Jetter,
Thank You for your great enlightening assessment.
Let's hear something that you are actually passionate about.
Kenny. |
Craig,
The tweeters are SB Acoustics SB29RDNC-C000-4
The 10" woofers are Eminence Alpha's
The Mids are Eminence Alpha's. 6.5"
I'm not a big classical guy,I only mainly listen to classical Piano recordings along with most forms of Jazz and classic rock and pop and some new stuff.
I've played the piano most of life I don't own one anymore but I go visit a good friend and I blow the dust out of their baby grand every chance that I can,they bought it for their daughter who is away at college to be a medical doctor.
Best,
Kenny.
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doctorsubie,
Congrats on your DI's that you just got,I hope you enjoy them.
They do take a little time on them to sound their best,especially the bass.
My pair are black metallic paint which I like just fine,but I do agree with you they are a little industrial for some.The wonderful sound they produce makes up for the looks for me.I know they do offer wood veneers but takes a while.
I thought I would give my opinion of the cabinet deadness that you spoke about.
The mids and the tweeters are in their own sealed chamber which is pretty shallow about 8inches deep and the woofers use the rest of the cabinet for their volume which is key point to the bass quality that they are capable of.There is a crossbrace on each woofer to stiffen in that area.
Now I said all of that to say this basically one of the qualities I look for in a speaker is how much cabinet talk or resonance coloration there is to the sound.If there is too much then piano music and or acoustic instruments don't sound real to my ears and just the same if there is to little the music loses that this sounds real kinda sound.
The DI's in my room and with my equipment sound astonishingly real,with the right amount of resonance sound you hear certain spatial clues in the music that to me get me closer and more involved and lost into the music.
I haven't read anybody else talking about this subject so I thought I might give my opinion,I hope I made sense.
Best,
Kenny.
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Jeffery,
Glad to hear your liking the BHK,I was going to get one but I chose the MZ2 instead for now,should have it in about 1week.
They both are highly rated I don't think you could go wrong with either one.
Best,
Kenny,
|
Vitop,
Yes I think the black metallic would be a little better than plain gloss black.
I'ts a smaller flake and needs light on it to show up in a dark room you won't see it.
Even though I have 2 subs I haven't had the need to use them for music even big orchestra and organ music,which I don't listen to that much.I like most forms of jazz,piano music of most kinds,classic rock and pop and some new stuff.
Look's like you are getting some really nice gear for your new setup I hope you really like it and the gear meets all of your expectations.
Best,
Kenny. |
Walter,
Your absolutely right nothing does come easy in audio,I enjoyed reading your tough but enjoyable comparison of 2 really good sounding speakers.
My comparsion with my DI's vs my Zu audio def 4's was much easier even though I know really my 2 different sets of speakers are more like comparing apples to oranges.
But I will sale the Zu's and get something else for my 2nd system,my ultimate goal is too have a really nice solid state system and a really nice tube based system.
Even though the DI's are a very dynamic speaker with outstanding bass qualities without being bombastic,what I like most is the lightness,quickness,very engaging coherent midrange and upper frequencies that to my ears just present such a at ease type of balance.I'm hearing inner detail and nuances with some of my favorite recordings that I have never heard before and like you said for your experiences It's only a few degrees but It does get me closer to the music and makes it that much more enjoyable.
Another quality I like is the DI's are early risers and certainly don't need much volume and they retain their good sound qualities when pushed harder,I realize it can be system dependent.
If I were you and could just keep both I think I would,if I remember correctly the Ulysses has been discontinued unfortunately.
Best,
Kenny.
|
Chris,
I can fully relate to this,
For me, a great tube amp just has that "breath of life" that keeps me up way too late listening to music.
I like to call it a inner glow or Lit with life from within,but I think we both are talking about the same thing.
I think It's truly a wonderful and magical place when a person can find his or hers musical bliss.
Even though I really enjoy the First watt amps and other solid state amps,I fully realize that no ss amp can fully replace a quality tube amp on all parameters in my humble opinion.
Best,
Kenny.
|
Corelli,
I probably missed you talking about the Hamilton cd before,
are you referring to the double cd set of the original broadway cast recordings.If so I have never heard this one.
Yes always a good idea to retorque those driver screws on occasion especially on fairly new speakers just be careful because the threads are in the wood,no blindnuts on the backside.
Best,
Kenny.
|
Bill,
I'm still in AWE that a old tube guy like yourself has found this really interesting looking one box wonder that you are completely satisfied with.I say good for you and I'm so glad to read your enthusiasm about it.
I've been looking at one myself but I haven't called the contact that you gave me, afraid to because it will cost me money that I don't need to be spending right now.I would have to thin my herd down a little and free up some coin.But I do have it at the top of my list.
Wish there was more info about the 2170,I've searched and searched and come up empty,maybe still too new.
Might make a wonderful pairing with a set of DI's.
Best,
Kenny. |
David,
I listen to more digital now than I ever have and I would say the percentage is 70 to 30'percent digital to analog.The records I listen to are some that have never been released on cd or the record has better sound than my particular cd.
But with the better Dac's we have now I find myself spinning a lesser amount of records.
My benchmark to adjust and to critically judge my system is about a dozen different songs that I know very well and they are all digital for the easier use and more solid repeatability.
Best of luck to you,
Kenny.
|
Bill,
I'm sure you are 100% right I probably don't need it but I would love to hear one nonetheless,maybe about the same amount that you would like to hear a set of DI's especially with your 2170.
But wait just a minute you are saying it makes Gumbo also where do you put the shrimp into.
I'm sorry I couldn't resist that one.
Enjoy the wonderful music,
Kenny.
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Imswjm,
Nice to hear you ordered yourself a pair of DI's I hope you like them.
I do believe the 8ohm version would require a much more complex and expensive crossover and possibly a slightly different internal wiring setup,and added labor cost as well.
Do you know when you will receive them.
Best of luck to you,
Kenny.
|
Milpai,
I have the 4 ohm model,I haven't heard of to many 8ohm models being bought.But nonetheless they are a very easy 4 ohm load and you could drive them with about anything.
I haven't heard of anybody using a parasound amp with the DI's,I currently driving mine with a diy first watt push pull sit that uses nos Sony vfets and a valvet soul shine preamp.Great combo for me,I will be getting a Linear tube audio MZ2 this week and like some of the guys I will try it as a Intergrated with It's 1 watt output.
The Di's are like most good speakers they will respond to better equipment.
I'm assuming you don't like the looks of them,I got a gloss black metallic paint finish with no grills and I like them just fine.Ofcourse I have had 2 pairs of zu's in the last 5 years and they have that industrial look also.
I'm after sound quality and not so concerned with the looks and my wife likes them just fine.
Best of luck to you,
Kenny.
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Lance,
Good for you and I hope you really like them and you might be pleasantly surprised.
That will be a interesting comparison between the Janzen hybrid ESL's,They are a very nice sounding and unique speaker and David Janzen is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
Wow, bronzed orange that should be really stunning and different,that's the cool thing using auto paint you have so many choices.
My wife is very forgiving of my audio passions but with our decor,my black metallics do match best.
Let us know when you get them and keep us informed.
Best,
Kenny.
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Vitop,
I feel like an old fuddy duddy having ordered black metallic when everyone else is ordering orange!
Yes me too.You could always put some orange racing stripes on them or maybe some orange and red flames.
I hope you enjoy yours when you get them,
Kenny.
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Milpai,
I answered your question about the parasound in a previous post,you may have missed it.
Kenny.
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Bob,
That's quite a story,I'm glad you and your girls are liking the DI's.
The DI's just sound real,natural and at ease even when driven to insane levels which I usually don't listen too.
They truly rival any speaker that I have owned or listened too,I belong to a local audio club,and that would be a lot of different speakers.
Best,
Kenny.
|
iamasif,
Will there be a noticeable difference between 4/8 ohm version of DI? which version perform best under what situation? I learned it differs in power required to drive either version, in addition to this will there be a difference how it sounds/sonic quality?
No,really nothing to worry about with the DI's to all of your questions,They will do fine with about any Amp that you want to use and they will respond to better equipment as your system may grow.
There is basically going to be no difference in Sound whether they are 4 or 8 ohm.The 8 ohm version may have slightly lower sensitivity than the 4ohm version,that would be a question to ask Eric.
Tell is what you have in your system and what you are thinking you would use with the DI's.
Best,
Kenny.
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David,
You better add Eva Cassidy to your list,I like almost every thing she did in her unfortunately short career,just a very powerful voice.
Other than that you have an outstanding list of some great artists.
Enjoy the Music,
Kenny.
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Twoch,
I fully understand that you have every right to your opinion,
But it would have more weight with me if you good back up your opinion with details and not just speculation.
Best,
Kenny. |
Lance,
That's one of my top 10 favs from Eva,unfortunately "Blues in the night" is'nt one of her favs and The DI's will definitely do that high note justice.
David,
Her strong deeper voice should never sound bright at all when a system is dialed in,It should be warm,friendly and inviting just like she probably was as a person.
Kenny.
|
Hello all,
Finally a MZ2 has arrived in my system,I'm using the tubes that were shipped with it for now,RCA 12sn7 and Ge 6201's.
This is most definitely going to be a game changer for me,I really don't want to turn it off and change tubes,maybe tomorrow.
I'm using the speaker outputs to pwr my 95db Tekton DI's.
Jccarcopo,
I have heard Lila Down’s "Semilla de Piedra" she has such a huge vocal range almost operatic.
I contemplated the SE version myself but after upgrading my crossovers and wiring I'm very happy for now.
I will be pairing the MZ2 with my push pull sit amp and my Yamamoto A09s,should be quite interesting.
Best,
Kenny.
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Hello all,
Wow,so nice to read about all the new Tekton Goodness.
I know I'm perfectly happy with my DI's no need to change them for quite awhile.
Best,
Kenny.
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Mac,
I don't know if you have considered the Zotl 10 for a Amp choice.
I have a good friend in Cali that has one but he is waiting on a MZ2 to pair with it,he is a guy that I trust his ears and we like a lot of the same things.You may have never owned a dht set tube amp before and you certainly can't go wrong with the top quality ones that have been mentioned.
I have one 300b set amp left in my collection of gear so I'm leaning towards the Zotl 10 myself.One thing for sure the DI's aren't going to need much pwr,8 to 10 quality watts is huge at least for me.
Best of luck to you,
Kenny.
|
Mac,
I can relate to all you have said,and the direction you are going to get a quality dht set amp,that will give you what you are looking for in spades.Now the hard part begins finding the one for you amongst all the very good choices and also that meet your budget.
Yes the MZ2 is very good on it's own driving my DI's for about 85% of the music I listen too,but for full orchestra and the occasional classic rock played loud definitely needs a little more headroom.
I like mullard 12at7's from the 50's and 1940's slyvania vt231's the best so far for me,the 1940's tung sol round plates would be my 2nd pick.You definitely can't go wrong with the wonderful nos tubes that's for sure.I did also try new production tung sol and Sophia 6sn7's that I have used in other preamps with fair to good results but they both sounded terrible in the MZ2.They both were noisy and the tone shifted to the cool side which I did'nt like at all.
I'm going to use my MZ2 by itself for a wk or 2 and then pair it with a couple of amps and see which I like best.
Best,
Kenny. |
Bullitt,
Enjoy the gear you have,We are just picky fussy audiophiles that like specific music.
Play some moody blues and steely dan and you would be closer to what I like the most.
Kenny.
|
Lance,
I would expect yours to ship within 2 wks or sooner,if they are already painted.I would bet Eric is probably busier than he has ever been,he does answer emails if you want to try that.
Best,
Kenny. |
According to the specs the Ulfs are 1db more sensitive than the DI's.
On my DI's I changed the woofers to the eminence betas which gave me much better defined bass.I changed the crossover parts to much better as well,I only use my subs for some music usually they are turned off.
Kenny.
|
Lance,
You will need 1/4-20 thread size.
Kenny.
|
Imswjm,
I owned both Druid v's and def 4's for about a 4 yr period,
I gave a comparison to the DI's several pages back if you are interested.
Kenny.
|
I would 2nd the first watt as a very good choice,I have owned and or heard everyone of the except the sit 1 mono blocks.You might look for the J2,F3 and the F7 I think these would be outstanding driving the DI's.
I presently own a diy push pull sit that uses nos Sony Vfet's and I have a F7,but I haven't used it with the DI's yet.Maybe this week I will try it with my LTA MZ2 preamp.
One thing to consider is the first watt amps will hold their value better than most others.
Best of luck to you,
Kenny.
|
Corelli,
@kdude66
Kenny, I was interested in the reworking of your DI's. In particular how you changed your woofers from the alphas to the betas. On paper these are two different drivers. I could see how the betas with their larger magnets might offer slightly more efficiency and tighter bass, but at the expense of low end extension. The betas do have a slightly higher Fs as expected.
On a somewhat related note, how do these drivers achieve such low end extension when their resonant frequencies are in the low 50's?? They obviously extend well beyond that but I always read that Fs defines the low end extension and even in a reflex enclosure this seems way deeper than I would expect. Any thoughts?
You bring up some valid questions but for the most part they are none issues.Remember the 6 outer tweeters play down to their resonate freq. and isn't a problem,that's part of the magic of this speaker.
I wanted the black instead of blue cones and got lucky That I only changed the resistor value in the woofers crossover to deal with the slightly higher efficiency of the beta woofers and I ended up with in room measurements of bass measuring flat to 20hz and obviously tighter and better defined bass by listening that blends very well and is'nt overpowering to my ears.
I would have changed the cap and sand cast resistor in the crossovers to better parts anyway.
Remember those Thiele-Small Parameters specs are generally in the free air and once in a box everything changes in specs for the most part.
I've been modifying speakers and or electronics for a long time and I just didn't Willy nilly make these changes.I have been a Avionics Tech at a major Airline for 30 yrs.
I have accomplished other measurements as well and all I can say is the DI's have The flattest frequency response of any speaker that I have ever measured and the Impedance curve is truly remarkable as most of us owners are finding out in the respect of how easy a load for any amplifier that we might want to use.
As Tejay has stated several times the DI's are true conduits and will most definitely show any shortcomings in our systems but on the other hand they will give us also the true character of our gear also.
Kenny. |
Hmm,
The last time I checked I do believe the title of this thread is,
Tekton Double Impacts. |
Fetguy,
You probably should read a thread more throughly before just jumping in with bashing comments.
But since others have asked about SS amps with the DI's here is a list of ones I own and have used.
Diy nos Sony Vfet first watt Sit
First watt F7
Modwright Kwa-100se
Accuphase p-300
Diy Hypex nc-400
Bel Canto Ref600m
Red Dragon S-500
Borrowed amps,
Pass Labs Xa-30.8
First watt F3
First watt J2
All paired with the LTA MZ2S as the preamp.
Kenny.
|
Fetguy,
Yes the MZ2s has bettered a modwright ls-100 and a valvet soul shine.I have never heard a pre as good and sometimes use it by itself with it's glorious 1watt output.
I like my sit and the F7 the best,I'm going to borrow back a Yamamoto A08s and give the 2watt 45 tube a try,I used to own both of the Yamamoto 45's.I still own the A09s Yamamoto but haven't tried it with the DI's.
I will eventually buy one of the LTA amps just haven't decided which one yet.
I kinda thought you were just yanking our chain.
Best,
Kenny.
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Charles,
I'm having more fun than I have ever had,Offcourse I have more time to listen than ever.
What I have is a diy nos Sony Vfet sit amp that is push pull class a producing 40 watts into 4.The design was given to the diy community from Nelson's gracious nature.I have heard a production version of the first watt sit 2 stereo version but I have never owned one.I did use to own the J2 and I believe my Sony amp splits the difference in sound qualities between the 2.
The Sony Vfet amp brings more of the tube set characteristics to the table than any other SS amp that I have ever heard.Now can it fully replace a quality set tube amp,No way if that's the sonics that a person desires.
I did build the diy first watt F5 and F5 turbo version a few yrs back but I did'nt build the Sony one,I did'nt put my order in quick enough to purchase matched pairs of nos Sony Vfet's and now they are all gone.
I will always keep a set tube amp around for reference and probably will find my way back to them in the future.My favorite tube is the 2a3,I have had several and have also built a couple.But honestly a Sep with el34's done right is not bad either.
Teajay,
I'm looking forward to reading about your opinion on the big boys from Tekton and I always enjoy reading your common sense honesty on any of your posts.
The Brimar 6060 is the quietest variety of the 12at7 family of tubes,I wish I still had some,very hard to come by now.The Brimar cv4024 is a close second.I use very high quality 1950's mullards and Amperex bugle boys 12at7's in my MZ2s.
Best,
Kenny.
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Bullitt,
Now I truly understand the passion for set tube amps that Teajay and others have,I've owned several good ones over the yrs.I only have one now but I'm presently more focused with various SS amps driven by the LTA MZ2s preamp.
If I recall you have a fairly large room and you occasionally listen loud approaching 110db levels.My room is 20x25x9 with a open kitchen on one end and I don't need the 40 watts of the amp that I'm using to reach those kind of sound levels.I sometimes listen to full orchestra very loudly and have all the pwr I need without subs.Since getting the DI's my subs haven't even been turned on for music.
One option for you is maybe look at a push pull El-34 tube amp,might split the difference for your needs.That would give you 35 to 40 watts,and a good one will give you a high percentage of the Set sound signature that you may like.If you don't mind a slightly used one you could probably find a good one for about 2k maybe less.
Best of luck to you,
Kenny.
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bullitt,
I would say go with that old saying,there is only one way to find out.
Since Teajay has made a offer to loan you the cyber Amp you might just try it out and then you would truly know if It's your sonic cup of tea or not.
One thing I know for sure is that the DI's are a wonderful speaker to have for amp comparison.I personally hope I never go back to horns,full range,or coaxials of any kind,as mentioned those kind of speakers have way to many shortcomings for the few things they do right.
Charles is 100 percent correct that there is no perfect amp for everyone's individual tastes and sonic presentation preferences.
I've been in this hobby for 31yrs and I still like trying different equipment in my own system,this is the only way that I know if I like it or don't.
I will always have a good SS and tube system that I can change out and get a different sound at a moments notice.
Best,
Kenny. |
Hello all,
From the many comments of owners posted here I haven't gotten the impression that lower volume detail is a problem.
Offcourse this can be system,room and listener dependent.
That's why my DI's were modded by me for my personal preferences.I found my stock DI's only slightly lacking in low level detail and dynamics but they are much improved for my tastes now.
Charles and Granny,
I always enjoy reading your common sense and insightful comments that are unbiased in nature and you both have more than enough experience in this hobby but still retain a openmindness that is truly helpful for the folks that are still discovering and finding their sonic way.
Best,
Kenny. |
Audioman58,
If I had more refinement and detail in my listening room,
I would have to wear a Tuxedo and scrap the detail of the walls with a golden knife.
Now that's some funny stuff.😁😁
Best,
Kenny. |
Imswjm,
It has been a long time since I used anything from melody,so I can't really directly compare but if I could I'm pretty sure I would be keeping my MZ2S.Melody does make some good products though and if I remember right I think Teajay did review a melody preamp in the past and he probably could answer that better.
I have tried several 845 based sets with the last ones being the pure audio 845 mono's earlier this year.All of the 845's sound like warmish SS to me and I would go maybe for 211 tube instead if I had a need for that kind of pwr in a set transmitter tube amp.
I know some folks like the 845 and there is probably someone using a 845 with DI's.
After using tubed amps of all kinds I do kinda have my preferences and know what I like and don't like.
Best of luck to you,
Kenny.
|
I just love any Norah Jones,we got to see her 4 to 5 yrs ago at the Brady theater which is a smaller more intimate setting.
I just bought a slightly used Zotl 40 at a good price off the gon,
Can't wait to try it with my MZ2S.
Best,
Kenny. |
David,
I have Anoushka Shankar,Traces of you that features 2 songs with NJ.Outstanding all the way through.
You maybe able to recommend others that aren't traditional Indian.
|
Happy Independence Day Everyone. |
Lance,
I'm glad to hear that you are digging your DI's,I thought you may like them.
That will be a interesting comparison to the Janzens look forward to reading your thoughts.
Best,
Kenny. |
Possibly peerless tympani.
|
Yes I'm awaiting to hear about the DI SE's and the mini's.
Since I sold my Zu's over the weekend I will be shopping for replacements,no great hurry though.
Kenny.
|
mazikrav,
I use the soundsmith mcp2 phono pre with a low output zyx airy 3 Mc cart.I'm not a big vinyl listener anymore,I only play recordings that I don't have on digital primarily.The mcp2 provides 62 db of gain which is plenty for my system.
It would be nice to know the actual voltage gain in db that your preamp has then it would be easier to make amp recommendations.
I forgot to mention the new pass labs Xa-25,I don't know anything about it but there is a couple of reviews online.
Best,
Kenny.
|
Teajay,
Thank's for that update on the MZ2S,I was wandering if au7 would be ok to use.I have much more of these in my collection than at's.
Lance,
What au7 tubes are you using with those vt99's.
I'm assuming the cover may not fit because of the tube height with adapters.
How are your DI's doing for you,have you tried the Zotl40 with them.
Best,
Kenny.
|
jmontoya21,
Thank's for that update,looking forward to reading it.
Best,
Kenny.
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