@charles1dad Charles, I do not have the specifics. All internals are upgraded (wire, caps, etc.) and he is using different drivers. The cabinet is deeper. I didn't ask since my knowing (at least at this point) wasn't critical to the decision.
I believe Terry @teajay may know. I'm not sure about this but I believe they are not Scanspeak but another European brand. |
@vitop Good question! As for why the DI SE over the Ulfberth or Mini Ulf I don't have technical reasons.
Other than @333jeffery 's feedback on his Ulfs and @teajay 's take on them there isn't much out there and nothing on the 'Minis' or the SEs.
The Ulfs would work in my current room, but would also overwhelm the aesthetics. As long as I listened at lower and moderate volumes they would be great, but I wouldn't be able to let them truly loose in this room. I didn't discuss the Ulf's with my wife because I just don't want to do that to the room for her sake. If we were ever to bring 2Ch into our formal family room then the Ulfs would be a perfect fit there.
As for why the SEs over the 'Minis', it came down to a known quantity with performance I'm already very satisfied with. Upgraded parts for speakers have generally correlated strongly with higher performance. The SEs also save me some cash and since I'm going to add a tubed amp into the mix, every bit of savings helps.
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@mac48025 Thanks for your favorites "BMW Phoenix Green, a bright metallic M3 color. Not for the faint of heart! The gloss Porsche Gray is very classy looking.....or the BMW Mineral Gray."
@vitop Thanks for your suggestion on "
Ferrari color for me, there is a gloss griggio (grey) color that I saw that I really liked"
@treebeard1 Thanks for you suggestion and the link to the photo "There is a post on the Tekton FB page of a DI in a color called spanish tile. The nicest I have seen yet."
@evolvist Thanks for the versatile White and Lighting scheme suggestion! : ) I know my wife will be thrilled with a white/off white color scheme.
I'll be making a trip to see paint samples tomorrow and I will check out all of your recommendations.
Other paint color suggestions? ...Thanks. |
@evolvist Now there's the reason why a light grey paint color choice is the leading candidate! : )
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I'm with you @cleeds I would say it's the antithesis of ubiquitous....perhaps LP was thinking of a different word or definition?
@lpretiring Can you clarify? Thanks. |
@lpretiring Thank you. Makes perfect sense and I understand now. |
@perkri I was actively considering Harbeth and auditioned the Super HL5Plus in depth. I spent some time with the 30.1s but was more interested in the soon to be released 40.2s. I really liked the HL5+ and believe I'd be happy if I had moved forward with one of the Harbeth speakers.
I'm speaking from memory and the comparison is disparate in time...but I would give the overall nod to the Double Impacts (mine have the upgrade) UNLESS you have a natural preference for the Harbeth sound.
All the best in your quest.
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@mapman There have been a significant number of posts on the Double Impacts paired with tubed amps in this thread, but my guess is that there is a somewhat-silent solid state majority.
I've used Class A, A/B, and D solid state amps with the Double Impacts.
Having more power with the specific amps has certainly been nice and the extra power certainly brings something to the table.
As for a preference between tubes and solid state, in my case, I'll probably fall in the agnostic camp with both being very enjoyable and satisfying for me. I am exploring tube amplification options but haven't finalized on a choice.
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@evolvist Mini Inquiring Minds (MIMs) would like to know. Perhaps you could start a pool? |
@greg22lz
I am done looking for speakers!
I am in love with these speakers!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Really happy for you in finding a speaker you love. Great that this thread was helpful in your choosing and taking a chance with the Double Impacts. Keep us updated on your audio journey with them. |
Google Photos reminder this morning...April 4, 2017...DIs arrived and unboxed. Great memories and a turning point in the audio journey. Thanks, Eric Alexander and Terry London!!! |
@greg22lz Greg, encourage you to post your story over at this thread started by Kenny @kdude66 "Tekton Speakers,Who owns them and what did you replace and why."
Looks like your post has made a strong impression on @brotw It may also be helpful and educational to other Audiogon members, since that thread is much more specific. |
@brotw Brody, can you clarify more about what you mean when you say: what the DI’s lack in driver quality and precision is replaced with an uncanny ability to present a live music sound to recordings Thanks. |
@bullitt5094 All okay on your end? Haven't seen any posts since the Harvey deluge. |
@evovist Any updates on your Mini being shipped? |
@porscheracer Were the 2ch preamp recommendations from a couple of weeks ago not good for your needs? Is there something specific you are looking for? |
@brotw Thanks for the added perspective. It's very helpful. Always good to know and hear more about takeaways based on what we are communicating and reading in these posts. As all of us are different our interpretations will be different as well. In this case, I can see myself coming to the same conclusion as you did. As @vitop mentions, you'll have a really good feel for these aspects of the speaker for yourself, apparently in short order! : )
Like mac48025, I'm also using Herbie's Gliders. I went with the 1 inch length for the threaded Giant Gliders since I didn't need to adjust height or tilt and wanted stability...the Gliders are flush with the speaker base. If you want the flexibility for tilt and height, the 1.5 inch that Mac is using would be the way to go. I also find that raising the speakers off the floor improves bass.
I'm using a set of the non-threaded Giant Gliders under an isolation shelf. The speakers with the threaded Giant Gliders sit on this shelf/Glider combo.
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@brotw The shelf is a synthetic composite. Was a one-off isolation rack made by a Japanese company. The only reason I'm using them is because I have them and I may as well put them to use. I also have another one-off carbon-fiber with honeycombed-center shelves, but I don't believe they would support the weight.
I'm sure any isolation shelf / material that you find has been helpful in the past would work.
I've been in touch with Star Sound Technologies (they make the Sistrum and other platforms) to come up with a stable solution for my needs. Their platforms and isolation for speakers are well regarded and they have been a real pleasure to work with. The holdup has been getting a blue-print of the speaker base from Tekton which I hope to have soon.
Another option I'm considering, as a direct comparison to what the Herbie footers have delivered, is IsoAcoustics, specifically their Gaia speaker isolation devices/footers. They are slightly more expensive than my Herbie's solution (16 Gliders) vs 8 IsoAcoustics footers. I'll likely continue using the base shelf + Herbie Gliders with the IsoAcoustics threaded into the speaker base standing on the platform/footers. This will give me another inch of elevation over the current setup.
Other DI owners are happy with Soundocity outriggers, in case you want to explore this option.
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@evolvist Zoltan says: October will be a music filled month for you.
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@lak I imagine it will be an amazing pairing. Would love to hear a member's take on a 300B driving the Double Impacts.
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@laaudionut One of the repeated findings owners across the board have mentioned is that the Double Impacts are easy to pair with gear. I cannot imagine you being dissatisfied if you drive them with your McIntosh components. Perhaps others can chime in on this? |
Asking for your recommendations again.
Any suggestions on a tube amp, other than the obvious three that get a lot of play here? I'm closing in on a choice and want to make sure I haven't missed anything, especially an amp that may not have been mentioned in this thread.
Thanks.
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@kdude66 Thanks for the link, Kenny. Yes, the SIT 3 is intriguing. |
@evolvist Thanks for the updates on the 'mini' Ulfs. Looks like a great outcome for you, other than the wait you've had to deal with. I'm sure you will be satisfied with the DIs. It will also give you some time to work out synergy and pairings and perhaps even some new component evaluations before the minis are back in play for you.
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@seikosha Thanks for the Quicksilver mid mono recommendation. I have seen Quicksilver listings, but have never heard them personally. Can you PM me with your impressions? I don't want to go off track here in the DI thread. Thanks.
@sbayne Vinnie Rossi products have always been of interest. I did hear his LIO paired with Harbeth. His modular all in ones are a great way to go and keep things very simple in terms of components, cabling, etc. Something I should keep in mind, just like the TDAI 2170.
@mac48025 Thanks for the offer on your Decware amp. I have been open to Steve's products for some time now, but some of the feedback here and the findings that other amps are 'better' pairings with the DIs give me pause. I like what he does and what he offers at his asking prices.
As you know based on our discussions, Aric's KT120 is a leading choice for me as well. It will be great hearing your take on his work once it's in your system.
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@kdude66 Kenny, great to hear you will have your new amp in your system in a few days. And thank you for your thoughts on tube type choices.
One reason for my holding off on a quick decision on an amp was to get your opinion on it, in addition to @teajay 's. So far, Terry's recommendations and findings have been repeated by a number of folks here so I doubt this time will be different. : )
And yes, make that YES, I'm very happy with my current setup. Having another flavor is nice, but not critical.
I'm mainly looking downstream and temporally in preparation for having a second system set up.
I've also been really, really enjoying the Volti Audio Rivals and that factors in vis a vis a future amp choice. |
Brian, That's great news. Congratulations!
One point though, and it's the proverbial ying/yang issue.
Your 'memory' of your gear, in this case McIntosh, especially if you have been a Mac guy for sometime, has likely been influenced by speakers that have editorialized (I'm not referring to the Sopras, per se).
Just saying that you may hear the gear in a new light / with a slightly different presentation/signature. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your learned preferences/memory.
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Just so it's clear, I'm not saying that the DIs do not edit. I believe every speaker does.
The DIs do so in a way that is different, to my ears, than the norm for most boxed / similar driver based speakers - again based on my ears. |
@mack71
Hope you are able to get it resolved sooner than later and easier than more difficult.
Seems to generally come down to the individual who's handling it. Hope you catch a lucky break. |
@lak I took a look at your speakers via the link you posted. I personally don’t have any experience with them.
However, based on the design, I would say that @sbayne ’s take is very much on point.
The special attention to the bass drivers, setup, front/bottom(?) porting, cabinet design would lead me to theoretically predict better bass from the EPX. How much better?????
The real differential is going to come down to the upper half of the two speakers. The mids/tweeters will likely be the deciding factor. As others have already pointed out...it’s going to come down to what you prefer and like.
The $3300 in and ~ $300 out for a 60 day shoot-out in your audio corral is a bl**dy fantastic deal, in my opinion. Hope you give it a go and let us know your outcomes. All the best. |
@mack71 Awesome that it all worked out. Congratulations!
I imagine you may have a very enjoyable weekend ahead of you. |
Remarkable coincidence. I ordered a coffee maker today. A new Nespresso model. What did you get? Is coffee and music a preferred pairing? |
Mention coffee and the universe lights up. 18 happy messages read while sipping my Barista Scuro. Listening, reading, typing, sipping...life is good. |
@teajay Terrific news. Will Ezra have the Aric Audio monos in his system at the time the DIs are set up? If not, what will he be using for his amp?
I'm curious about your take on speaker sensitivity and drive-ability with different amps with respect to the SEs. Will you be taking your current and favorite amps to his place for your listening sessions?
Thanks. |
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@aricaudio Welcome!
@kdude66 Kenny, is you next move into the power station? |
@grey9hound and @grannyring
JRiver, ripped files, and cabling are mentioned, but how are they delivered and processed?
Can you share: Server setup? Specific convertor? DAC? etc so we have a better feel for the front end.....
Thank you very much for your write-ups of your audition. Your impressions and the follow-up discussions are very helpful and informative to me. |
@grey9hound Thank you for the specifics. It's good to understand the front ends of our systems. I'm working on some changes and knowing what's being used and the resulting impressions is helpful.
It's also terrific that you opened up your home and system to Bill. |
Dennis, I hope you meant the above mostly in jest....
I know it's difficult to work through the words and the back and forth in these forums. I don't believe Terry means anything negative, if you interpret it as such...I see it as sharing a perspective and where he's coming from ---- just as you are with a system you love and enjoy.
In fact, when things get direct and are put in stark relief as happens from time to time...I find the posts during those periods most informative.
I'm a fan of the ST100 and would love to hear your system as much as I would like to hear Terry's in person.
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@sbayne
I have tried, but the handshake between Audiogon and Google Photos hasn’t been working for me, at least on my system. It’s the application that Audiogon uses, and Google or my security settings don’t care for it.
I’ve refrained from using a photo sharing site, but maybe it is time to do so.
If you or others have any thoughts on alternatives, especially easy ones, please share.
Your post is motivating. At a minimum, I can list the system components. |
@porscheracer I believe, based on the rave owner feedback, that you are in for a treat and I hope it does what you are looking for a preamp to do in your system. What's the turnaround time for his product? |
@kdude66 Kenny, thanks for sharing your impressions of the Aric Audio 2A3 amp, built to your specs.
Did you use it with Preamps, other than the LTA MZ2S? If not, it would be good to get a read from you on synergy with the LTA vs other preamps.
Also, are you planning on pairing it with another set of speakers to get more insight into the amp?
Thanks. |
@mac48025 Congratulations on moving forward with Aric's KT120 amp. Looking forward to leaning how your CF DAC works out for you!!!
@rockytophigh Congratulations on your BMW Marina Blue Double Impacts. The BMW B 40 Liquid Blue Metallic was my second choice....a Mercedes color took the flag.... oops. : )
@greg22lz Great to hear your 'loving them' commentary!!!
Nice to hear how those new to the DIs have been literally impacted by them.
We've been discussing other stuff on the thread of late so it's really great to have discussion about the speakers.
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A shout out of thanks to @nycjlee who helped me with a decision to add another DAC to the stable.
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@evolvist Great to hear that your DIs have shipped!!! You have been EXTREMELY patient. Also great that you kept on it vs backing down and going with another choice. Not easy when one is without speakers for such a long time. |
@sbayne I don't find your posts and thoughts contrarian. If anything, they are very helpful. I believe it's good to have takes that may be different from the groove that this thread tends to naturally follow. It's when I tend to learn the most.
We've discussed photos of systems to give us more insight about where someone is, but it really comes down to what @cal3713 is saying about sampling other's gear. That would give each of us true perspective. Words can only go so far and they are easily mis-interpreted, especially in fora/forums.
I'm open for a series of home/audio room tours. : ) |
@audiopitbull Many fans of the Playback Designs Merlot.
I like what Jim Jordan of Vaughn Loudspeakers does (and he's a terrific guy to work with)...I'm sure your Vaughn speaker with the Dukane Plasma Tweeters will be very enjoyable paired with the Merlot, MZ2S and the Pass XA-30.8.
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@teajay Any updates on the Double Impact SE? Thanks. |
@teajay Thanks, Terry. Looking forward to your 'field report.' |
