No Grills with mine - but I did get grill holes !!:( Still a great sounding speaker. |
I got a chance to take my Pendragons up a notch the other day. OK, I'll bite: What did you do? |
Hey V8Power. did you get grilles with yours? i'm still looking for Eric to send me mine. I got a chance to take my Pendragons up a notch the other day. The bass response is absolutely breathtaking at high volume. |
I just took delivery of full size Tekton Pendragon's and they are the best speaker I have heard south of $25k speakers, and they may be even better then that level (to my ears) |
There is also the Tekton Enzo. |
First, I think you may be underestimating the ability of the Lores to pressurize your small room. Second, I would be careful basing your conclusions on price. |
No question the Lore is exceptional for the price. I'm sure they sound excellent in your room. However, I'm looking for something with a comparable soundstage, overall depth of sound and presentation to what I experienced with the Harbeth 40.1's, and the Gallo REF 3.5's in my room, when I had the chance to audition them. The Pendragon SE may manage it, but realistically, that's asking more of the Lores than is even remotely fair. You're comparing them to speakers at seven to more than ten times the price. |
Why aren't the Lores capable of delivering what you want? You mean in terms of "big" sound? I would beg to differ as an owner of Lores in a 12x22ft room. I get sound as big as I could want in that environment. But then, I don't really know what you mean by "big" sound. You mean in terms of size of soundstage? Or just volume? Dynamics? In any of those senses, Lore is exceptional for the price. |
Thanks for the input. A couple people have mentioned the possibility of the Pendragon SE's bass overloading the room. Everything else about them sounds very appealing, but perhaps I need to cross those off the list? I know they were designed for smaller rooms, but possibly not as small as mine.
The other concern just raised was that unlike the original Pendragons, they are 4 ohms, which I didn't realize, and that can cause issues for SET amps.
As for the Lores as an option, those simply aren't capable of delivering what I want, unfortunately. I will now probably consider the Zu Omen Defs instead. I've already been told those will work well in my room. |
I think you will overload your room bass-wise. Consider the M-Lore. |
Nominal 4 ohm is a bit more of concerning for SET than the speakers sensitivity at 95W |
How much power do the Pendragon SE's really need to perform optimally? At, from what I understand, is a very accurate 95db sensitivity rating, people still seem to be using a lot more wattage than I would have expected was necessary. Even a medium powered SET should be able to work with these, I would think. |
I've heard so many positives about the Pendragons and was eagerly awaiting the smaller Pendragon SE's, which I now understand are the previously announced "Seas Pendragons".
They are one of the finalists I am considering for my situation. My room is 10x10, and my available nearfield listening area is even smaller. I can place the speakers 5-5.5 feet apart, and my seated, listening position is 5.5-6 feet from there, at the point of the triangle. Has anyone heard these under any conditions remotely like that? There are no reviews, that I know of out there, so any information would be extremely helpful.
I definitely want a "big" sound, even considering my nearfield listening, and know its possible. I've borrowed both Harbeth 40.1's from a friend, and also the Gallo 3.5's, which both worked well. Both are ultimately too low in sensitivity for my final amplifier scenario,as well as being a bit pricier than I would like to spend. |
Hey V8Power. Yes they are THAT good. And mine do not hve the capacitor upgrades. All my audo buddies have Zu Audio loudspeakers. They all have been impressed with the detail and expecially the bass response. So, it's been over a month since I received them...still don't have my grilles I ordered. |
From the Blog on Tekton's site
We are excited to announce the new Seas based Pendragon. Priced at $2500 a pair with free shipping inside the continental US. Knowing the standard Pendragon can be a bit on the large size for some rooms it was intuitive to insure everyone have the option of owning a Pendragon.
The new Seas Pendragon is a modestly sized down version (40% to be exact) of the Pendragon series – with cabinet dimensions of: 50″ tall x 10″ wide and 13″ deep. We use audiophile grade dual 8″ transducers and triple ring radiatorÂ’s. The result is stunning fidelity and resolution, 95dB SPL efficiency, true 30Hz-30khz linear response, a 4 Ohm final impedance. |
Does anyone know what is the nominal impedance of SE version? The website doesnot indicate does it safe to assume it is 8 ohm as Pendragon? |
Does anyone know what is the nominal impedance of SE version? The website doesnot indicate does it safe to assume it is 8 ohm as Pendragon? |
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Is Pendragon SE same as SEAS Pendragon?
I checked the website and did not find Pendragon SE anywhere. |
Mine were slightly delayed but not problematically so. Eric told me about a personal issue that was going on outside the business and the delay was completely reasonable. And yes, they ARE that good. |
Teletrout - any more feedback? I have been waiting much longer for the Pendragon's with capacitor upgrade and really started to get antzy. Are these speakers really THAT good? |
I received my pair of Pendragons (non-SE) this week. I received them a month to the date of when I ordred. Eric did seem to be swamped when I was speaking to him. Maybe trying to get caught up. I've only got 20 hours or so on them now. Very pleased so far. I've been using my CJ SS smp so far, but hope to get my friends Premier SET amp on them soon for compriison. |
04-10-13: Mihilli
When I sent him an email asking if he was ever going to deliver my speakers I got quite a nasty email back saying he had personal problems and that was much more important then his business!
Just a guess, but I'd say he has something going on in his life right now that is more important than his business, and unfortunately for you, your speakers. I hope everything turns out OK for him, the several times I spoke to him he really did take the time to explain things, and made me feel like he was just as interested in my stuff as I was. |
Hmmm, you guys certainly have a different experience to my dealings with Tekton Designs.
I've been waiting since September last year for a pair of Lores(have now given up).
Spoke to Eric Alexander directly, was promised they would be finished in 4-6 weeks.
Then was promised January, then February. When I sent him an email asking if he was ever going to deliver my speakers I got quite a nasty email back saying he had personal problems and that was much more important then his business!
I replied he probably could be a bit more diplomatic with his customers.
I got a contrite email apologising and he said my speakers would be done "soon".
In March I got an email saying they should be ready anytime now.
It's now mid-April....................................
But nice to hear he actually does deliver speakers to some of his customers. |
I felt the same way... Talk to and get a quote from Eric and you may find the decision easier. He's a great guy and seems quite genuinely interested in giving his customers a good experience from start to finish. |
Jackson,
Thank you very much. It's a tough call for me...problem is if I order the lores without the upgraded caps, I'll always be wondering "what if"... And I hate that feeling...lol. |
I got the Mundorf silver oil capacitors and cannot speak to the sound without them. I CAN say that the sound with them is amazing. Present, real, clean, clear, and open. Talk to Eric and you may find your choice easier than you think. |
New to the forum here...I have been looking at the pens for awhile now, maybe might go with the lores.
My question is about the capacitor upgrade. Seems expensive, is it worth it? Would I really be able to hear the difference? Any thoughts would be appreciated...:) |
Was going to respond to you guys one by one but see that it posts publicly so... To anyone wanting to hear my Tekton Design SEAS-Pendragon in Richmond, VA, write me at tjacksonlawson@gmail.com and we can set something up. |
Shakeydeal,
Terribly sorry for my inattention. Other things (including listening time) have kept me away and today is the first time in a while since I've logged in. I had thought that posts would result in an email but find today that they do not.
I'd find it easier to correspond via my regular email. Write me at tjacksonlawson@gmail.com and we'll find a listening date that suits us both. I'm loving these speakers and am proud to share them.
Jackson |
Terribly sorry for my inattention. Other things (including listening time) have kept me away and today is the first time in a while since I've logged in. I had thought that posts would result in an email but find today that they do not.
I'd find it easier to correspond via my regular email. Write me at tjacksonlawson@gmail.com and we'll find a listening date that suits us both. I'm loving these speakers and am proud to share them.
Jackson |
You'd be welcome. Email me at tjacksonlawson@gmail.com and we can set something up. |
You'd be welcome. Email me at tjacksonlawson@gmail.com and we can set something up. |
Jackson123, I live in Fairfax and would love to hear your Pendragons. I'll bring you a case of wine (or beer)to enjoy while we listen! |
Hope you have better luck than I did.
Shakey |
Hey Jackson123
Would there be a chance for me to listen to those Pendragon speakers at your place. I would love to know how they sounds like and share my expirience with you. I am searching to buy some high efficiensy speakers, but can not make up my mine if i want Pendragon or Zu omen Def or something else. |
I guess Jackson123's offer is off the table. He never responded to my query.
Shakey |
I agree Jackson, I loved the 'Dragons with jazz. They are really special with this particular genre for what reason I know not! |
I am very interested in buying some Pendragons to replace my Maggie 2Bs that have delaminated a second time, but I want hear the Pendragons first. Is there anyone in the Washington DC, northern Virginia area who has a pair who would be willing to let me listen to them?
Bill |
How close are you to Lynchburg?
Shakey |
I have about 200 hours now on my Black Satin Pendragon-SE with Munforf Silver Oil Capacitors. All the positive things I've read, I'd agree with completely. I'm listing to Charlie Parker right now as I write this and I'm blown away by the sound. In fact I've been blown away by every piece of music I've heard on them but jazz has been an epiphany. I always liked jazz live but never enjoyed jazz recordings until now. They've come to life with this set-up. I've got an Ayre integrated amp, Ayre DAC (balanced inputs), Mac mini quad running Audirvana Plus and using Transparent cables all around. I've not owned a system this good before but have previewed scores of combinations over the past six months and like nothing better than what I'm hearing right now. Huge soundstage, pristine clarity top to bottom at any volume. Bass is tight and clean without being overwhelming. Low volume or high, the emotion and excitement of the music come through. Earlier today I heard emotion from Bonnie Raitt that I'd never heard before. These speakers are astounding. I'll answer any questions you might have and would be glad to preview them for you if in the Central VA area. I didn't spend a huge fortune on this setup and cannot imagine getting the same quality any other way without spending a lot more $$, especially on the speakers. |
I forgot to mention my room is 18x 24 and the slightly smaller
Pendragon -SE is more then enough in volume as well as soundstage size to give you a great audio performance. |
I can tell you without reservation that the SE version is not just another plain Jane speaker.I have heard the Pendragon on several occasions
And the dynamics in the -SE version is still there in spades,for the Xover
Is very similar therefore the drivers are the main difference .the standard
Pendragon cabinet is a little bigger so the bass does go a bit lower.
With the -SE version the soundstage is Huge If I am sitting at the opposite side of the room I can still Clearly hear what is going on with the other
Speaker the separation of instruments ,imaging,and image depth is better
With h -SE model that is what the moe precision drivers bring to the table.
The regular Pendragon can play a bit louder ,putting things in perspective
108 db is deafening and permenent hearing loss is a Guarantee if you
Listen at this level for more then a minute or two, like a jackhammer
In your living room That us how loud the -SE can play . This is the difference.one more thing .my uncle is a technician ,I recently just upgraded the Xover to the Duelund resistors ,the Hot Jupiter flat stack
Capacitors which are Very natural sounding and in some ways better then the Mundorf silver oil caps which I have used many times.
This brings the -SE to another level still .when I turn it up you are there
With all the. Finess dynamics and clarity. You will have to spend several times what these speakers cost to beat them.my brothers B&W 802 Diamonds are better in some areas but not in soundstage width.
The only way I would sell my speakers would be if my brother buys the
B&w 800 , the 802 is that good But at a huge price difference.
Tekton speakers in general are a excellent value. |
My room is 25 x 14. Yeah, your room may be a little on the small size for the standard Pendragons.
Shakey |
Shakey, what size room are you using for the Pendragon's? My room is 12 x 16 x 8 and I am concerned that they may be too big for the room. I was told by Erik that the SE's would work well in that room, but I never asked about the regular Pendragon. I assumed the standards would be too much for my room so I never asked him. Both speakers are very intriguing in their own way and I want to make sure that they will work in my room. If anyone has heard both and could offer insight into the differences, I would appreciate that as well. Thanks, Cris. |
I decided to forgo the SE version because I wanted something off the beaten path. The pro drivers give you more of a "live" feel. Not pinpoint imaging, but huge dynamic swings and an effortless sound. I was afraid the SE version might just sound like another "good speaker". What I am hearing is something entirely different. That said, it may not be everyone's cuppa.....
Shakey |
Audioman58 - thanks for the review.
I don't recall, Audioman58, if you heard the Pendragons in stock form?
It is interesting in talking with Eric how he downplays the mods he offers basically saying the improvements are at the margin while other users who have actually upgraded the caps and resistors and / or modded the crossovers and added extra damping material report notable improvements.
There are a few detractors of this design in other threads, including a few speaker manufacturers, but near as I can tell, none have actually heard the speaker (last I checked was a couple of months ago so things may have changed in the interim).
I enjoy reading Part-time Audiophile (Socrates) and his reviews of various Tekton speakers are part of the reason why they are on my short-list. Having said that, PTA is such an enthusiast, he seems to enjoy nearly everything he hears so it is difficult to really judge from his own reviews what is truly worthy of an audition. This is not meant to be critical; just an observation as a long-time reader of his blog. |
The SE has the Seas drivers. I believe it comes with stock xovers, but the upgraded ones are an option. After speaking with Eric, I went with the standard Pendragon.
Shakey |
Are the Pendragon SE's the ones with the Seas drivers or the ones with the upgraded crossovers, or both? The options interest me quite a bit and I am looking to determine the difference between them to decide which is going to fit my preference. |
Some paints will cost you more depending such as a candie color
Depending how much per pint. |
