Charles, thanks for pointing that out! I'm enjoying the DIs way too much! : )
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Not at all. Depends on how far you want to push performance to meet your needs and preferences. |
Would like to thank Terry (aka teajay) for his review which pushed me to move forward with purchasing the Double Impacts with the internal upgrade.
The speakers arrived on Monday and I was able to set them up Tuesday evening.
I pulled the trigger based on Mr. London's words almost immediately after his review was posted...but this forum discussion and member owner impressions helped reassure me that it was likely to be a 'happy' one.
So, THANKS! Thank you!!!
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You are welcome, teajay. Keep up the good work over at hometheaterreview and elsewhere.
We are settling into our new home and my system is in the process of being set up. At this point, the room is brand new to me and my ears...and likely needs some tweaking. Once I'm able to dial things in, especially with respect to the audio equipment chain, I will get back with impressions.
The Double Impacts sounded good out of the box. I now have 10+ hours of play-time on the units and they continue to sound good.
For those that may be curious, I have the Exogal Comet Plus - Ion duo driving the speakers. This is a temporary setup.
Enter your text ... |
I should have clarified. Temporary for now. May end up being the permanent pairing.
And to re-clarify: You are absolutely correct... The Comet/Ion is an excellent combo and I think highly of it.
A few reasons:
1. I have not set up my office system yet...and it may be a better fit there.
2. I've got one : ) too many amps on hand...which means I will be doing a shoot out to see which amp pairs best with the Double Impacts.
3. The Tektons are going to serve 2ch and HT duties in our main room, so I prefer to have an integrated solution for multi-channel playback.
Listening to Consortium Vocale Oslo “Exaudiam eum” (Gregorian Chant for Lent) on Tidal Masters right now. Sounds amazing via the Tektons driven by the Comet/Ion combo direct via USB from a PC.
The Double Impacts have over 20 hours on them at this time.
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Hi 333jeffery,
PM me with any additional info you are looking for on the comparison so that we don't steer away from the Double Impacts discussion.
Best, - David. |
007,
My Comet - Ion duo has been used for TV / Movies in a 2Ch setting extensively and performs remarkably well for running Optical out of the TV (cable coax TV feed and streaming Netflix, Amazon, etc.).
As you know, the combination solution also limits the components.
Having said that, I did run the movie 'Interstellar' to get a feel for the Double Impacts out of the box...and that demo led me to email Eric to let him know I'd be moving forward with the DI Center 7.
As for the other amps: I have an untested / never run Moon Neo 330A and a NAD M27. A SST Son of Ampzilla II (W4S version) was previously driving my 2ch audio only system with a Schiit Yggdrasil as the DAC (not the Comet).
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An update....
Swapped out the Exogal Comet Plus - Ion duo today.
The chain driving the Double Impacts is:
Tidal via PC USB out (direct; no USB optimization inserted) > Schiit Yggdrasil (DAC) > HeadAmp GS-X Mk II (Preamp) > Simaudio Moon Neo 330A (amplifier).
The cables and components have all been boxed for over 4 months. The Moon 330A has never been used prior to today.
The components, obviously, need to be run for a few days. As an aside, per Simaudio: "The performance of your 330A will continue to improve during the first 300 hours of listening."
Remarkable, remarkable performance despite the upstream chain being idle for so long.
Now the work begins....Getting the room set up and figuring out the positioning of the Double Impacts.
In a week I'll swap out the Moon Neo 330A 125W/8ohm 250W/4ohm for the SST Son of Ampzilla II (W4S) 220W/8ohm 350W/4ohm.
For comparison reference the Exogal Ion is 100W/8ohms and the Comet - Ion duo were fully 'broken-in.'
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Mike,
You are referring to your speaker pair as the DI-SE when it appears that they are not.
Will this not be confusing? It is to me.
- David.
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Hi Mike,
Please post!
I just want to be sure I know what you are evaluating.
Thanks,
- David. |
@mac48025 @audioarchon @teajay and other Double Impact Owners:
Need your guidance with setup positioning of the DIs.
I can realistically only place the DIs about 2 feet away from the wall behind them (wall to back side of the speaker).
I might be able to use something like the Herbie sliders to bring them out to 3 feet for listening sessions...but I’d rather they stay in a fixed position.
I have between 3 and 4 feet from the side walls (side wall to closest speaker side).
There is 10 feet between the speakers (center point to center point) at present.
Currently the speakers are not spiked. They are standing on Taoc shelves (18 X 20 inch) which are laying flat on a wood floor.
They are toed in slightly.
Seating position is approximately 9 feet from the midpoint between the speakers.
Any advice?
Thanks.
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Hi teajay,
THANK YOU!
I just re-positioned.
The best I can do is 3ft off of the front wall. Currently it is limited by speaker cabling length, however, a simple re-route will fix that. Mainly it is keeping my wife happy with the layout. She finds the speakers to be ’massive.’ Which they are. : ) She calls them "the second wall."
Your corrected distance between the speakers was noticeable immediately.
The best I can do there is 8ft center to center. The limitation is the media console.
Leonard Cohen has landed on stage, from up above!!! Images are much more solid now. Major improvement.
I’ll re-consider spikes. The reason for bypassing them is my 3 yr old son. Primarily safety reasons for him. Way secondary are the obvious damage related ones to the DIs or any other equipment and items they might take out.
Speaking of spikes...any recommendations from owners of the DIs???
I’m not sure if anyone has done a head to head comparison of spikes vs the other options like Herbies, in terms of stability and of course sound performance. Let me know if you have feelings or opinions about this???
I know that you are sold on Sistrum Platforms. Would they keep the DIs stable / impervious to a 3yr old’s determined efforts towards keeping Eric Alexander’s creation honest with the laws of entropy and gravity?
Appreciate the guidance, teajay.
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@charles1dad
Thanks. The Double Impacts have been a very good decision!
And thanks for letting me know about the Starsound / Sistrum tip over issue relative to having a 3 year old loose in house. It's what I was worried about. So unless I hear otherwise from another owner of their platforms, I can cross them off for now.
In a previous life, I had a cat launch itself off of one of my Gemme speakers which was on a spiked outrigger. They are heavy and have a much lower center of gravity, yet over it went. Sid is still living large in NY and is reminding me of him, with fondness, as I'm looking at my dented Gemme.
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@audioarchon:
Following teajay's guidance, the speakers are now 8 feet apart (center to center). I will not be able to get them any closer together unless I completely pull them out into the room for experimenting purposes.
Listening position is 9 feet from the center point between the two speakers (approximately 10 feet to the center of each speaker). I had to pull the couch back to accommodate the speakers being another foot out into the room. Easier to do with a couch than the DIs. Not an ideal position for the couch but it is easy to move since I have sliders (for hardwood) under the feet.
Toe-in is nearly in alignment with each ear, while seated at the center point.
Thanks for reinforcing the need to be safe with the little guy (and thanks to the other posters for the same safety advice). I've used the Taoc shelves for isolation from the flooring here, as well as in the past. They have worked well. I will not know any differences and improvements until I try something different...something to look forward to!
Thanks, Mike.
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@corelli: Thanks for the guidance on considering Soundcity Outriggers. I've read the entire thread a few times now : ) and I did bookmark their site. I've had my eye on Sistrum for years now, but the cost is higher and I'm concerned about tip-over using them. Soundcity and their multiple configurations may just be what the tip-over doctor ordered....
During my previous reading of the thread, I didn't get a feel IF and by HOW MUCH each owner preferred the final option they went with vs the stock spikes (with the exception of Sistrum). I'm curious about this. If there aren't significant differences then that would be good to know as well.
I'm thinking of using Herbie's sliders under the rubber feet, vs going with wheel casters. Thoughts?
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Though it's highly unlikely that any of the headphones being used are rated at 4ohms.
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@teajay
I understand...but folks are driving headphones with close to 1W output from the DAC/Pre (for example, the Chord Dave). And getting phenomenal results. Just curious...given your surprise at the DIs performance with a 1W output, albeit delivered in a traditional way?
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teajay,
Given your recent 'shock' and revelation....Any possibility of going direct out of a DAC/Pre, similar to what some do with headphones?
- David.
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@mac48025 ; @klh007 ; @corelli
If I go with the Herbies Audio 'Giant Threaded Stud Glider' product, do you recommend going 1/4" 20 in the 1/2 inch length so that the sliders are flush with the speaker base, or would you go with a slightly longer length to offer up some advantages...like elevation and angling, etc.?
I haven't looked underneath the speakers.... @mac480245: you mention that the bass leaks from the screw holes... if they are open ended I would not want to damage anything with a long screw.
If I do a hybrid approach and use the Soundcity Outrigger that @corelli recommends, do you feel that placing Herbies Giant Fat Gliders (not the screw in type) under the Soundcity auto leveling / rubber feet versions would offer further benefits in isolation / sound quality?
This approach (I think) allows me to easily move the speakers because of the gliders and provide (I think) the additional stability outriggers might bring vs going with the Herbie Threaded Gliders alone.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
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@corelli:
I'm still quite curious about open baffle speakers. They are one speaker type I have not had in system.
Surprisingly, my wife really liked the Spatials when I showed her the images. The Pure Audio Project Trio 15 Voxativ even more so!
Let's see what the reviewers / owners say about the X1.
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@corelli:
I did a three hour store audition of the Devore O 93/96s driven by Line Magnetic components in NYC. The pairing was excellent and I was very impressed with the Line Magnetics performance and price points. I unfortunately don't remember the component numbers, but the integrated as well as separates were in the chain.
@mikirob :
Interesting! I thought I was going to move ahead with the Devore O/96s or the Harbeth HL5+ or M 40.2. Was holding off until the house was completed and I knew for sure which room was going to serve as our audio/media room, specifically which Harbeth would be best in it.
And then, along came the Double Impacts.
The third option / route was going with a Spatial Audio Open Baffle.
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Hi teajay,
I have read it. And Eric had terrific pricing on them as part of his "royally ticked off" campaign! : )
After discussing it over the phone with him, he steered me right towards the Double Impacts.
I still see them as an option for surround duty, if I ever get to my HT needs. Right now, I'm considering other component upgrades to squeeze the most out of the DIs.....
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@cmss2000:
Congratulations on your purchase! Keep us posted on your impressions and experience.
I nearly missed the spikes as well.
I did order a pair of grills but I think they are vaporware.... : )
@ everyone -- it's looking like the DIs are not the bargain we say they are. Everyone is on the upgrade or add warpath...
myself included....
Said in jest of course!
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@kdude66
Congratulations. Even better buy if they were the ones from the specials page!
Looking forward to hearing your impressions and take on how they work with your equipment and room.
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@tektondesign
Eric,
If you are able to publicly comment, can you elaborate on why you launched with the 4ohm version before the 8ohm one?
Will the 8ohm option also be offered for the Center, etc variants?
Are you in the process of offering up some of your other models, like the Enzo 2.7, in an 8 ohm configuration as well?
Thanks,
-David.
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@jetter @corelli @moderator
Reasons for the post removals???
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Thoughts, recommendations on synergistic DACs to pair with the Double Impacts?
Or put another way, what would your top three choices be, given your system / preferences? Current or wished for.
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@hockeyme
My boxes were also beat up, despite being on pallets (I think).
Recently, Eric's website made the upgrade much more prominent on the main DI page, which will be helpful for future purchasers.
His recommendation to upgrade was very soft, when I discussed the Double Impacts with him.
I second what mac48025 says and would not go forward with it.
In fact, I would apply the savings from the cost of shipping and the upgrade towards a pair of future Tekton speakers that might be a better fit / major upgrade for you, given Eric's creative proclivities.
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@mac48025:
Thanks! Mulling future direction... : )
I've already spent more on upgrading the chain than the DIs, since getting the DIs!!!!!!!!!! Not good,,,,,, and very good -- well, until my wife gets wind of my buys.
Other Double Impact or Tekton owners??? (Regarding DAC pairings)
Something simple like Border Patrol?
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@klh007 : I'm not familiar with Gustard, so I will check them out. As you know, I have the Exogal Comet. Aqua is outside of my budget, but would be terrific. Good to hear you also like Border Patrol.
@mac48025: I almost went with the PS Audio flagship a few years ago, but couldn't bring myself to spend that much on a DAC, despite the overwhelming positive coverage. Perhaps I should look into demo/used units. I haven't been following PS Audio. Are they still committed to upgrading the software and modules? It's been out for awhile...and I'm assuming they might have another flagship in the wings? I'll PM you if I have any other questions...don't want to get off of the DIs.
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Herbie's Audio speaker isolation Gliders are in-system now. I went with 8 Giant Threaded Stud Gliders, 1 inch length, screwed in flush with the Double Impact's base. I did not use the nuts since they left a gap between the base and the isolation device.
Manh, do they make the speakers easy to move on our hardwood flooring!
I did notice a sonic difference, though I would label it as "one of more," a bit more in this case... rather than one of' an order of magnitude' difference.
I wanted to utilize the isolation platforms I've been using for years now. In addition to sonic improvements, they just happen to look really good with the Double Impacts, at least to my eyes, and provide an 'early warning' to my son : )
So, I also ordered 8 Giant Fat Gliders. Robert Herbelin didn't feel strongly about doubling up, but advised me to experiment. I used Blu-Tack between the Gliders and the isolation platform.
@klh007 had recommended I try three configurations. I skipped one : )
It's amazing what our senses are capable of....I had one speaker with the Threaded Gliders screwed in (on the floor) and the other with the Glider - Iso Platform - Threaded Gliders. My ears just wanted to listen to one speaker. It was so very clear and easy to pick up.
Again, not an order of magnitude difference. Just more. And a lot more with the doubled up solution. And more rightness / righteousness musically.
Everything has tightened up. Taut is the word I would use, along with greater fullness (body) which seem oppositional as elements. Better separation and depth into the music, more detail and clarity. More fun, more enjoyment.
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@kdude66
Kenny, looking forward to reading about your impressions!
How do they look out of the box?
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@kdude66 : Kenny, That's terrific! Happy that you are happy.
It's great that your wife is supportive and engaged with your audio passion.
I used to own the Soul Superflys with the upgrades...miss them at times.
Read your post from the Electron thread also. Looks like you are already quite happy with the DIs. Have fun tomorrow!
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All quiet on the Double Impact front?
Listening, not Forum-ing....?
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Finally, finally have the USB feed more optimized. Running Roon via a Small Green Computer sonicTransporter AP as core/server. Feeds a Sonore microRendu with upgraded cabling, and powered by an UltraCap LPS-1. The LPS-1 and sT are powered by an HD-Plex.
Have the Schiit Yggdrasil - HeadAmp - Moon 330A combo back in rotation. I prefer this chain's slight edge in delicacy, ease, and insight into the music over the other systems. This system gives-up a bit in the lower frequencies and in weight/fullness vs the SST amp. I will cycle back to DAC/amp comparisons once I get the system dialed in more with the power side of the chain and with room treatment.
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@buds: Great that the upgrade to the DIs is working so well for you! Congratulations.
@charles1dad : I’ve been thinking about this, but I’m not sure how to verbalize it, yet... This is a basic attempt at doing so (I’m sure someone else can do much better with the words): we talk of, and focus on the Double Impacts, but I believe much has to do with the learning, experience and wisdom of the owners, the interplay between those individuals, and the application of all of this in bringing the best out of the Tektons. It is, using your words, about "well conceived design and implementation" of all the products and so much more ahead of the Double Impacts.
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@waltersalas : Wonderful! Looking forward to your impressions. Hold on to the Daedalus...they are special.
@lancelock : Eric says that they work fine close to the front wall. Since you have absorptive room treatments, you should be set with what mofojo, mac, and kdude recommend. In my case, I found them to perform better further out...they are 43 inches off the wall, without treatment. If I could, I'd bring them out to 4 feet. At some point I will add bass traps behind the speakers, though they are working great as is, without them.
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:@waltersalas I sense a betting opportunity coming on. What's the spread?
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Have the Spread Spectrum Technologies Son of Ampzilla 2 Wyred 4 Sound version amp back in rotation for a couple of days. This is a Class A/B amp with the first 10 in A. Also added Triode Wire Labs PCs into the system a few days ago.
The Tektons, along with what's ahead of them just keep delivering!
Listening to Eric Bibb's 'Migration Blues' album. Amazing! And the silly part is that the Tekton's still have 'scale' left in the game. : )
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@corelli: I don't recall for certain, but was Decware an option you had considered? If it was, any particular reason for choosing Line Magnetics over it?
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@corelli: thanks for your thoughts on Decware. Like I mentioned earlier, I was very impressed with the Line Magnetic components used during a long demo of the Devore O/96s.
I've personally owned Melody and it beat BAT and ARC products I owned, especially the BAT, and at a three to four times factor less in price. I still remember the 2A3 amp very fondly.
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@charles1dad and others who may own or have owned Coincident gear...
thoughts on their Statement Linestage?
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Hello Charles, Thank you. That's quite an endorsement!
Yes, the limited functionality is a concern. They introduced a RC version with a single volume pot, briefly. There is one on offer here at Agon. But Israel feels this version detracted slightly from his goal of sound quality. Thoughts?
Backert Labs is also a strong contender, much less on the outlay, and with some additional functionality.
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Options on choices for a stand alone 2ch Preamp / linestage???
This is in service of the Double Impacts in 2ch and HT mode. Plus some additional component integration. Budget is 5.5K tops, but I very much prefer that the purchase comes to no more than 3K. My struggle with the choice has to do with functionality vs. pure 2ch sound quality performance.
I'd love to go the LTA route, especially based on Terry's and others' experiences but for now it is too limited in application, for my needs.
The Coincident Statement Linestage is a small step up functionally, and is the bare minimum I can accept. Another option with similar functionality is Mastersound.
The Backert Labs Preamp (the Rhumba 1.2) brings another step up in function, with XLR in/out and bypass.
On the upper end of my functional scale is the Wyred4Sound STP-SE. A tubed option, that offers a similar level of function, is Accustic Arts. Both, I believe, are fully balanced designs.
I realize that many posting in this thread lean towards tubes, which is great because having a tubed preamp is preferable... my chain is all solid state at present; However, I am open to a solid state preamp, as evidenced by the W4S.
I'm sure there are many other very good options. Hope you are able to help. Thanks in advance.
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@charles1dad : Thanks. Good to get a strong second opinion from you on Backert Labs. I will look into the Dan Sachs Preamp.
Any others on Preamp choices?
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@cal3713 : Why are you "scared a bit by Coincident discontinuing the remote version." ? Thanks.
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@mofojo It isn't straightforward. Go to the Explore Tab. Hit the member lookup link to the left of this window. Type in the member name. Click on result link that matches the member name you want. This should put you in the page that offers a send message button.
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@baranyi : Surely you mean 'carry them away.’ : )
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@cmss2000:
Echoing @corelli - Also what you compared it with and your system, room etc.? And what you were looking for?
It's always good to learn from those who have a different result and preferences.
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