@cmss2000: Thanks for sharing more about your reasons for moving in the direction you did. Are you still considering a possible replacement to your Dunlavys? If so, any prospects?
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@pbhotel:
-The Double Impacts ’sensitivity to equipment’ as you put it, is 100% on point.
-I was one of those (you mention) being surprised by the air ’being moved’ (and energy) of the mid drivers.
A lot of great info in your post. Thanks.
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@mdlofnwhr:
+1 on @kdude66 's point on versatility and pairings.
I haven't heard of (or remember of) one amp from any of the Double Impact owners across various forums that has been problematic in terms of pairing with and driving the Double Impacts.
No Hypex nCore (that I am aware of) in my units, but they are all solid state amps and have worked very well paired with the Double Impacts. NAD M27. Moon 330A. SST/W4S SoA mk2. Exogal Ion.
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@craigl59: Can you explain what you mean by " Am finding that the DAC chosen makes a tremendous difference in frequency response, more so than I would have thought."?
Thanks.
- David.
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Also, a correction from two posts ago. Had a thought that kept pinging me ... so I looked into it. The NAD M27 is Hypex based, though NAD does add a few ’tweaks’ to the nCore technology.
To reiterate: The Moon and SST amps are Class A / B. The Exogal Ion proprietary Class D.
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@mofojo
Definitely, definitely the Yggdrasil over the Gungnir.
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@craigl59:
- thanks for your answer on the REW graphs wrt DACs.
+1 re. @333jeffery 's nod for the Schiit Yggdrasil...it's what has been on the front end of my system for some time now.
+1 re @klh007 re. the Exogal Comet. I've used it to drive the DIs, with very good results. In it's Comet Plus - Ion combination form.
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@corelli - I owned the Melody 2A3 integrated and was very happy with it. I cannot comment directly on the AN211.
Realize you are not looking at their 845, but as @teajay has pointed out, I also moved away from 845 based amps..
My personal choice, per my preferences would be their 300B followed by the 2A3. Caveat being that I have not heard the 211 and of course do not know your goals and desires in these matters.
All the best with your choice. Looking forward to hearing how it works out, especially if you go with the 211.
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@corelli Maybe Mike @audioarchon can offer some suggestions and guidance.
Can't hurt to give the Melody a go. Sounds like it is on offer at a good price. Minimally, you will be able to get a feel for their build, quality, etc. and if it doesn't accomplish what you are looking for, you know the drill. : )
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@waltersalas Walter, that's just terrific to hear!
In addition to varied music, I would add that you may be surprised if you rotate through some components, etc. Keep us posted on your adventures.
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@charles1dad You must be getting very excited! Looking forward to hearing more about your single watt explorations.
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I have been considering a speaker cable change-up. Cerious Tech has been under consideration. Decided to go mainstream and use the Cable Cos. lending program to evaluate the Audience Au24 SX.
Any thoughts on Audience or other speaker cabling? Thanks.
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DIs-orientation. Pretty much order of the day, for me. :)
Imagine what big brother Ulfberth will sow.
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Throwing this out there again.
Any advice and recommendations on speaker cables? Those that you are happy with currently with the DIs or other Tekton speakers, or those you have been pleased with in the past?
Thanks.
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@kdude66 and @333jeffery Thanks for your thoughts on the matter. Good to see that both of you give a nod to Marc Tunis.
BTW Kenny, this is one of the most elegant ways I have seen the topic broached! :) "I quess I will bite on this cable subject,after many years chasing the latest cables I have reached a firm opinion that as long as my system has decent cables and sold connections it really doesn't matter so much the only real differences are price."
My workshop is going to be completed at the very end of our home renovation. Not having a work area set up for my bikes is 'killing me' and that comes first. So the diy route will have to wait until I am fully set up to handle it.
The Audience cables, courtesy of the lending library, will be here on Friday. I've only had two other 'higher end' speaker cables in my previous system. One was terrific, the other not so much. I've been using Audio Art Speaker Cables for quite sometime now, and I've been very happy with their performance, especially so when I consider their value.
The problem I have run into is that there are so many options and multiples of that in opinion. So the only way I can sort it out is to take a chance on word of mouth from those I trust and then run them within my own system.
Thanks.
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From Mark when I asked a similar question of him:
"We can provide up to two more sets of RCA outputs. There just isn't room for XLRs. We can provide a set of rca to xlr adapters for $50 made of very good Eire and connectors."
Having XLR was/is necessary for me, which is why I did not go forward and am waiting for future products that may be a better fit.
But with everyone singing it's praises.... :)
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@iamasif:
As Kenny says, your Emotiva has way, way enough power.
As for the centre channel integration with a different speaker, try it out and see if it works. Sometimes it does.
I don't know if you are only running 3.X or 5.X or more... BUT, I've been happy with 2.0 with the DIs. I have considered a Double Impact Centre, but I still have not finalized on it. You don't mention what you have for L/R speakers....perhaps Definitive also?
Once you have the Double Impacts in your system, I believe you will be able to answer these questions for yourself. With ease! : )
As for the upgrade, I went with it since it's cost is reasonable. Eric advises it based on the level of your overall system. In your case, perhaps the $300 could be applied elsewhere. I'd trust what Eric advises you.
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@iamasif: "....but for now I want to use Def.Tech center channel which is 8-ohm, is there any harm in mix-match 4/8 ohm speaker."
To your concern above, not at all. You may run into some volume issues which I believe your XMC-1 can adjust so that L/R/C are matched in terms of volume output.
The larger issue, I think, would be significant sound quality or sound signature differences across two different brands of speakers and their specific implementation.
I've used different Centers than my L/R speakers in the past, sometimes with good results. Your ears will let you know. : )
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@craigl59: What other DACs did you try before finding the RME to meet your needs best? Thanks.
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@iamasif:
I'm 2 months into my waiting period for the grills.
Soundocity was recommended to me by one of the regulars in this thread (sorry I have forgotten who specifically). They have a product with wheels.
Isolating the DIs will reap benefits. I had asked a similar question and there were many great options recommended by a number of regular posters in this thread. I'd search for Sistrum Soundocity Herbies etc within this thread.
In my experience, break-in wasn't very long. Give it a day or two. Others may have different opinions on this.
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@iamasif: Congratulations on getting your DIs and in system. Let us know your impressions once you have them setup and dialed in to your preferences.
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@deadfan23: Sometimes glitches can be a ’godsend’ : )
The only Tektons I have experienced personally are the DIs. Others on this thread have more exposure to Tekton Design offerings and I’m sure will be able to offer you good advice.
My room is approximately the same size as yours, and the DIs have no trouble at all.
I believe that you will be very happy with the DIs, BUT since this is a ’final’ system for you, it probably makes sense to push yourself further up Eric’s line. I had set aside up to 15K on speakers with an eye on trying not to exceed 12K. The DIs have allowed me to use the savings to enhance other parts of my system. I’m very thankful for this.
All the best with your choices.
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@teajay Fantastic! The wait is going to be painful. : )
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@iamasif How are your listening sessions with the Double Impacts going?
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@333jeffery: Congratulations on your new Preamp! I'm still kicking myself for not picking up the BHK Signature 250 when it was released....I had the opportunity to jump in at a very, very good price.
Can you provide more detail on improvements within your system and with the DIs? I've been mulling a preamp choice myself.
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@teajay : As always, your updates are helpful and I know I'm not the only one who is appreciative and grateful for your ongoing insights vis a vis the Double Impacts.
I heartily emphasize and second what you wrote in reference to the DIs being "truly perfect conduits, you hear every change you make upstream so easily."
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@vitop: They sound terrific with solid state amps/systems. Definitely no need for concern. : )
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@vitop: What are "these" if you did not buy the DIs? My response was with respect to the Double Impacts. What did you go with? And how many speakers? : )
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@vitop: Thanks! That's really good to know. I was on the phone with Eric a few days ago and we briefly discussed the Ulfberht and also that he was designing a smaller version that might be easier to accommodate into living area spaces. I committed to going to Utah to listen in person and to also see in person before deciding if they are going to be enough of an upgrade SQ wise and to justify aesthetically as well. I'm very interested in learning how they work out for you.
Do you have a feel for when they will be in your system?
Even if they are 'marginally' better than the DIs, you are in for a real treat! And if they are the upgrade Eric says they are, I can only imagine how a complete set will perform in an optimized HT setting.
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@doctorsubie: 2 months on, and I do not have the grills I ordered.
Congratulations!!! Let us know more detailed impressions once you have had some time with your DIs.
Also, I'm curious about how the center works for you? I had originally planned on the DIs for HT paired with an OPPO 205 and possibly an Anthem AVM 60 and/or a Classe Sigma SSP MkII; and NAD M27. I've decided to focus on 2ch for now, given how amazing the DIs were in my system. Center channel is on hold until I have a better feel for Eric's new offerings.
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@craigl59: I'm sans subs also. Cannot see any reason to add, given my music choices, but would if I migrate the DIs to HT duties.
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@kdude66 : Kenny, I'm very curious about how First Watt would pair with the DIs. Specific thoughts?
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@vitop: I’m surprised you are replacing your JL Audio subs. Will they be on hand when the new subs come in so you can get a feel for comparative impressions? I like the sound of "they Will Be my system" !!!
I’m planning on making the hike to Orem when I am in Colorado, which is likely in July or August.
@333jeffery: Thanks for the additional information on the BHK Signature Preamp. Sounds like a perfect match for your system. I’m auditioning the Pass XP-20 and it does pretty much what you and Mac have shared. Like I said, the BHK 250 was something I should have gone for. The reviews of it paired with the matching (and your) Preamp are all very, very positive.
@contuzzi: Why??? And pay the 100% markup. Just order them. Yes, there is a cost to re-ship if they don’t work for you, but in my opinion, the only way to get a feel for gear is to listen within your own system and 60 days is a good bit of listening. : )
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Are those of you who are using tubed components, primarily or mainly running analog as your source? Thanks.
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Charles and Tom, Thanks.
In your case Charles, would you say that your personal reference for 'musicality' and what you prefer is based on your time in the analog realm which has led you to your choices in system build and synergy? (Tom, I'm not sure if you are also previously coming from a primarily analog based system/experience?)
I'm asking because I'm trying to get a feel for what my benchmark is or could be. I did spend most of my initial time in audio with tube based systems, but did leave those behind for a number of reasons. This 'second' coming into audio for me has been all solid state. Also for reference, I've never had the pleasure of owning analog gear because I came to this country in the digital age and had no records to begin with nor the means to acquire them. So a Sony Walkman it was. :)
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Kenny and Charles: It's good to learn more about your backgrounds and where you are now in your audio journeys. Vitop, thanks for your comments on tube and solid state systems and preferences.
One of the problems I'm having is tied to being recently new to New Orleans. When I lived in NY I had many friends who were into live music and quite a few who were musicians in well known orchestras and some in small ensemble groups. All of them were able to provide feedback on the audio systems which was extremely helpful. So I need to get involved with a local audio group or nab some local musicians...no shortage of those around here. :)
For those of you who have tubed systems, my sense is that you have your systems highly tailored to your individual needs. I know some of you that have the DIs have done some social listening together. For those of you that have met, and listened to each other's setups including the Double Impacts...what are some of the things you learned or found different, from your own, etc.? Has it resulted in any 'tweaking' of your own systems, as a result? Same question to those that have primarily solid state systems. Thanks.
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@waltersalas: Chris, your posts have been educational for me. Thanks for the wonderful write-ups on your evaluations of the Ulysses and the Double Impacts. I believe I said that you should hold on the them, no matter what, in response to your first post here in this thread. I still feel that way, as long as that is feasible for you, should you choose to go ahead with the Double Impacts. They are very special speakers.
One comment on the process, especially since you've had the Ulysses as your benchmark system for some time now: I believe, certainly that some of us, develop 'attachment' similar to that of a longer term relationship which makes it difficult to let go of that we know so well and have adjusted to. This is not a statement pro or con towards each speaker. Just that there are powerful forces at play. And I, for one, find these forces add a very special dimension to our hobby.
The very best in your quest.
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@milpai : I went with the 4ohm version. The 8ohm version was announced just after I received my pair of Double Impacts. Most in this thread have the 4ohm version. The 4ohm version are easy to drive, as some are doing so with LTA MZ2/S.
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@lmswjm : Bill M, Congrats. That's a cool color finish choice. You'll have to post some photos on the system page. Looking forward to your feedback and contributions here in this thread.
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@lancelock : Congratulation on taking the plunge! The Janszens will be an interesting matchup?
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@milpai : No, I do not.
But, if you are happy with the A21, I’d keep it paired with the DIs until you get a good feel for the pairing. My sense is that you will be very happy.
However, there is the chance that the DIs, being as good as they are, will encourage you to upgrade your gear ahead of them....it certainly has been the case for me. :)
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Orange is the new Black. :)
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@bullitt5094:
Great having you over here. Much friendlier and absolutely more open minded than that other "site. " : )
Enjoyed re-reading your experience with the DIs, and especially how the women in you life responded to them.
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@iamasif: Kenny and others are much more qualified than I am in answering your question/concern.
What is it specifically that is making you consider one over the other? If Eric has designed them properly, I wouldn't expect there to be differences in the sonic signatures, but I could be wrong on this point.
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@iamasif: In addition to what bullitt mentions in his post, there are size differences, especially in height.
For a center channel clearance issues are important: either for console openings or if on top of a console, then for positioning under a TV or screen.
I’m holding off on a Center for now given all of the upcoming options. I would have gone with a 7 tweeter center to match the L/R speakers however it would have been challenging to position in my system, just under an inch too tall for the center speaker opening in my console and since I went with a slightly taller console I would have to position the TV about 4 inches higher than would be ideal...so Eric also recommended the 3 tweeter without hesitation.
The 3 tweeter version also fits in my center channel console opening.
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@bullitt5094: I don't see any info posted on Eric's site for the SEs. Do you have a summary of the changes from the DI to the DI SE? Thank you.
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Kenny and others who are experts on these matters....
This is something I am completely ignorant about: Will there be any differences in tweeter and woofer section sound quality / signature with the use of one or the other caps / inductors for the DI upgrade? I am assuming there are 4 combinations possible and possibly in owners hands. Thanks.
"Additional upgrade package: add $300 for Cardas inputs, Mil-Spec internal wiring, ClarityCap or Solen (depending upon real-time availability) within the tweeter section. Includes an oversized Jantzen or Erse Sledgehammer inductor (depending upon real-time availability) within the woofer section."
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Thanks for your response to my question, Bullitt. Guess we will have to wait until there are more specifics from Eric.
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:) It's all in the naming protocol. Brilliant vs Impactful. :)
Were you able to audition both before deciding or was it based on a home trial?
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