Tekton Design was far from the first loudspeaker company to publish SPL measurements as we’ve disclosed for years now and if this is the biggest shortcoming found within the Double Impact I’m thrilled! It even looks like someone has already figured out the 2.0V 4 Ohm SPL on this thread. At least I have the courage to advertise it as a 4 Ohm speaker since a few of our competitors (famous mainstream manufacturers) disguise their 4 Ohm loudspeakers as 8 Ohm models - they’ve done this for decades.
Regarding the patent claims... it’s real folks. No P.T. Barnum going on here and the patent examiner agreed with us and gave us a patent allowance.
Respectfully, anyone having trouble grasping the concept of speaker cone moving mass and it’s integral relationship to musical sources: will you please call me prior to making me out to be a bumbling idiot on here. I’ll gladly walk you through it.
I can also see how my claim of others speakers becoming subtly obsolete might be considered inflammatory or even offensive to some. I tend to be candid and frank in my thoughts/opinions. I make the claim and I stand behind it. We have something truly special going on here - you’ll discern it or you won’t. I’m not trying to take over the loudspeaker world nor sell hype... I’m simply want to offer high-quality high-value loudspeaker products.
Sincerely,
Eric Alexander
President
Tekton Design LLC |
Jetter-
Since the DI's are too big look at our Brilliance model. It is an absolute slice of heaven and I created it for those needing a smaller sized loudspeaker. Rick Becker at Enjoythemusic.com is reviewing this model and he received his pair yesterday.
By the way... I don't buy into a speaker being too big for a room. Any larger speaker can be imposing visually in a small room. However, a small room with a well-engineered absorption coefficient can sound amazing.
Eric Alexander
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There seems to be some confusion surrounding Double Impact upgrades.
Here's clarification:
1. The 'standard' Double Impact - a true expression of extreme performance within the niche of 'affordable hi-fi and home theater'. The cost is $3000 delivered for the pair. This speaker is available in any color under the rainbow and is featured in my "Soft Gloss" finish. This is the loudspeaker reviewed by Terry London
2. I have one upgrade option package to the 'standard' Double Impact and it's been available since day one. This upgrade is very popular accounting for 40-50% of all production as of today. I see that many clients posting on here own this option. This upgrade uses Cardas inputs, upgraded internal wiring, ClarityCap on the tweeter section, and an oversized Jantzen coil on the woofer section. The cost is $3300 delivered for the pair. This model is available in any color under the rainbow and is featured in my "Soft Gloss" finish.
3. Next... add $500 to the total for piano gloss black or white finish or any German or Italian matched automotive paint color.
4. For those wanting a veneered finish... add $1000 to the total. I only offer walnut and African cherry on the Double Impact and this process requires months to produce so don't be in a rush.
5. AS of NOW I am excited to announce the production of an extreme version of the Double Impact. I'll call it the 'Double Impact SE' (special edition) but it's not set in stone. This model is an expression of the cost no object approach. The DI SE is not the same speaker nor does it use the same parts. This model will be available through exclusive high-end hi-fi dealers with the price set to $6K-$10K per pair.
Happy listening!
Eric Alexander
President
Tekton Design, LLC |
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For immediate release
April 19th 2017
Tekton Design LLC - We've prepared 8 Ohm versions of the patented Double Impact and Electron models. The new 8 Ohm version has been ideally optimized for lower wattage SET tube amplifier typologies, all tube amplifiers lacking 4 Ohm taps, and vintage solid state amplifiers.
Eric Alexander - Designer
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Thank you Jonathan Carcopo!
I'm thrilled! Thank you for discerning the truth! I'll make a prediction... the positive reviews and believers will continue to mount going forward. The group I cater are the most persnickety, finicky and discriminating listeners on earth. In hindsight, I'm even smiling about some of our dialog together, your hesitance and skepticism about the DI's ever proving out for you for example.
Seriously, how could I get mediocre hyped speakers to do this?! Impossible! I've had a number of people cold-call me to congratulate me for simply getting Terry London's stamp of approval. All have directly stated to me: "You don't know how picky Terry is - nice work."
Then, on the flip side... I check in again on this Audiogon thread and read garbage about me. How sad! Someone saying I tell "lies" and produce "hype" and "pseudoscience". It's so frustrating to be defamed and slandered like this.
I'll make heavyweight predictions: I'm right and I know I'm right. This is audio news. Without reservation, I'll present and defend my patents, my work and my theory's at AES. I'll do real-time switching A/B comparisons with even the most highly regarded speakers - we'll pass with flying colors.
Simply because I haven't published research doesn't mean I don't possess it. Scientists will support me and validate my conclusions. Honestly... I don't know what audiophiles would prefer to listen to. Knowing what I know... I can't think of anything.
Sincerely,
Eric Alexander - designer |
For immediate release
June 2nd 2017
Tekton Design LLC - we’ve completed the design phase of the patented Ulfberht loudspeaker and we’re absolutely thrilled to announce a forthcoming review by Terry London. Terry’s review pair are being produced now.
Eric Alexander - Designer
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Dear RWD,
Clement Perry of Stereo Times fame has had a review pair for three days now. He’s in your neighborhood. You could try reaching out to him. If you’d like to call us directly tomorrow at Tekton we can help you make the connection.
Eric Alexander - audio designer |
BROTW,
That's funny about the BOSE rep. One of the more foolish decisions the BOSE product development department has made was not to have hired me when they came calling in 2013. Their loss.
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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Tim,
Yes, I am. However, I need to stick to past statements I've made on the topic. There's so much to this one I'd love to talk about it but it's probably not necessary nor the right venue.
Eric
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Teajay,
Just noticed your post! I'm thrilled you've got the Ulf's up and running! Gosh, I hope they weren't too hard to get out of the boxes and set up. I'm honored to have you evaluating these one-of-a-kind loudspeakers and cannot wait for your debut review!
Happy listening!
Eric
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Well, I should be busy working on fulfilling orders this morning but thought I'd take a quick peek to see how this thread is evolving. Wow! There is so much going on here in real-time. Michael with the DI's... Teajay evaluating the ULF's... Clement Perry with his upgraded DI's, etc... Amazing!
I'm truly humbled and simply want to say how grateful I am! Thank you!
Everyone on my inside circle knows I simply want to create. I simply feel inspired and driven to simply create music. As a professional musician (a drummer) I've had the lifelong goal of improving the quality of audio and wanting to push the envelope.
Happy listening to all!
Sincerely,
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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Everyone... please have some patience with me. I’m overwhelmed with orders and I’m going as fast as I can. I cannot clone myself and I’ve hired more help. It’ll take time to get them properly trained and up to speed.
I pay Karma to field every last inquiry. Call or email her directly for even the smallest issue.
For the record: the DI’s w/upgraded x-over in standard black ship promptly - $3300 pair. It’s tends to be when clients order the high gloss custom finish or other custom add’s that projects get stalled out. It’s not fair to order something custom and come on here and complain as I’m working to make you something special that takes time.
Eric Alexander - audio designer |
Respectfully, call Karma this very moment so she can take care of you.
She’s telling me she’s tried to email and phone you - if this is who we think it is. I honestly do not know for sure who you are. Please call 801-836-0764 so we can ship parts tonight.
By the way... I’ve gone to great lengths to design packaging that is ’damage proof’ and we rarely see damages incurred. Please understand that if I could make them ’idiot proof’ I certainly would. When your speakers shipped they were in perfect condition, and while your personal property (loudspeakers) was in the care and possession of FedEx (or whomever) an idiot handled them. I repeat... and idiot handled them. Now you come on here and hold me accountable for damages outside of my control...?? Respectfully, will please be kind to me...
Please call Karma so we can get your problem resolved promptly.
Eric Alexander
President/CEO
Tekton Design, LLC |
Vito,
Your speakers are the most complex speakers we’ve built to date. A few months ago this model did not exist. The Ferrari matched paint didn’t speed the project along either. We’re in the home stretch on the mains and they have to be perfect.
Eric
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Anyone wanting speakers quickly and promptly should consider purchasing the Double Impact featured in our standard soft gloss finish (normally black) with the upgraded x-overs. The price is $3300 for the pair and they typically have a 24-48 hour turnaround time. We're building them daily here so that's the way to go if you want things expedited.
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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I’m sorry racer12b. That’s terribly sad. You say your Enzo’s didn’t even have internal bracing - this is extremely odd as every Enzo ever produced has internal bracing within it. Do you have any pictures? Maybe you got an Asian knock-off of the patented design...??
Sound is so subjective. Just because you didn’t like them yourself doesn’t mean the speaker (or any other speaker) sounds bad. We all have different tastes and opinions of how sound should be done. 4.55 people out of every 100 return the Double Impact to me and this proves I cannot make everyone happy all of the time. I say they don’t know how to listen, they can’t focus on subtle nuances and details, or maybe their room is garbage acoustically. A few individuals simply enjoy trolling for gear, they purchase, enjoy, evaluate and move on to something new. I’ve been doing this for over 30 years and I’m completely convinced some individuals cannot discern good sound even if it jumped up and bit them. Some of them are even CEO’s of loudspeaker companies.
Anyway, the Enzo was created years ago and has ABSOLUTELY ZERO to do with the Double Impact of today so everyone can rest easy. The DI’s absolutely slaughter the original Enzo! I created the original Enzo for one reason only... a viable alternative to the B&W 804. Nothing more... nothing less. Your MMG Magnepan’s were frankly the last thing on my mind as some type of benchmark.
Because sound is so subjective to all of us... in my humble opinion, the MMG Magnepan (and every other flat panel speaker) precludes itself from EVER qualifying itself as a true reference ’music producer’ because they are fundamentally flawed. Flat tweeters (ribbons, AMT's, planars, etc...) tend to fall in this category for me as well. Flat panel speakers radiate in a planer fashion (it shoots out a flat wave-front) and they have limited excursion. They cannot even be played to dynamic reference levels. It's like owning a Ferrari that can never go beyond 40 MPH - as a drummer and musician the thought is illogical and foreign to me. Furthermore, last time I checked there were no planar radiating musical instruments in any orchestras. This is like planting peas and expecting to get a crop of corn.
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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Sullyman1,
I'd love to get you a pair. Get the 4 Ohm model
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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Hfaddict,
The room and speakers has you generating some severe modes and nodes. Move the speakers to a new location, and please email me a sketch of your room size and layout. Also is the ceiling flat or vaulted?
We’ve had clients with the best ears in the industry commenting consistently that the DI’s are producing the best ’believable’ bass they’ve ever heard.
Happy listening!
Eric Alexander - audio designer
Tektondesign@gmail.com
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They are in separate enclosures - gotta be this way. |
Thanks Evolvist. Orders are being taken now for the Double Impact SE's so get your orders in now to mitigate the wait for delivery. If you don't have a dealer in your area call my assistant Karma and she'll get you in the queue.
If we're lucky we'll have the SE page up later on today (probably without an image).
Regarding the "trial period"... it's a yes for now.
Regarding the "drivers" we're using in the SE... it's off the table and is not a topic for discussion. Building a great performing loudspeaker is like designing a 'torque curve' on a racing engine. Every conceivable part is on the table, the camshaft, pistons, fuel delivery system, etc... and most importantly... it's a secret since you have competitors. I'll pick and choose and narrow it down to ones that lend themselves to the design and I just might change or tweak it on the fly down the road.
The gentleman that purchased our RMAF show pair of Double Impacts told me he was purchasing them because they were the best sounding speakers at the show.
I've had others tell me this too.
Best sound...?! I don't know. Last weekend I experienced something I've never experienced at another audio show. This was, watching the same people coming back to the room over and over again, and people coming in telling me they'd been told by others they had to come hear this room. Folks really had their discernment hats on and they were enamored with the sound.
Personally, I have to say that in the audiophile attribute of 'REALISM' I did not hear better performing speakers than the original Double Impact and the Impact Monitor's. The mid-range was as close to perfect as it gets and the human voice was so real in the room it was like the singer was standing before you. In my opinion, the $58K Wilson Alexia was really really close in my estimation and was the best contender I found.
Eric Alexander - audio designer |
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Agreed, wine too is another perfect analogy. When YG Acoustic ran their "best sounding speaker on earth" campaign 10 years ago I called him on it (through emails) and I used the wine analogy. I felt it was like a wine producer saying: "I simply make the best tasting wine on earth - period". Furthermore, I asked him: "if you make the best sounding speaker on earth which one is it...?? After all, you have no fewer than 3 speaker models." When you say you have the best sounding speaker on earth it must be one single model, right? The dialog between us progressed and we each agreed upon a head-to-head winner-take-all shootout. I'm ready to go on my end, but it hasn't happened.
Like wine sound is so subjective. Some of us are musicians and we know what live sound is because we live it and we crave this exact sound reproduced in our hi-fi systems. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some audiophiles prefer a warm, liquid, fluid presentation; this is so far removed from real live dynamic music, yet it's such a beautiful expression of art.
Eric Alexander - audio designer |
Dear Shadorne, Respectfully, you're car analogy is flawed. Here's an accurate comparison and frankly it's how I roll, design, think, live, and create. The link below contains a car that costs $99K than anyone can own. This car is built less than 2 miles from my facility - I see the cars on the road here. This car, in the hands of the right team owner and driver will go toe-to-toe with every multi-million dollar super car ever built - period - end of the discussion! http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/products427kms.shtmlPersonally, I want to go as fast as hell and I want to do it right; for this purpose... there's nothing better. This car costs $100K and a super Ferrari costs $3,000,000. What gives??!! I say Ferrari has it ALL WRONG not Kirkham. Furthermore, I could literally bolt in a lightweight aluminum power-plant producing in excess of 1600 horsepower into this car for and additional $95K - for a total investment under $200K. I could do all of the work alone, and I could do it in a day or two of labor. Respectfully, what would you guess a 1600bhp Ferrari engine would set a guy back... and could he do the work alone?! The above analogy is spot-on and it's how I approach audio. In other words... no one needs to spend crazy money to get the best sound out there. Have a fantastic weekend! Eric Alexander - audio designer |
david_ten,
Loved your: "I personally would like to learn from those who do not see or hear things the way I do." line.
When a client returns a pair of speakers to me he usually has a lot to say about it. His feedback is the most valuable piece of information I can be fed. I take that feedback and go back to work on the speaker and make the proper adjustments.
Eric
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greg22lz,
We'll be working on it...
Eric |
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As the creator of each... the 1812's have a 'slam-factor' that delivers 'live rock concert' dB's in audiophile grade fidelity. The Ulf's deliver the audiophile attribute of 'realism'.
Eric Alexander - audio designer |
1812's will work perfectly in a smaller sized rooms - I'd suggest a minimum room dimension would be 14' wide x 16' deep. They key to getting everything sounding right with a speaker like the 1812 is perfect room symmetry. |
Karma is here full-time to help everyone!
Call us between 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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First: the Double Impact is a year old
Second: it's safe to say nothing like the overall look and design of the Double Impact has ever been done
Third: this is new art and we've implemented no fewer than 5 proprietary (patented) design elements into the Double Impact that I'm not aware of being done prior.
For the record: any/all changes to the Double Impact design from serial #1 through today are the result of direct customer feedback, design improvements, and voicing improvements from focused listening sessions. The speaker is being driven with every type of amplifier imaginable and in home theaters. The speaker is spot-on, versatile and affordable. As the designer I can honestly state: the overall 'spirit' of the design has never been compromised and all Double Impacts produced have an overall comparable sonic signature. The speaker design has now been fully massaged, honed, and further refined since it's conception. The Double Impact design has been locked down for a while now and I see no need to change anything. We've also been forced to bounce around a bit with capacitors as we've purchased everything available so we've had to go hunting for quality substitutes.
Also note: within reason we can add/match the upgrades to this speaker as some users have outlined here on Agon - it's no problem. Then, we produce SE model which is my personal statement on how to do this speaker without compromise.
We're also now producing the wide-polar response version that sounds fantastic.
Anyone sitting on the fence about this speaker... now is the time to make the purchase.
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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Mapman,
Thanks for your input. I was about to ask if anyone heard them last weekend. These shows are sensory overload and spontaneous set-up (one day in advance) so I can see how you'd be left wanting with soundstage and imaging.
Regarding the "tad warmer" comment I'd suggest that's from upstream gear not so much the speaker.
Eric Alexander |
Wide-polar is for primarily the in-wall version of the Double Impact for home theater and the folks that want a wider off-axis polar response. Background music, room size, unable to toe-in the speaker are all examples of where the wider off-axis might be preferred.
Regarding all of the chatter about the mods being done on here. Every facet of this speaker was carefully thought through and it concerns me when people say how much they’ve "improved" upon the speaker. I’m not entirely on board with this. Especially, for the ones that do not have access to scientific equipment to show everyone exactly what they’ve done to the speaker.
For example, the swapping out of the 10" woofers... accurate simulations and measurements will prove one 'mod' spoken of on here will sacrifice extreme deep bass extension and yield higher mid-bass output. Therefore, the system is now something much different and some of the original ’spirit’ of the design is compromised. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to say the speakers are now different over claiming an outright improvement? Sound is subjective, and I have a hunch not everyone will like it. To be entirely fair... the DSP processing will clean everything up and from that angle about any 10" woofer off the shelf will fit the bill. The problem here is that some of us are pure analog and any changes here will be far more noticeable so extra care is needed when anything is changed.
It’s key to note: good loudspeaker design tends to be primarily about evaluating trade-off’s and what you can do with the sum-total of the parts. I could use the same aforementioned 10" driver in all Double Impacts produced, and have considered it. In my opinion, overall tonal balance, warmth and access to a bit more deep extension all directed me to go with the 10" driver we are using today.
In my professional opinion, it’s more appropriate to for those saying they’ve "successfully completed a ’mod’ to this design" to say they’ve changed the speaker dramatically over "dramatically improving" the speaker.
For those wanting more we have the DI SE. The speaker sounds fantastic and the ’spirit’ of the Double Impact design is intact. All transducers incorporate the biggest improvements possible with drives built to my requested specs; with cast frames for less flux leakage, a bigger motor, reversed venting and a rigid dust cap.
Musicmann, thanks for your comments, and yes... you’re speakers are sounding exactly as I intended them to and they should be sounding really good.
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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Thanks Grannyring! Feel free to call to chat anytime too! The cool thing that often gets overlooked on threads like this is we’re all passionate about audio - every one of us. We all have so much more in common than differences. |
Grannyring,
It's all good. Know I respect your thoughts/opinions. Your boards look fantastic too.
Eric |
Corelli,
The mod would involve swapping the x-over (the disconnecting of all top drives) so it's pretty extensive. The ability to solder proficiently is the main requirement as tweeters can be heat comprised with solder in less than one second.
They could be sent in for the mod too.
Eric
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Ozzy,
I build speakers all day long. Anyone wanting to communicate with me is going to have more success via phone call. I can work and talk with a headset but have found it difficult to work and type. Calling us is always preferred.
Eric Alexander - audio designer
801-836-0764 |
Dear Slickmachine,
I am sorry you feel this way. You and I spoke earlier this week about getting you a new subwoofer. I am sorry it was damaged by FedEx - I've offered to replace your subwoofer entirely free even though it was damaged by the careless actions of your local FedEx delivery driver - you have the video surveillance evidence of this fact. WE RUN better than 99% successful undamaged delivery so your situation is a rare one. I've said for years we've designed "damage proof packaging" and we have. I'm still working on the "idiot-proof" delivery boy design.
We are very busy here so the free replacement might not have come into you as fast as you've expected it. We'll have it shipped out soon. I believe it was painted last night.
Sincerely,
Eric Alexander - audio designer |
Great discussion going...
The DI Be's don't exist. If and when it becomes possible I'll post about it being underway.
I think both versions of the Ulf's have some great attributes to them. They are similar in many ways and somewhat different when evaluated in the realm of the very subtle - turn on the spidey senses.
Jon now has his Encore's (mini Ulf's) SN. 1 &2 and I thought they sounded pretty special prior to boxing them up.
Eric Alexander - audio designer |
Please allow me to take one minute and change the topic to the new Stereophile Tekton Design Impact Monitor review; the first review of the patented array to include electro-acoustical measurements.
After enduring over 2 years worth of slanderous attacks surrounding the validity of this patented array, and enduring 100’s of comments like: "it doesn’t work", "Eric’s a buffoon", ’his design has serious comb-filtering issues", etc... we get, as near as I can tell, John Atkinson measuring the Tekton Design Impact Monitor, and producing the best ’horizontal averaged frequency response’ in the history of Stereophile. This is the bookshelf/stand mount loudspeaker category. I've gone through years of Stereophile reviews and have not seen a better averaged polar.
Using a bit of Herb’s vocabulary from the review... it might be time for a few people to kindly "put a sock in it".
With this said... I am sending out a giant thank you to all of the awesome and wonderful clients that have discerned we’re doing something special at Tekton Design.
Respectfully and sincerely,
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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Invictus005, I'm certainly not "embarrassed" to have my name on it. So you're a patent lawyer and an audio guru? The patent is certainly defensible.
Now, anyone can easily type a 30 second reply and level an ad hominem fallacy like you have. Please take some time and really put some thought and effort into a proper response. A response that truly has some meat on the bones. Prove me wrong. Where did I go wrong in my patent claims?
Eric Alexander - audio designer
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d2girls,
Respectfully, you are woefully misguided and incorrect. I'm right in my patented claims. If that offends you... feel free to go on thinking the earth is flat over being proven round. What we're doing is called progress in the art and science of loudspeaker design.
Fact - we're producing loudspeakers the have the electro-acoustical 'slight edge' over every loudspeaker produced today and it's how we get $1000 loudspeakers to measure and sound better than loudspeakers costing 10X more. Reference the Stereophile review for example.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread - Alexander Pope. The "angels" in my case are my industry peers that remain silent on the topic because they know I'm right, the worlds foremost AES engineers, the professional audio reviewers, and the audio magazine owners that refuse to broach the topic for all the right reasons.
Eric Alexander - audio designer |
martyfriedman,
Please call or email us directly when you have time.
Eric Alexander
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Ezra, I'm looking forward to making the trip to Chicago next week. I am also looking forward to getting those subs dovetailed with Ulf's and taking your system to the next level.
Eric
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invictus005,
Respectfully, again... the claims are not "absurd claims". You can't just come on here to defame and slander people/products. If your posts are being deleted it's your own inflammatory writing style that's getting it done.
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Thanks pawsman. Happy listening! |
Looks like a couple of clarifications are needed:
Tekton Design is purchasing these parts directly from the source of manufacturing not Parts Express.
Karma got married last October and left Tekton in December - we're happy for her! Beckie and Tammy are the crew members today.
Happy listening!
Eric Alexander
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