Tekton Double Impacts

Thanks for the link David.  It's remarkable how with such consistency people describe the attributes of the DI's.  Everything comment made by Billy resonates with all of us who have enjoyed these speakers so much. He was a fun guy to listen to.  Just had to smile.

@corelli  That stood out for me as well. As you say, it's really quite remarkable.

In Billy's case with the DIs. The SEs and Encores and Ulfberths take the same up a few more notches.

Backing this up with evidence, is a recent experience between two Cardas XLR to RCA adaptors. Cardas carries two versions in their accessory line up. 

Differences between both adaptors with the same cables were readily and clearly apparent and my prefered choice an easy pick.

The SEs were able to showcase this, with ease. 

I agree with David Ten, the Encores and Ulfberts with their 15 tweeter array bring the performance Billy found in the DIs to another level entirely, crossing over to the array at 300 Hz puts most midrange information in the tweeter path creating that panel/stat transparency, better woofers deliver a more impactive detailed bass region, and the dynamics are horn-like, for me the Encores are the sweet spot in the Tekton lineup, that is until Eric debuts something new I'm not even aware of. It was fun listening to Billy describe his systems.

I can't speak with certainty on this--you would have to ask Eric.  My guess is that his design has little to do with prior design work using multiple tweeter arrays.  Eric's work is unique--and very special indeed.  He thinks outside the box, he is driven to design--not to copy prior efforts.  Just check out the vast array and variety of speakers he offers.  Hardly someone content with last years work.

To answer jones4music directly:

No, his patented design is unique and has nothing to do with Roger Russell's work or any past line array designs.  That's way he waited until his patent was accepted before he started to build the DI's and the generation of speakers based on his break through design.

The DI Be's are released. I called that a few months ago :)

https://www.tektondesign.com/double-impact-be.html

That's the "driven to design" thing!

Anyone DI owners in the San Antonio/Austin area?

Very seldom am I enticed to making a comment on audiogon. BUT the Guttenberg video with the cool drummer WAS JUST Fantastic!!!
Way to go Steve!!!

Hey DI owners:

I'm thinking about adding a subwoofer to my set up. Currently driving the DIs from a McIntosh MA275 which has a discrete sub output. It's set up in a fairly large room. Used for listening to records and CDs only, so not a multi-channel rig. 

Have any of you added a sub to your DIs? Any recommendations on the various Tekton subs? Love the way the DIs sound but I I could do with more bottom at lower volume.  

Keeping up, at least with my audio related New Year resolutions.....

A reminder for doing the following (which most of you are):

Tightened the driver units on my SEs. There was no play in the tweeter array, very minor play in the two accompanying mid-range drivers, AND definite play in the bass woofer screws.

Also applied Caig DeoxIT to the Cardas Binding Posts and Speaker Cable terminations.

Result: tighter sound and imaging. 

@lee59                            

It would be nice if long threads had a better way to search topics within them.  1,623 posts ago (just kiddin) this was touched upon.  I run a pair of Hsu ULS-15 MK2 DualDrive (2 ULS-15 MK2) subs.  My DI's, in my room, were reaching down to the lower 30hz range.  I wanted things flat down to just below 20hz and the Hsu's accomplished that very nicely.  I have had no integration issues.  The sound is tight and effortless.  For me they hit the nail squarely on the head and they are an extremely high value item--just like the DI's!

Shout out for advice. Eric is able to custom spec the drivers for the Perfect SET. They come stock with the tweeter array drivers and 12 inch woofer from the Ulfberths.

Any suggestions or recommendations from those of you who "know their drivers"? The BE tweeters are an option, but I’d rather go with something else. Thanks.

David_ten
Are you going to purchase the Perfect from Tekton? I'd like to know your results if you do purchase. I'm seriously thinking about testing them out myself. I currently use DeVore 0/96 in main system, that is what Perfect will be up against. I'm sort of waiting for teajay upcoming review. How to compare/contrast with his review of NSMT. As you might know I’ve owned three pairs of Tekton's older speakers, Lore, Mini Lore, and an early small single driver. All performed great. Best, mikirob

@mikirob   I'm considering the Perfect SET speaker to pair with my 2A3 / 8Ohm amp. I also have other speakers that are high or higher on my list.

The 2A3 pairing with the Tekton SEs has so far exceeded expectations, that it is (most unexpectedly) complicating my speaker choice.

If I move forward with the Perfect SET, it will likely be with custom drivers, which Eric will install. In other words, this will not be a DIY effort.

I believe Mike Kay of Audio Archon is receiving a stock Perfect SET pair soon. You may want to reach out to him, as well.

@david_ten 

Hey David, I was just wondering where you were at in your speaker search.  

So, what are your priorities in the sound you are after and what are you willing to give up?  (there's always a compromise, right?)  It seems Eric can work some magic with less than sophisticated drivers.  (Not that measurements tell the whole story, but have you ever seen a flatter FR curve than that of DI monitor is Stereophile??)  I am not of the opinion that top drawer drivers guarantee much.  You can have a great filet mignon in the fridge but it only becomes special in the kitchen.  I mentioned once that a speaker I built using then top of the line drivers (scanspeak revelator/aircirc tweeters) was only good.  I actually derived more enjoyment out of some vifa drivers using a series crossover.  The Vifa build has some magic in that simple crossover and the end result was quite beguiling. 

So I would of course get Erics input on the virtues of the drivers he has worked with.  I would also wonder on putting more money into the crossover and cabinet damping as well.  The crossover could be a more cost effective avenue to look at, especially given the fact it's part count has to be lower than that of the DI's that Bill took on.

Keep us posted on what you find out!

@corelli  Fantastic advice. And so very true! Thank you.

Eric is very open to customizing the Perfect SET. When I spoke with him he was working on a Perfect SET with a 15 inch bass driver for a client. 

The Perfect SET is also setup to accommodate the BE tweeters that he uses in the BE Ulfberth. 

I will be following his lead, but figured it was worth asking since some of you have changed out drivers, etc. on various Tekton models.

I am open to tweaking the crossovers, wiring, etc., should Eric agree to and endorse those changes. 

I was just wondering where you were at in your speaker search. So, what are your priorities in the sound you are after and what are you willing to give up? (there’s always a compromise, right?)

@corelli Great questions.

I’ve been ’wandering’ in the search. Lately, it has felt more like ’flailing’ : )

Top choices are the Cube Audio Nenuphar, Voxativ, and Horning Eufrodite Ellipse (and a few others).

The primary goal is for a synergistic pairing with Scott Sheaffer’s Found Music 2A3 amp. I now have the Grandinote Genesi solid state Preamp ahead of it and I am moving towards a full analog signal cable loom from Scott Sheaffer (his silver 2112 ICs and E+ SC).

At this point, with the T+A PA 3100 HV / SR cabling based system and the system described above, sound quality is superlative.

Therefore "priorities in sound" are mainly focused on increasing naturalness, realism, and my emotional connection.

I expect gains to be slight, but am hopeful for a shift in Gestalt and a ’higher level’ whole, when all the elements come together.

The other top priority is to learn about and experience different speaker design and approaches.

David_ten
thanks for your reply. You have an exciting search in progress and I am sure you will reach your goals. Best, mikirob 

David, I doubt you are flailing, but the choice is tough.  You have a great primary system with very few shortcomings.  That is a real luxury that affords you the opportunity to focus on something very special in your 2A3 based system.  I mentioned the give and take we are all faced with.  So given the strengths of your primary system, it would be very easy for me to give up bass extension for example if I could make gains in immediacy, transparency, and as you said an emotional connection with the music.  Your gravitation towards a single full range driver IMO makes good sense.  I once put together a Fostex fe167e full ranger in a 0.5cf BR enclosure and was shocked how nice it sounded.  Paid special attention to frame damping and it produced a surprisingly smooth sound with no "shout".  Nice, full, balanced sound with a  fantastic sound stage.  Very natural.  Now some will go on about the limitations and compromises of full rangers.  But that's exactly the point.  Making the right compromises that will let your new amp shine.  And when you need to listen to full scale works you know what to do!


So, as much as I would love to hear your take on the Tekton Perfects, and I'm sure they would be a great choice, it is also good to consider other options that will allow your 2A3 to do what it does best.

I have had my upgraded DIs since mid May 2018.  Grilles arrived a bit later < 2wks.
Amplifiers connected to these speakers,
PL Dialogue Premium.  Tubes from EL34 to KT150
Dennis Had Inspire HO Single ended Pentode.  Tubes from 6L6 to KT150
Transcendent SOB OTL.  Need an auto former for proper damping at 4 ohm with this guy.  (Currently streaming Tidal via Bluesound 2I and Benchmark DAC3 as I write this.)
Bob Latino M-125 monos. Tubes 6550, Black Treasure KT88 KT120.
Elekit TU-8600 300B.
PL Prologue 4  Tubes KT77 and EL34.

I have another collection of various box and tower speakers that I am constantly auditioning on these amps.  For some reason the DIs always wind up reconnected.  Glad I purchased the Herbies for them!
Eric and Karma were a pleasure to deal with.  
100% satisfied customer.

Bob

Listening to my Seas Pendragon’s this morning..
With a sound stage this great, I’m wondering how the DI’s can sound any better ..?

I have on order a set of DI’s with the $300 upgrade, $75 grills, and $ ?  matching Plynths , oh yeah and the extra $1,000 paint job..
roughly $4,600.. It was definitely hard to swallow the $ for the mirror paint ( Rosso Folgore ) , but they will be beautiful..

Are there any other upgrades I might want to consider, (that aren’t listed on the website) , that some of you guys wish you would have done to your DI’s..? 
Thanks for insights,
      BURT..

Burt,

Not aware of any other factory upgrades you ought to opt for.  You are in for a treat---I'm sure your new Di's will deliver the goods!

The only other thought might be what footers you opt for.  Many different options here.

I remember how hard it was to order up a $3300 speaker I had never heard.  In retrospect, this was the biggest no-brainer purchase I have ever made.  Please let us know if you feel you didn't get your monies worth! (or, more likely, how much you are enjoying your new speakers)

Does anyone know what thread size and stud length would fit the DIs?  Looking to add some sliders.  Thanks

Marcin

1/4" - 20   I think a 1 inch or 3/4 inch length is best, but I believe there are folks who have used slightly longer lengths.

Okay , I dropped the Mirror paint for the SE upgrade , here is the final order..

Double Impact SE 
- Rosso Folgore semi-gloss
- Split Grills 
- Plinths

the rest of my system as of now ,
Denon - DP59L (TT)
Decware - ZP3 (phono)  
Apple TV4  (streaming)
Oppo 205 - (DAC / CDP)
Decware - ZROCK (bass boost)  ## on order ##
Decware - CSP3 (preamp)
Decware - ZMA (tube amp)  --  Odyssey - (SSamp)  
Tekton - Double Impact SE   ## on order ##
Tekton - Seas Pendragon's & Cenima sub
CullenCable - military spec. Silver coated Copper "LOOM"

It fells good to be part of this group..
Thanks BURT...

@delta77 Just looked up Rosso Folgore. Matches your Maserati?

Congrats Burt.  Post a pic when your system is together.

How do you post Pictures.??

If you go to the home page, Explore, Virtual Systems you can post your system.

@delta77,  I have the Double Impact SE with Rosso Folgore semi-gloss. You’re going to love them. I no longer have my ZMA and CSP3 but I imagine they will sound great. My setup is on my systems page (Lance’s HT/2 Channel)

Lance

I'm on a speaker hunt and would love to give Tekton a chance before finalizing on a pair. I live in Manhattan. Any kind Tekton owners in NYC/Long Island/NJ  area would let me hear them in person? I would show my appreciation with a bottle of red wine ;)

@radiohead99   Depends on which models you are considering. If you don't get any direct responses from owners in your area, (and you are looking at the DIs or above) reach out to Clement Perry of Stereotimes via email. He may be able to help. He knows a few Tekton owners in the NJ/NYC area.

All the best.

Thank you  @david_ten . I've communicated with Clement Perry in the past regarding his opinion on the Encores. I'll reach out to him about the audition. Thanks again!

Hello, I’ve been a lurker for most of the last past year over this discussion. I was really interested on buying the DI but unfortunately they are so far out of my reach. But now that Eric designed the Perfect SET, I’m almost set on them (pun intended). I live outside the US, so I cannot test them at home, but I trust a brand and an equipment when several knowledgeable fellow music lovers raves about them.

I was reading with great interest the thread by Teejay about their initial thoughts about the Perfect SET, but the discussion was removed by the moderators. It seems that there’s a couple of individuals that have an agenda against Eric and Tekton. So far, I’ve counted about ten discussions about Tekton speakers that have been removed over the last few weeks because of them.

Obviously, if I was Teejay, I wouldn’t rewrite another thread, but what I would like to know is if he’s willing to write about his findings on this thread, that is out of reach of those "gentlemen".

I know that as a rule, I shouldn’t ask for someone to hijack a thread, but it seems that this is the only safe place to hear about the opinions from other owners, as I’m willing to bet that the moderators won’t delete a 107 page discussion.

What I specifically want to know is if a cheap and cheerful 6.8 Watt Chinese SEP amp would do this speakers any justice.

Thank you for your help.

Hello estuardo4,

Yes, the Perfect Set would be a great match with your amplifier.  Eric's new speaker is quite terrific.  I'm sure you would be very pleased with it in your system.

Hi estuardo4, just an idea.  If I was in your position and out of the U.S., I think I would volunteer to pay extra and have the PS speakers boxed in a DI or similar larger box with a lot of extra packing material, or better yet, to see if the regular PS shipping box can be double boxed in another of larger size like a DI, Encore, ULF box.  Again, just an idea.

teajay,
Like estuardo4 I thought better ask this question here as well...

Another Coincident Dynamo SE question: my current main system is DeVore Orangutan 0/96 with Leben CS600. It is my intention to pair a Coincident Dynamo SE (also own LTA MZ2) with the PERFECT speakers, Border Patrol DAC in a 14x17x9 room as second system. Do you think this system, PERFECT, will compare favorably with the DeVore's? Best, mikirob 

mikirob,

I think you’ll have the makings of a very nice system with the Coincident, LTA, Border Patrol and Perfect SET’s. All great products!

I have and love the Border Patrol DAC with an Aric Audio 300B SET with the Tekton SE’s and I love the music it makes. The Perfect SET’s intrigue me as an easier to drive speaker alternative. Obviously teajay will better answer your question but I wanted to commend you on your choices.

good luck.

Mac40825,
Thank you. I anticipate that this second set-up will be quite good. I trust teajay and most folks participating on this thread; but I would like a little more input from teajay specifically on the Perfect. The other thread on the PERFECT by teajay has become a horror show. Best, mikirob

@teajay Sorry for write your screen name wrong. Thank you very much for your recommendation. I have a question for you: My guess is that you have heard several models from Tekton, and judging by the design, it seems that the Perfect SET is more on par with the Lore and the Enzo 2.7 designs, than the Impact and Double Impact designs. Am I correct? The Perfect SET more like the best of the lower price models?

@jetter That was my idea too. The speakers would travel several miles and I’ll ask for better protection than the ones people on the US are receiving.

@mikirob I seriously don't understand those people posting on all of Tekton threads. I wish that the moderators ban those users from posting over Tekton discussions. Everybody knows who they are and for the moderators is easier to close an informative review than ban them.

It seems that the post from Teajay is back up again. I'll post my questions over there.

@radiohead99   Any updates?

The ’experiment’ with Scott Sheaffer’s Found-Music 2A3 amp driving the Tekton SEs has blown all of my pre-expectations to smithereens!

I want to THANK Charles @charles1dad for being steadfast in his encouragement and support as I considered SET tube amplification options a few months ago. There are others who have also been helping me through my recent audio journeys, and I will thank them personally and more directly, once I pull together a mini-review of sorts.

There has been discussion of low watt SET amps (perhaps) ’not’ being the ’best’ choice --- on TJ’s, now very active and insightful, Perfect SET speaker thread. I beg to differ, respectfully.

I am getting (read, fantastic) full range, high volume, superb sound quality results with a 3.5~4 Watt amp that was custom built for an 8 Ohm speaker, with an optimal impedance pairing range of 6 to 9 Ohms...

AND THIS ON the Tekton SEs which are a 4 way 4 Ohm speaker with 7 array tweeters, 2 mid-range drivers and 2 bass woofers, per speaker.

I’d also like to remind everyone that I am also driving the SEs with the T+A PA 3100 HV integrated amp which is designed as a near zero negative feedback high voltage amplifier.

The T+A PA 3100 HV outputs 500 Watts into 4 Ohms RMS (per channel) AND has a peak output of 700 Watts into 4 Ohms (as provided by T+A’s specs).

Two very, very different amplification chains. Both with supremely satisfying results.

[Note: I am using the fully balanced Grandinote Genesi Preamplifier ahead of the Found-Music 2A3, with custom Cardas XLR adaptors, to allow for SE IC connection]

Another update. I acquired the Found-Music 2A3 monos and the Grandinote Genesi preamp with the goal of a 'second' system (same room) but with different amplification chains and two sets of very different speaker types.

I recently brought in the Cube Audio (Poland) Nenuphar single-driver speakers as a possible solution for the Grandinote > Found-Music pairing. After 200 hours of runtime on the speakers, I conducted a lengthy A/B between the SEs and the Nenuphars with exactly the same system chain (refer to my post above). 

The SEs are clearly the better one-speaker solution, and were superior in a few areas....however, for my needs and my preferences I find the Nenuphar to be a much better fit. 

The Nenuphar is a 'focused' solution but what it does well, it does exceptionally well and checks off on what I have been looking for with regards the Grandinote/Found-Music amplification chain. As you can tell from the post above, the SEs also shine with this amplification chain. 

The question now is whether to keep the SEs or to upgrade to a different Full Range speaker to pair with the T+A PA 3100 HV integrated amp.

Based on listening to Ezra's @audioezra  Ulfberth BEs driven by Bricasti M28s...it is one of the speakers at the top of my list. Based on feedback from Allen @aolprodj  and Mike Kay of Audio Archon, Ezra's system kicked up to another level when he replaced his then front end with the Bricasti M12, also feeding the Bricasti M28s.

For those of you with experience with the Ulfberths and / or the Encores, or with something else Eric is most certainly working on, let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

While this post may now fall on deaf ears (heaven forbid that thought--let's go with blind eyes) I was curious if any of past regulars on this thread are gong to AXPONA this year.

@corelli  Wish I was going. Should be a terrific show. I keep hearing great feedback about the new location. It will be interesting to get your take, as well as that of others, on whether the rooms present better than at the previous location.

I know Allen will be there. Mike Kay / Audio Archon should be in attendance. Teajay?