Tekton Double Impacts

@grannyring thanks for doing the hard work and showing the way forward

If trypophobia bothers you don’t think of them a holes. Instead, think of them as multiple eye balls. Like a lovable spider just watching you. Waiting for you to fall asleep.

@grannyring I would be all over that since I live in Nashville except I literally had my DI’s delivered yesterday. On the other hand I got the automotive paint upgrade in a silver which turned out really nice. I’m glad I went that route. Obviously they are breaking in right now but so far I’m very encouraged thatI’m going to really like these which is good since I would not enjoy trying to repack these things.

I Have have been following this thread for a long time but primarily as a voyeur because I did not feel I have the knowledge or experience to contribute very much. However, I am inspired to pipe up now. To anyone debating between the DI and the SE I went through the same dilemma. At the end of the day I went with the DI although with upgraded electronics and paint. The reason is because I am also upgrading all of my components from modest gear to something more high end. I am thrilled with the DI even through modest gear. All I can say is ditto to what every one else has already said. Here in a few weeks I should have enough in the audio savings account to get the pre amp and amp I’ve been lusting after (yes I have a separate savings account just for my planned upgrades while maintaining my emegeny fund and not defaulting on my mortgage). Even without hearing the Se I think I made the right call for my situation. Anyone in a similar situation or if you just can’t make audio the focus of your finances right now I can not imagine anyone being disappointed with the DI. If your situation is different it might be worth saving your nickels and dimes a little longer. Maybe in a year or two I’ll get the SE.  I would also like to thank everyone on this thread. I’ve learned more here than anywhere else and I hope this thread continues. It’s the best!

@david_ten there are many I’ve been lusting after but I’ve been paying particular attention to the experiences of the members of this thread as I’ve come to trust them. The Lyngdorf gets a lot of love and I’m sure it would be a smart choice however I’ve wanted to go tube for a very long time. Linear Tube Audio also gets a lot of love but last night I pulled the trigger on Aric Audio’s Mother Load preamp. After this I will be saving up for new power amp. Aric’s new Push Pull looks very intriguing and I can’t wait to learn more about it after it is released.

@laaudionut thanks, I am excited to get it. No doubt he puts a lot of money into quality parts. I only have to be a little patient. I’ve enjoyed my interactions with Aric and certainly Feel good that I can communicate directly with the designer.

@mac48025 I like the latest case work as well. I think it’s attractive and durable. It drives me nuts that some designs have the tubes buried Or hidden. That’s the main thing I want to see. 

You are very welcome Aric. I didn’t realize you had custome paint options. Those with special paint jobs on their DI,s can have matching electronics. That’s pretty cool.

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been really curious what they were going to look like

Congratulations Eric, it must feel good to put the whole measurement issue to bed.

I’m going to ignore the pointless negativity. I honestly believe after doing a lot of research and auditioning my Di’s are giving me performance I could not afford with out Eric and Tekton Designs hard work. Speaking of which I mentioned about 5 weeks or so ago that I pulled the trigger on Aric Audio’s Mother Load pre amp. I’ve had it just over three weeks and it is working out with my DI’s beautifully. Increased clarity, low end punch (which I was not expecting) dynamics, overtones and decay increased as well. The latest development was sound stage improvement. Center tightened up and spacing between instruments began to spread out. I’ve been working out of town on week days so weak end listening is about all I have. I have around 60 hours and I’ve been told it takes about 50 before the Dueland capacitors begins open up so I am excited. Aric’s new and unique push pull might have to be my eventual amp upgrade. Life is good.

@teajay thanks for the review. I appreciate your efforts to find the affordable gems that bring great sound to those of us who can’t or do not want to spend huge amounts of money.

I just took delivery of Arics Special PP last Thursday and I can attest that there is nothing strained or dry about them. It’s mated to Arics Motherload pre driving the DI and it is effortless. I’m absolutely having a great time with it. The mid has weight and body. The low end is authoritative, deep and quick. I put on some techno on last night and I got all the low end I think the DI can muster with no hint of smearing. The highs are detailed and airy but no harshness. Great dynamics and punch in ultra-linear mode (which is what I prefer considering my musical tastes). It’s working great for me with the DI. Also, I went with the KT120’s. I have no doubt the PP 300b performs great.

@iclickjohn my DI’s sounded sounded forward at first as well and they took a frustratingly long time to break in. Those low mid transducers take awile before they seem to kick in. I don’t think you will have a problem with the primaluna. I’m powering with an Aric Audio Special Push Pull with kt120’s pushing 60 watts per channel and and I can crank up to ear bleed levels and still have plenty of head room to spare. In fact, according to voltage meter, I can’t hardly get it to leave class a and enter class a/b. It took me a long time but ithe di’s did relaxe eventually. I suspect you have a great pairing of amp and speaker.

@mac48026 I did put out my back lifting the special pp. those transformers Aric uses are no joke. I’m glad you found enchantment with the set. While I do listen to acoustic most of my listening is rock or large dynamic orchestrations. It’s pushing all the right buttons for me. Please share the review when it comes out. I know I’m sold on what I’m hearing and will not be making a change but it is interesting to read what others have to say.

@robt22 if you are interested in tube gear I recommend Aric Audio. I don’t know what his return policy is but he hits a lot of price points and many have had good results mating his gear with tekton. I have his Mother Load pre and the Special Push Pull amp and am very happy.