Even number of tweeters leads to even order harmonics, but an odd number of tweeters will lead to even order harmonics, so I'd do six or eight.
E
E
Tekton Double Impact & Comb Filtering
Like many of you, I have been pondering purchasing these speakers but am very curious about the unusual tweeter array. I asked the smartest speaker person that I know (he is a student of Sean Olive) about the design and below is what he had to say.
"In theory it could work, but the driver spacing means that the crossover point would need to be very low.
He is using the SB acoustics tweeter which is 72mm in diameter, center to center on the outside opposing drivers is around 5.7 inches, which is about 2400Hz. This means that combing would stop between 1/4 to 1/2 of the wavelength (between 1200-600Hz) is where the outside tweeters should start playing nice with each other.
Since he is not using low enough crossover points he has created a comb filtering monster. Now while it's not the great point source that was promised, it's no worse than most line arrays and the combing will average itself out given enough listening distance.
The MTM spacing on the other hand is ridiculous. Hopefully he is cutting the top end off on one of those midrange drivers to avoid combing."
"In theory it could work, but the driver spacing means that the crossover point would need to be very low.
He is using the SB acoustics tweeter which is 72mm in diameter, center to center on the outside opposing drivers is around 5.7 inches, which is about 2400Hz. This means that combing would stop between 1/4 to 1/2 of the wavelength (between 1200-600Hz) is where the outside tweeters should start playing nice with each other.
Since he is not using low enough crossover points he has created a comb filtering monster. Now while it's not the great point source that was promised, it's no worse than most line arrays and the combing will average itself out given enough listening distance.
The MTM spacing on the other hand is ridiculous. Hopefully he is cutting the top end off on one of those midrange drivers to avoid combing."
Showing 7 responses by erik_squires
I rather agree with Eric. Also, this BS phase / comb filter issue is easy to test two ways 1. Play music. Sit in sweet spot. Stand up. Sound weird? No? No problem. 2. Play music. Walk across the sound field. Sound weird? No? Then no problem. The basic FR measurements would not cover this. Off-axis measurements would, and all speakers have some of this. However had Eric really flubbed the tweeter array, it would be absolutely obvious to any listener. This isn't a hidden attribute only the best listeners could hear. ANYONE could hear it if present. Best, E |
@mofojo, If that was directed at me I don't see the dots you are trying to connect. I've always (starting months ago) said they were interesting and I would probably recommend listening to them based on design and measurements. I've also said that one of the innovations was IMHO getting the price so low for the parts quality. I have not however said I liked their looks, had listened to them or that they had remarkable efficiency. Honestly this discussion has generated a tremendous amount of emotional energy I find a little left out from. I'm not all that passionate either way. Best, E |
I did say reviews showed Tekton’s were off on sensitivity. I never said they were bad. The SB Acoustics ring radiators are highly regarded, and not really that budget, especially 7 at a time! Also, I find the design pretty interesting. It is a near ideal solution of the coaxial speaker problems, if well executed. I don’t like their looks, but I think most of the theoretical criticisms lobbed at them are unfair. They’re definitely worth a listen to, especially in a real listening room, I suspect they’ll punch far above their cost, especially in the realms of dynamic range and detail/clarity at the listening location, an area where most speakers at any price won't perform as well. That said, not sure I’d pair them with flea-powered tube amps either. :) Good 100 W amp would be my personal starting point, without hearing them. Best, E |
Without getting into the original arguments about comb filtering, this measurement of the Enzo XL from Stereophile implies Tekton is not above optimistically rating the sensitivity. JA measured 90 dB vs. specified 96. https://www.stereophile.com/content/tekton-design-enzo-xl-loudspeaker-measurements |