200k. Go figure.
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Everyone has an opinion, especially when it comes to visualization. I have owned 2 pair of Tekton speakers to date. Previously a pair of Double impacts, which with good amplification and room treatments sound wonderful, especially with Rock and Roll music. Not the fanciest of materials (keeping cost in check) but close your eyes, and appreciate what they sound like. My second pair (current) are a special edition of the Encore Model, (3rd pair made) just shy of 6' tall, 175Lbs. and a bitch to move.( ASK MY WIFE) No they are not the Bonnevilles by any stretch, but, for Rock and Roll at high 80's, low 90's db they are masterful. Use all the proper words to define the sound characteristics and they seem to possess them all, 2 additional subs to assist in that opinion. Mine were ordered with grills. (never used though) As some viewers discussed, put a grill over them and viola, not quite an industrial look, just huge. Eric and his Tekton design is not for everyone (this model being extreme) but from a sound stand point my (just shy of 10k) Encores will just delight, especially if your a Rock and Roll person. I've read a lot of reviews of Tekton speakers and of most posts, no one seems to make mention of how they sound, just don't like the appearance, therefore they are not good. If I had the room and the money and were looking for a pair of huge speakers (with grill clothes) I would love to hear what they sound like, IN ALL FAIRNESS! Robert TN How many times have we all closed our eyes during a listening session to enhance the aural experience? Ps All my experiences with Tekton (Eric) have never been short or hurried, just helpful and friendly. |
There are things, very good things, that can be done with an immense baffle and four large, powerful woofers which cannot be replicated via smaller systems and equalization. Very good things. @willrich47, I look forward to your review. |
@willrich47 ...I was visualizing it with a different color/ grill, etc yesterday and it started to look doable to me. That’s a kind of quirky I can appreciate. Some guys doing the thread crap here are also the ones who’’ll provide a standing ovation to KingOUgly - Chronosonic XVX. So, you can’t believe the opinions of these guys on aesthetics too much. If you add a couple of extra zeros to the price tag's tail end , everything will get prettier in snobville somehow.
What are your test tracks/ genres? Any rock or metal in there? One of my go to test tracks, especially what I was trying out on the Jubilee was "Ozzy Osbourne - Desire"....would be curious to know how this track sounds on Bonnville. |
Cant wait.lets have an open mind.tekton has alot of vast choice in products unlike ma.ny other companies.you can call and ask questions and my personal customer service from them has been great.i have got to find the review of the older speakers to learn more. Can't wait for the review of this new speaker review.enjoy the music cuz i like the sound of my ulf hooked up to the krell fpb 600 they rock |
The points on aesthetics are well taken – WAF is a real thing (even in my house). For some, the aesthetics really will be far more important than the sound, others will value performance and sound over all else, and there will be a broad spectrum of balance in between. That said, I believe grills and other colors are an option. Bottom line is that I really like how these sound. They have a "big" sound that matches their physical presence. In my setup, they offer great layering, dynamics, and imaging. More difficult to describe is a warm, technicolor vividness that I’m not sure is even possible with smaller speakers. It takes me 10-15 minutes of listening to acclimate to "small speakers" again on my second system—I don’t really like going back. I’ll be more detailed in the full review. |
Esoteric = the high end = intended for the few = the subject speakers fit the bill… @jasonbourne71 lite on facts..check your tweeter count on the Concert Grand… i know because i grew up w big Bozaks in the house… 1965 was a very good year to the OP … fair to poor analogy.. see Porsche 4S.. now even a poor minican track aficionado can turn hot lap times… Keep in mind, while spectacular and very innovative, the Wall of Sound just about $$$$ bankrupted the Corporation known as the Dead have fun Chill |
jrareform, Having heard the D.I’s in past, and reading user reviews of other Tekton product qualified my opinion of the unheard Bonneville. Seriously, for a negotiable $7K difference, why settle when you could hear/appreciate aesthetics? There many other deals such as this. Clearly, there may be some dynamic differences, because of the Tekton design, but I’d gladly shell out a few more bucks and the overall presentation would probably make me forget the sonic advantage of Tekton. No need to blow a magic fuse over an opinion.
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Those speakers are the ugliest I have ever seen. Unless you have a dedicated listening room where no wife or GF would dare enter, you will never buy them. They look like pro sound speakers and I don’t care how good anyone says they are and sound, Tekton will not sell many. If Eric Alexander is trying to make the ugliest speakers known to man, then he is on to something. Good luck selling these monstrosities. |
@tablejockey so you've heard these speakers and can attest that you can find better sound for 15K? "You can find nicer looking with equal/better sound for $15K" Oh that's great, where's your review and how many hours did you spend with these speakers before coming to that conclusion? What other speakers did you compare? Oh you didn't? Probably should keep your opinion to yourself and wait for the Stereotimes review. The amount of people that swear you can get better sound than XYZ product without ever hearing them is absurd LOL. Haters gonna hate |
Tekton has interesting designs for sure (we own their OB Sigma) but my wife ruled we shall have no speaker taller than her five feet even. Their best models are massive. Her rationale was also based on resale value. Huge speakers are harder to sell, and move. Most adults do not want the wall of sound like the Dead used in the '70's, in their living space. The big tweeter arrays with multiple bass drivers require elaborate wiring looms which if you have worked on a modern car chasing grounds or you obsess on continuity you may want a simpler design. If you love that stuff go wild.
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The best sounding speakers in the world (for stereo) will never be a tiny goofy speaker. They will be huge and most probably look kinda ugly. When i heard both the klipsch jubilee (~38k) and the Levinson M1 (200k), both are not pretty at all...but, i thought they slayed every Magico, Wilson, Schweikert, mbl, etc out there. The OP reviewer says that these Bonnvilles have certain traits that are better than the jubilee. At less than half the price, it could be a easy buy for guys who can accommodate something the size of a jubilee (Not for the guy living in a closet with ls50 squawk boxes, of course...and a jubilee type of customer is certainly not needing the ls50 guy's approval). if i bought it, it will not look like the OP's set in that hideous grey, it will have some customization to look like a piece of modern art.
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@ willrich47 A useful analogy. Tekton speakers were never designed for the way they look; they are designed for how they sound. Ignoring the inclosure visual aesthetics saves a lot of money in production. The builder wants to give the "everyman" the best sound he can for the lowest cost. Love him or hate him, I think he accomplishes his goals. |
@jmrrobbie1 Very impressive, we need this in every US city.
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"if i was a millionaire i think i'd buy them." Whoever buys these, needs their millionaire status pulled. You can buy them now. They are $15K for the pair. A price comparable to an average, performance speaker. https://tektondesign.com/product/full-range-speakers/flagship/bonneville/#color They likely sound okay, but it appears their still built the Tekton way- the woofers/tweeters aren't even countersunk into the cabinet. DIY looks. You can find nicer looking with equal/better sound for $15K. |
There is a speaker out there for everyone. Just as there are audio components and brands for everyone. There is a house, car, city or village for every kind of person and taste. But people will complain and whine and bash all the other things they don’t like. That’s just how some people are, not happy unless they are bitch’in. |
I would never ever consider these in a home they belong in a j hall or theatre and how many MRS would allow this even in the house, Tekton totally knows -0 about style , and parts quality,especially cabinet design and Xover are not one of the strong suits That’s just my opinion having owned 2 and rebuilding and assisting current models not too many will be getting in line . I am still shocking Eric threated to sue a reviewer for bashing his speakers in several areas censorship in reviewing really !! |
Step a) Something the designer oughta do....Get a grille made that covers the 4 front woofers. I would assume the mid array crosses over fairly low.
Step b) Maybe, move the ports to the back side....that really improves the look of things in my books
Hmmmm....now let me imagine the cabinet in a very dark crimson red or a very dark navy blue....and....hmmmmmm...it’s starting to look like a modern art piece now buddy (WAF’s going up, marriages are getting saved). |
@knotscott - Love that photo and yeah the year too...I saw the Dead in Roanoke at the Civic Center there, and they had that wall of speakers behind them that went from floor to ceiling. When they played the opening chord of their first song...I thought I was going to be pinned against the back wall by the air displacement. Because none of the speakers were working that hard, the sound was cleanest I have ever heard at any concert I have attended. One of the best live musical experiences of my life...equally as astounding as hearing Andre Segovia play in New York City as a young boy. |
I was impressed with the speaker arrangment in the Sphere ( Las Vegas)... 167,000 speaker drivers, amplifiers, and processing channels, and it weighs 395,120 pounds (179,220 kg) .....not a bad seat in the house. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiSuxfrCLgY
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A quick anaology — A mini-van is on one of the most practical vehicles you can own. They have great storage capacity, do well in poor weather, not too big and not too small, and are relatively easy to drive.
Sports cars (Lamborghini, McLaren, etc…) are not for everybody. They are not practical in any sense of the word. They are typically garaged most of the time, don’t do well on rough roads or inclement weather, can be extremely difficult to insure, and generally not as easy to drive. Despite the manifold downsides of owning a sports car, their owners tend to be somewhat passionate about their purchase. Setting aside functioning as status indicators and other variables not necessarily germane to this conversation, there seems to be thriving markets for high performance products that simultaneously have practical limitations. |
