Hi Eric, what is the status of IRL? Looking forward to more info about it.
Thx
Tekton Design - New IRL Technology - Lifelike, Real, Immersive
Consider the last time you were in an airport, or walking down a busy street, and heard the sound of a real live instrument. Did you know the instrument was real before you saw it? If you are like me, you may have had many experiences walking in a crowded and noisy environment, but were still able to pick out the sound of a violin, or guitar, recognizing immediately that it was a real instrument. Now for a moment of honesty – how many times have you confused your stereo for the sound of a real instrument?
A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Tekton Design’s Eric Alexander to listen to his new patented recording and playback system, that he has dubbed “IRL” (In Real Life). Eric was excited and described an audio technology that seemed a little too good to be true. I tend to be a skeptic, and the more excited someone is about an idea, the more skeptical I become. That said, I obliged and visited Eric’s shop, and was completely blown away by what I heard.
IRL is a technology that could be the end of two-channel audio as we know it. In short, IRL produced the most lifelike, real, and immersive hifi experience I have ever had. Period. The music coming from an IRL playback system just sounds real. Eric played a demo reel of various sounds, like birds chirping, a train passing, and F-35 jets taking off from Hill Airforce Base. The sounds were absolutely lifelike, and sounded like they were coming from every angle! In the portion of the reel where birds were chirping, there is a Cessna flying overhead, and I looked up above me to see the Cessna. The F-35’s sound just like they are going overhead then into the distance, and the passing train sounded as if a locomotive was actually passing through the room! Incredible.
Music was even more impressive. Audiophiles always like to talk about separation between instruments, timbre, and imaging. IRL destroyed every concept I have about what “stereo imaging” could be. Musical instruments sound real, as if the player is really in the room. I know the hyperbole of many reviewers often claim that stereos can image like the musician is in the room, but this was next level. Close mike’d Piano’s sounded like they were right in front of me, and the timbre of different pianos was immediately distinguishable. Eric also recorded a jazz session with artists including Billy Drummond and John Hébert, and the experience was as close as I have heard to hearing the same thing in person.
From a technical standpoint, IRL records music using an array of four microphones, and plays back using four speakers (a 5.1 audio format can be used by omitting the center channel). The speakers are arrayed with two being to the front in normal stereo positioning, and two flanking to the left and right facing inwards at 90 degrees, and just slightly behind the listening position. From what I could tell, the system didn’t quite project a full 360-degree sound field (I don’t think I heard sounds directly behind me), but it was pretty close. I also don’t know if it could reproduce sounds directly behind the listener, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it could. The sounds that were both slightly behind and overhead were uncanny in their realism.
Maybe one of the most remarkable things about the demo was the equipment Eric was playing it on. It wasn’t special. We are talking Crown amplifiers, a 5.1 audio receiver, and an iMac. Not the equipment that audiophile dreams are made of. But despite all of that, this lowly equipment produced an audio experience I haven’t had with any stereo system, regardless of price.
I hope to write more about this in the upcoming months in Stereo Times after I get a couple more listening sessions in. For the time being, it suffices to say that I think this technology could be game changing. I know Eric has been running all kinds of people through his demo system: musicians, engineers, audiophiles. The feedback has been very consistent, from what he tells me – extremely positive. But, if you are curious and want to hear what is possible with IRL technology, give Eric a call. I am sure he’d invite and welcome you for a listen.
Be warned. You’ll may never be satisfied by your stereo rig again.
133 responses Add your response
The early adopters for any new technology is roughly only 15%. It seems that the comments on this topic support that number. I haven't heard Tekton speakers but am intrigued by the design and reviews. Any technology that can make sound reproduction more real is worth rooting for. The key is viability. Once you start requiring proprietary anything you'll lose most of the consumers. SONY'S beta was much better than VHS yet VHS became the standard of choice for VCRs due to Sony's proprietary nature. For those Tekton haters, what speakers in the $5k range would u recommend to deliver fantastic clarity and imaging? Thx. |
@missioncoonery Yup, pretty much sums it up. |
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Possibly effectively similar in intent ? See below
In the May 2022 issue of Stereophile - Industry Update - US New York - the column speaks to David Chesky’s new recording label the Audiophile Society. Chesky stating that he has/will be developing different mixes for headphones and speakers, as well as, PCM & DSD. It further states that each mix is tweaked according to the needs of the music. "This is three dimensional sound that extends beyond the speakers with much better depth and height information ......." |
Based on the sample recording of the acoustic guitar player, can those who have a very good streaming setup, hear anything significantly different, in a more convincing way?
No streaming here. On my laptop, the acoustic guitar does sound loud and clear, but I can hear the same with just another good recording.
The player is doing some good Michael Hedges style playing.
I couldn't embed the video here.
https://youtu.be/PCN_hpkzAF0 |
Tread carefully roxy , that sort of talk might earn you a pathetic threat of a law suit if you carry on this way …
” Suddenly it looked like the Moab and the others weren't so good anymore. I had thought that reasonable prices were part of the raison d'etre of the company; but now it looks like they're just pretty much like other companies when it comes to the price of their top models.”
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More info here 😀 https://www.tektondesign.com/news/irl-studio-updates-coming-soon/ |
I have nothing against Tekton or the designer. I heard the Double Impacts at a show and thought that they were good. But now I think that it's funny the way that the company's product line is morphing. They used to have a top model that was around 4 or 5k, and they called it a giant killer etc. If you added the better binding posts and crossover upgrade, you felt like you were getting the best. Then came the beryllium tweeter upgrade and before you knew it, he had models that were just as costly as other well known brands and more than some of those brands. Suddenly it looked like the Moab and the others weren't so good anymore. I had thought that reasonable prices were part of the raison d'etre of the company; but now it looks like they're just pretty much like other companies when it comes to the price of their top models. |
+1 @carlsbad
I’ve heard Tekton speakers at an audio show. It sounded great at it’s price point. Personally, I don’t care for the look and it’s seemingly large size. But to automatically trash talk it without listening to it just because one doesn’t like millercarbon and by extension didn’t like his default to Tekton suggestions for seemingly all scenarios seems rather immature. It is NOT the fault of the speaker and it’s designer. Objectively, it seems like a sonic bargain. Although brand/model preferences differ at it’s price point, I’ve yet to see criticism of anybody who actually listened to them say it’s performance was equal to or less than the average at their price point. |
@arafiq good post |
@arafiq +2 Spot on! |
Well Ive only read down to the end of page 1 in responses but near as I can see this looks like 5,1 redux minus the centre & sub. For me in my room 5.1 doesnt work and for others perhaps the same since my listening sofa has to be aginst the back wall in a smallish room. Could be wrong though and as it happens I have enough speakers in my house to test it out when it becomes available. Expect it will stand or fall on its ability to convert 2 channel recordings to its system Nothing else in the short run wd give it traction in the wider market since recordings under its system will be few at startup, Im old enough to remember stereo being marketed in a similar way-right down to planes swooshing overhead and trains moving from one side of the room to the other, If it works as suggested it will be a good thing if not well we still have 2 ch audio
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@arafiq +1 perfectly stated |
Being an omni kinda guy, and having run a surround array (albeit with the typ 2 channel in, with a little level twitch), I watch this sort of tech with "finally" in mind. The available digital 'horsepower' is available, it could be inserted into existing systems, and all you'd need is 4 of the same about you reproducing it. It might be possible to make this work with existing recordings....imho.... As usual, a 'good idea' sometimes has to wait until the 'means to' catches up... ;) Personally? Ignore @ your peril...*L*
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+1 @milpai I remember reading the same claims about how Tekton speakers would basically make all other speakers, especially the expensive ones, obsolete. There used to be the same type of hyperbole on the website a few years ago. And then, of course, a very small number of shills pushing Tekton down everyone's throats and outright insulting audiophiles who dared to buy expensive speakers. There was a time when you couldn't discuss any speaker without a Tekton fanboy showing up and insulting you for being an idiot for buying anything but Tekton. I'm surprised Tekton has not learned anything from all of this. There's a reason you see this kind of backlash when it comes to Tekton, unlike any other speaker manufacturer. I hope the proprietors of this company take a moment to understand the root causes of such animosity instead of jerking their knee in response (threat of legal action, anyone?) The reason most people are dismissive of this new IRL technology is because of similar tactics used by the same company in the past. Fool me once .... |
When Tekton first posted advts for their loudspeakers, I remember, they said the same about other loudspeakers becoming obsolete - which did not happen. The only thing that happened is that those words/advts are now obsolete and not even on Tekton site. The supporters and the company should use this word meaningfully. |
Is there ever going to be a formal announcement? Website? Anything more than just what a few people have heard? There’s nothing more irritating than a public tease. There was a guy that did something similar years ago when I was on the lotus website. He had invented some thing that was going to be groundbreaking and by the time the whole thing got finally properly rolled out everybody hated him. The whole thing is pretty funny looking back at it |
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I think what @mahgister is trying to say is that it would mean additional speakers to match your main speakers with matching cables. That cost might be a bit too much for folks. And then you have to match the surround amp to be similar quality as the main amp, etc. So that extra cost might be a bit steep. And that same thought came to my mind. |
I heard something similar at Disney World in one of those special ’Bug’s Life’ presentations. When the stink bug was on the screen, there was fog and a fowl smell in the audience in sync with what the bug was doing. I wonder if the presentation at Tekton’s venue will sprinkle water on the listener or shoot water at someone with a water pistol... |
Many audiophiles are interested in reproducing that 'live event' feel of a musical performance. In most cases, the experience is not like IMAX where the sound is supposed to be coming from all directions. I have never been impressed with 5-channel SACD recordings, no matter how good. So while I can understand the appeal of an 'immersive' experience if I'm watching movies, but not sure what IRL offers when I'm trying to imagine a live jazz band 20 feet away from me. I've never been to a jazz venue when the sound comes from slightly above my head or behind me. So I must ask: who is the target audience for this technology? Home theater buffs or 2-channel audiophiles? Thanks. |
Respectfully my post goes in your direction and claim if you read it... But most of us will not be able to afford what you have designed, then we can only dream and tune our room... i wish i could accept your invitation for sure and thank you for that.... I dont doubt the value of your IRL... my deepest respect to you...
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mahgister, Respectfully, "IRL is real" and it will happen. When you hear it, it will be the best thing you've ever heard in your life. Please go back and reread the professional review that started this thread and focus upon what's contained within willrich47's review. In other words... there's nothing "impossible" or dubious about IRL so please refrain from steering the conversation in that direction. At this time the only place you can audion IRL is at my location in Utah and you're welcome to drop by for a demo. Eric Alexander - audio designer |
Why will it be impossible for a new technology to do this? I am alas! not able to afford it and even not able to listen to it... Happily! My acoustically control room and my modest system give me a first taste of that if not for sure the whole thing... Acoustic even if it is the first more important factor in audio does not replace electronic design advance in technology for sure... Welcome to IRL... |
I had the privilege of visiting Eic's shop today. I am a guitar player and recording artist and most of all a lifetime FAN of great sound and music. I can recall special moments in life sitting in front of my first surround sound system in the 90s or standing second row sweat soaked at my favorite big hair band (these are memories stimulated and recalled through an experience of sound). Today I witnessed IRL, something amazing that will reside in my memory forever. It was REAL. I closed my eyes and I was there!! I was in the forest under a canopy of trees as the rain drizzled down around me and the storm hovered overhead. I could pinpoint where sounds were coming from, where musicians stood, sound motion was passing me by, rising and falling as if I was there. I could feel the emotion of the fiddle player and the phosphor bronze strings tensioned to perfect tune. In our plastic world of digital enhancement and FAKE things made to appear and sound better through effects, I prefer the REAL thing.......close your eyes, slow your heart rate, and listen to the world around you. Did I mention it sounds real! IRL is real! -KyLee Watson *Son of a Ghost* |
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gaal, maybe we could talk you into flying out here and reporting back on the thread. Any/all audiophiles are openly invited to arrange a visit for a demo. I disclosed and demonstrated the IRL technology to an acoustical physicist a few days back and his words were "the most remarkable thing I've ever heard." Regarding when we might attend a trade show and do an open demo I've had the Capital Audiofest set as a goal. Eric Alexander - audio designer
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