Tekton Double Impacts

It just occurred to me that the very first speaker I purchased as a junior in high school, with my life savings, was a set of Micro Acoustic speakers with a 5 tweeter array back in 1978-79. I loved the big and open sound! I purchased them at Tech HiFi after listening many, many times at the Nashua, NH store location.
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/micro-acoustics-frm-1ax.441659/

I remember my set having a 5 tweeter array, but this picture shows a 4 tweeter array I think? You could also adjust the tweeter output level. Good idea for Eric.

I bet Eric was inspired by the same speaker!

Hi grannyring,

I'm glad you shared your recollection of the speaker in your past using a tweeter array that you totally enjoyed.  It gives me the opportunity to clarify the misconception that the seven tweeters in the DI's are a type of line array in Eric's design.

Even though these are tweeter transducers the six of them that form the circle, based on what frequencies they handle, radiate acoustically as if they were one six inch mid-range driver.  The transducer in the middle is being used as a tweeter and handles the high end frequencies up to 30Khz.  So, acoustically you have a six inch mid-range driver with a coaxial mounted tweeter which means it functions as a single point source.  Now, by Eric figuring out how to make this work you get all the advantages of a coaxial driver, however the mid-range array weights close to nothing leading to blazing speed/dynamics/micro-details compared to a regular six inch driver, regardless of what materials it is made out of it cannot be as light in weight.  Yet, you still get not only remarkable transit response, but great control because each driver is small and well behaved.  The closet you could come to this regarding weight/control would be a ribbon or AMT which cannot be used coaxial design as a single point source.  Brilliant on his part!

The more I listen to the DI's regarding mid-range and high frequencies they easily rival any panel design/ribbon/AMT I have had in my system and surpass them in low end extension/dynamics and overall macro-dynamics.

Mac,

Looks like you have some very good tubes coming your way should be a very good combo.I'm anxiously awaiting my MZ2,I already have plenty of excellent tubes to roll.

The MZ2 must have one heck of a glorious single watt.

Enjoy the music,

Kenny.

Teajay,

Thank You for the very well explained magic of the DI's midrange and high frequencies,You nailed it perfectly.

They easily rival any speaker I have ever owned or heard with all the qualities you listed,I'm just simply amazed every time I listen too them.

Kenny.

Understood and just having fun. I hope to someday hear these as I own a highly modified, and improved, set of AZ Crescendo speakers that I love.....but always open minded.

On paper his design sure looks promising and innovative! 

I will also add that his innovation has and will continue to  impact the direction of many current and future speaker builders. Innovation is a wonderful thing for us all!

Hi Teajay,
I appreciate your comments regarding the design and concept of the Double Impacts. It didn’t go unnoticed when earlier in this thread you wrote that you prefer them to the Wilson Sasha and your own Lawrence Audio Cello speakers. This admission really does speak volumes.

This has me very curious about the Double Impact SE , same design but utilizing the excellent Scanspeak drivers and upgraded crossover parts. The DI is a very interesting new product that seems  to genuinely compete with speakers in the 20- 30K dollar price range. This is no small feat by any measure.

The icing on the cake is its ability to be successfully driven by a few high quality watts of power. This isn’t an easy task, this represents exceptionally good engineering and execution. Teajay you have own/heard/reviewed many highly regarded High End audio products. You deriving so much satisfaction and listening pleasure with these speakers and a low watt 2A3 (high quality) amplifier is quite significant given your background and deep exposure to many High End brands. This is a entirely different domain from your big Pass Labs amplifier based system. It appears that this current system has taken you to a higher level based on your comments. Fascinating. 
Charles

grannyring,
As a student Tech Hifi was my go to source for audio in mid-70s, only in NJ, Route 4, Johnny Rutan of Audio Connection doing the demos and selling me if I remember correctly ESS, or Ohm speakers, plus, plus, breaking my bank account as well.

As for Eric Alexander I have been a fan of his excellent inexpensive speakers for some years now. I've owned his small single driver monitor as well as the Lore and Mini-Lore. All good for low-power SET or basically any decent amp. I am so happy for Eric's well-deserved breakthrough with the DIs and other new products. Congratulations Eric!!!

Over the course of time I have owned many great speakers, amps and ancillary equipment. Recently I was fortunate to acquire my brother's systems, DeVore 0/96, Harbeth HL5, Leben CS600s as well as some other interesting stuff. Now, l'm thinking I must hear the Double Impacts. And what if I like them better than the 0/96? Is that a real possibility? I thought I was done, the big "monkey coffin" (Dr. Gizmo) is quite excellent, am I back on the merry-go-round? I really believed the quest was over. Now, after reading this thread thoroughly, it dawned on me that it is like the new Wonder Woman movie, when you think you have won, it is not quite over. Or, as Yogi Berra would say, "it's not over till it's over," or something like that. Best all, mikirob 

I upgraded my preamp a few days ago to a BHK Signature. It's the best sounding preamp I've come across, far better than the Simaudio P5 I was using. Through the Double Impacts it has an almost magical ability to make even modest recordings sound excellent. It's a real detail monster, revealing every little nuance in a recording. Surprised that more folks aren't talking about it. Vocals on it have such texture!
Also found out that my Ulfberhts are shipping soon. Moving them will require lots of strong backs.

Mikirob,

It's not over till it's over.

I really love my Di's,they have panel inner detail and delicacy without the panel,they have coaxial and full range driver coherency without the shortcomings and they have speed,dynamics and excellent bass.I no longer need my subs at all.

They are an easy load for about any amp you would want to use.

I had the orangutan about 5 yrs ago,and they are pretty good for a 2 way design but I like my Di's better than any speaker I have ever owned or heard in my 31 yrs in this hobby.

I was pretty skeptical till I got a pair,now I want a 2nd set for my 2nd system and sale my Zu audio def's 4.

If you get a chance you need to listen to a pair,you may very well like them.

Best of luck to you,

Kenny.

Thanks teajay

I just bought some Tektons. I was very impressed by them. I absolutely can't wait to get them. It is a complete Home Theater system and should really sound special. At least I hope so! :-)

Kenny,
Double Impacts replacing the Zu DEF IV is interesting as that speaker has many happy owners on this site. There's quite a long ongoing audiogon  thread regarding that speaker. 
Charles 

Charles,
Yes I know I've read that thread several times.I owned Druid V's before the def's,I preferred the def's overall.
Both were upgraded to the max,internal wiring,Duelands on the radian compression drivers,damping material on the FRD baskets,and added damping inside cabinets.

They are a pretty good speaker that I have had for about 5 yrs, I've been fascinated for full range single driver speakers for a long time and had to try some but at the end of the day they have shortcomings that I don't care to live with anymore.

They are a little shouty and in your face,they beam the upper frequencies and they don't measure flat they have a 2 to 3 db bump up around the 2k to 4K range,It's the mechanical crossover of the whizzer cone.I get the same basic measurements in 3 diff. Rooms that I have tried them in from our older house to our new house that we have been in for 2yrs.
The in room efficiency rating is 3db lower than advertised also,which is really no big deal they are pretty efficient anyway.

They Sound their best with tube amps especially dht's, really helped smoothe them down a little bit.

They are a unique speaker but with preferring my DI's much more it's time to move on and I don't regret it at all.

Over the years I have owned tannoy's and altec 604's but I know I would still prefer the DI's,just a incredibly magical speaker.

I know your pretty darn happy with your system but if you ever get a chance to listen to a pair of Di's you might like them.

Kenny.

kdude
I only heard the Tekton speakers with tube amplification. Raven Audio Amps to be specific and they sounded great. You commented that they sound best with tube amplification. I have solid state, so I hope you are wrong there. I guess I will find out.

Hey everybody,

Just spent five hours listening to Canary Audio's reference SET 300B mono-blocks that are in for review on the DI's.  Yes, these are brand new and need some hours of burn-in, yet they sounded quite superlative right out of the crate.

Here's some cursory impressions regarding the difference between the wonderful Triode Lab SET 2A3 sound compared to the SET 300B amplifier driving the DI's.

1) First, the DI's are truly perfect conduits, you hear every change you make upstream so easily.

2) Do you like great plasma or high res?  The 2A3 has slightly more dense colors/timbres/warmth (beautiful) and the 300B has slightly more defined leading edges of the individual players.

3) The layering and size of the sound-stage using the 2A3 is quite good/natural, however the 300B expands on these aspects in all directions: height, width, depth

4) With both being driven by the Micro-ZOTL more of the speed and overall power of the line-stage is transmitted by the 300B amp.

5) The bottom end of the 300B amp is much more powerful/taut compared with the 2A3 amp.

Remember, this is all cursory and the Canary needs to burn-in more.  Both amplifiers are wonderful on the DI's, but different and I think which will appeal more to you and I would be totally personal taste and the type of music you mainly listen to.   

Hey Teajay

Have you heard any of the Tektons with digital amps or only tube amps? I bought some but the only place I could hear them only had tube amps. I am hoping they will sound just as good.

Hey vitop,

I have heard the DI's with Pass Labs XA-60.8's and an Accuphase  P-450 with great results.  I'm more of a tube fan and I still have not heard, and I have listened to supposedly some of the best, D amps, any that I would want to own.

@vitop: They sound terrific with solid state amps/systems. Definitely no need for concern. : )

TeaJay:

Thank You! I was starting to worry. I listened to but did not buy the DI's. Eric told me these would be much better than even the DI's, so I could not resist. I really thought a lot of the DI's so if these are really significantly better, I am going to be in heaven.

Thanks for the info on the amps. I spent WAY more than I wanted to on these, but I wanted to do the whole Home Theater at once so I bit the bullet. My next step will be amp upgrades, but it will be a while before I pay this stuff off. Could not find anything that sounded better at anything close to the price though.

Thanks David.

I have to admit, I was starting to worry there :-)

Vitop,

The DI's will do well with just about any amp tubes or solid state.
They are a very easy load to drive,you just use the amp of your choice and try it.

I only have one tube amp left after many years of using tubes,a Yamamoto A09s which is a 300b.

Here is a list of solid state amps I have used with the DI's

First watt J2
First watt diy push pull sit that uses nos Sony vfets and jfets courtesy of Nelson's gracious diy efforts.
Ncore nc400
Bel canto ref 600m's
Red dragon S-500
Nuprime St-10
Modwright Kwa-100Se
Pass labs Xa-30.8

Everyone of these amps drive the DI's just fine,you just need to decide what sonic presentation you desire.

Best of luck to you,

Kenny.

@teajay : As always, your updates are helpful and I know I'm not the only one who is appreciative and grateful for your ongoing insights vis a vis the Double Impacts.

I heartily emphasize and second what you wrote in reference to the DIs being "truly perfect conduits, you hear every change you make upstream so easily."

Wow... Thanks Kenny. That is quite a list. I should be good to go once I get them then!

@vitop: What are "these" if you did not buy the DIs? My response was with respect to the Double Impacts. What did you go with? And how many speakers? : )

@333jeffery: Congratulations on your new Preamp! I'm still kicking myself for not picking up the BHK Signature 250 when it was released....I had the opportunity to jump in at a very, very good price.

Can you provide more detail on improvements within your system and with the DIs? I've been mulling a preamp choice myself.

David:
From what I know, they don’t even have a name yet. We just call them the mini Ulfberts.
It’s kind of a long story how we got to these. And apparently Eric already had them planned but he did not mention them to me til later in our conversations.
My primary focus was Home Theater. Me and my wife are getting older and some of the movie dialog is not too good and we get irritated when we can’t make it out. So I was shopping for speakers to replace my electrostats.
I heard a lot of different brands. I could not find anything that I thought could get the most detail out of movie dialog and still knock my socks off with music. I listened to SF, B&W, Wilson, etc. (a bunch more too). I came down to the Paradigm Persona speakers for the best clarity (movies) and the Wilsons for the best music, but I really wanted to find something that could do them both.
I had heard that Legacy Audio made some real giant slayers, so I wanted to hear them. My dealer is Raven Audio here in the Houston area. I spoke to Dave (owner --SUPER nice guy) and he also told me to listen to Tekton who he was also going to be bringing in. So I went there to listen to the Legacy Signatures which were about 7K and which I had heard great things about and the Tekton DI’s which were the speakers he was getting in.
In the meantime, with Daves blessing, I was speaking with Eric to try to nail down my requirements for what I wanted. I told him I wanted something with extreme clarity openess.
We specifically discussed the center speaker and I wanted to upgrade from the DI center because I really wanted the best i could get there, so I asked if we could double the 7 speaker cluster to be like the Ulfbert for the center. Eric told me he could do that. We discussed about the DI’s being larger than I would like but I would deal with it if the sound was as good as I heard about.
That was it. No mention of anything alse at that point. i was going with DI’s and a shortened sideways Ulfbert center type of a speaker. I wanted Atmos but was reluctant to give up my JL Audio subs. Eric told me his would sound better, so I looked at the Cinema subs, but they are just way too big for me plus I have 2 subs and would want two of them.
So I told Eric that I had an appointment set up with Dave to listen to the Di’s and we spoke some more about the DI’s and their size. Eric told me that he was hearing about some other $7500 speakers and he just wanted to blow everything at the $7500 price point out of the water. He told me that the Ulfbert was the best sounding speaker he had ever heard, but they were too big and too expensive for me since I was doing the whole system. Then he told me he had designed a smaller version that was even less wide and less deep than the DIs but taller (to keep the enclosure space) that he was going to sell at $7500 to blow everything away. It seemed like exactly what I wanted because it would match my center and he said it would sound better than the DIs. I really don’t know what the rest of the driver complement is. I know it has the some tweeter config as the Ulfbert, and I guess I’ll get surprised by the rest. (I actually texted him to ask him about it since you made me want to know). I trust him so if he says it will sound better, I’m not going to question him.
I went out and listened to the DI’s and decided that I wanted to buy them. He did some trick stuff for the subs also. I already have bored everyone to death with the length of this post, so I guess I’ll leave that for another post if anyone is even interested.

@vitop: Thanks! That's really good to know. I was on the phone with Eric a few days ago and we briefly discussed the Ulfberht and also that he was designing a smaller version that might be easier to accommodate into living area spaces. I committed to going to Utah to listen in person and to also see in person before deciding if they are going to be enough of an upgrade SQ wise and to justify aesthetically as well. I'm very interested in learning  how they work out for you.

Do you have a feel for when they will be in your system?

Even if they are 'marginally' better than the DIs, you are in for a real treat! And if they are the upgrade Eric says they are, I can only imagine how a complete set will perform in an optimized HT setting.  

kdude66,
Thank you for your feedback back to me. That you owned the Orangutan a while back, yet believe the Double Impacts are better is really helpful. You've had some excellent systems that I can relate too. My gut tells me I can trust your ears along with some others also posting here. Plus, I've had great experience with Eric's former endeavors. It looks like I will be purchasing the DIs in very near future. Best, mikirob 

Thanks David. No, I don't. I am going to let him figure it out. I don't even know the final driver configuration yet but I think the bass drivers probably have to be 8" drivers to fit the new width.

These won't fit into my system... they WILL BE my new system. I am even going out on a limb and ordering new subs to replace my JL Audio Fanthoms. Surrounds and rears will be the shelf version of the DI's but thinner so it really should be something.

I had originally decided on Paradigm Personna speakers. The Beryllium drivers sounded super clean to me (they still do), but musically the DI's are better (IMO) and they might even be better for clarity also. I spent some time listening to the DI's and they really sounded good.

I've got an Anthem Processor that uses ARC so it should optimize the speakers pretty well. I hope so anyway!

When are you going down there to listen to them?

David, the BHK preamp provides a level of detail that I have not been able to achieve with any other preamp that I have tried. It's sound is crystal clear, yet very rich and textured. Bass is just right, while the treble extends all the way to the highest frequencies without sounding harsh or etched. Plus, it has that "holographic" quality that folks are always raving about. Combined with the DI's excellent midrange abilities, it produces a magical listening experience. I was listening to the recent remix of Songs from the Wood and Ian Anderson's voice was full of detail that I had never noticed before. Other recordings that I tried on it did not have the thin/hollow sound that they had on the other preamps I have owned. This one component made as much difference in my system as when I upgraded my dac to the Yggdrasil a few years back. Maybe even a bit more!

I am intrigued by the DIs. Wish there was some dealer close by to go listen. Are these available in some wood veneers?

milpai
I understand that they do veneers for an extra cost.

Milpai,

They do some good quality veneers at much added cost and wait.

You might contact them by email or phone.


Best,

Kenny.

Looks like some exciting times at Tekton. Does Eric ever sleep? Lots to respond to here.

Teajay, thanks for the update and keep us posted as the 300B gets more time on it. Also, thanks for the tweeter array explanation. That makes so much sense. I always wondered how Eric could make such an efficient four way speaker. Allowing the ring of tweeters to handle much of the midrange is definitely thinking outside the box. Kudo's to Eric. 

333jeffrey, you have the Ulfberhts on order? Sweet! Can't wait to hear your impressions. I find it hard that any speaker could be marginally better than the DI's but something tells me the Ulfberhts will be.......and that's saying A LOT!

vitop, thanks for sharing all that info. A mini Ulfberht already? The mad speaker scientist never stops! I don't know if anyone has ever heard the DI SE's or Ulfberhts and there's already a mini Ulfberht on the way. I am so content with my DI's I can't image getting another speaker but should I come into some extra money id love to try one of the Ulfberhts.

The BHK has very similar sound characteristics of the Linear Tube Audio MZ2. Super clear, detailed, fast, dynamic, great bass, holographic and musical. I'm hoping my new tubes arrive tomorrow so that I can start rolling. The DI's work well with such transparent equipment as they are able to replicate whatever is thrown their way. 

333jeffrey,

What 12au7s are you using in the BHK?

mac:
I'll tell you what... I have gained so much respect for Eric. The first time I called him was an evening. It might have been a weekend even. I don't remember. I expected to leave a message but I wanted to do that so I didn't forget to call during business hours and I would already be in the call back queue. Eric answers the phone and we spoke for a while. I could tell he had a lot going on but he spent the time necessary with me on the phone and never seemed short. Whenever I call he is always in the middle of doing many things. He really does need help and he recently hired an assistant that I have spoken to a few times. Obviously she does not have his knowledge but she is very friendly and extremely willing to help. She seems sharp and I think she will get there knowledge-wise sooner than later.

And, yes, Eric thinks outside the box big time. He came up with a crazy good subwoofer solution for me that I hope he patents.

Jeffrey:
I had not read your previous post about the Ulfberhts. I REALLY want to hear what you think of them. I hope the mini versions sound almost as good.
How long did it take from the time you ordered until they shipped?

Facten, I'm using some vintage Siemens "silver plate"  12au7 tubes, though I've found that Telefunken tubes sound about as good.

Vitop, I ordered the Ulfberhts about 2 weeks ago, and they are shipping in the next day or so. Usually takes a week to get here. The hard part will be uncrating and moving them.

Thanks Jeffrey. I am guessing mine might take longer but 2 weeks to make them is really very reasonable. I will be looking forward to your impressions.

If you have trouble uncrating them Jeffrey let me know and I'll be right over to help.......uncrate them into my truck, that is ;) Seriously though, it shouldn't be too bad. I got the Legacy Focus SE's in place by myself and they weigh as much as the Ulfberhts. I used a hand cart to get the boxed speakers into my room, which included slowly sliding them down a set of stairs, unboxed them laying on their sides, slid them out and stood them up. Where there's a will there's a way and hearing the Ulfberhts would create a lot of will! I'm very much looking forward to your impressions. I think you're in for a real treat, my friend. 

Vitop,

i honestly dont know how Eric does it. If doesn't actually perform every part of the speakers construction, he's at least involved in it. The cabinets are built by someone else I believe but Eric gets his hands into everything else. On top of that he personally answers the phone, at least all the times I've called. His new assistant might be his new wife.....they were married last December. 

A new subwoofer design too? You're getting all kinds of treats! Please let us know all about your speakers and subs when you get them. 

I will. Thanks!

@vitop what are your options/ideas for mounting DI surround/rear speakers? I'm also thinking of DI surround/rear but i am not sure about how to mount/raise these speakers, they are pretty big and heavy for surrounds

iamasif

I agree. I had actually asked Eric about this very thing. At this point in time he is not supplying any sort of brackets and is not making the speakers with any type of mounting capabilities. Any threaded inserts would need to be done for a particular mounting pattern.
So it really is an issue. The two rears will be sitting right above our seating area pointing down on top of us, so I am concerned about it also. Eric said to get some brackets, screw them into the speakers and use catch cables.
Once I get them, I am going to do a review of the different bracket types and may in fact put inserts into the speakers myself.
So I guess what I am saying is I am not really sure either. I need to get it solved. I was thinking about a different brand of wall mounted speaker, but I would like to keep it the same.
If anyone on this forum has dealt with and solved this issue, it would be great to hear about it.

One thing that will help me is that the rears will only be about 4" deep, so that will keep the mass down, but it is still an issue to solve.


Right now my leading candidate of an idea is a mount (a mini one) like that is used to mount a flat screen TV to a wall and allow it to tilt down. I would need one that would allow a 90 degree of tilt down so I had the ability to tilt it down as much as I need. I do not think a bracket like that would be that hard to find. then I would put screw inserts into the back of the speaker and screw the other part onto the wall. The fact that the speakers would have little clearance to the back side of the cabinet makes me nervous about drilling holes. I wish there was an actual Tekton solution but at this point in time, there is none.

Then I have to figure out how to attach a catch cable to the speaker. An internet search for speaker catch cable did not get me anywhere.

Mac:

I heard the Focus SE’s when I went to hear the DI’s. I like them. I didn’t read the whole thread, and I’m sure you mentioned it, but do you also have some Tektons? If so, are you keeping both and which do you like more?


EDIT: I went back and read some pages back and see you have the DI's. Are you also keeping the Focus speakers? Just curious.

Vitop,
the Focus SE's were very nice but I prefer the DI's and sold the Focus.......which actually surprised me as I didn't think the DI's were actually going to outperform the much more expensive SE's. I was planning on using the DI's in my theater system but they firmly entrenched in my two channel system. I'll get some Tekton Enzo 2.7's for my theater. 

On an unrelated note I rolled in the TungSol round plate, black glass 12SN7's with some 40's Mullard 12AT7's into the LTA MZ2. Damn, they sound good. They added just enough warm texture and smoothness for my liking. They may be a tad bit slower with slightly less attack than the RCA's I had, but I love the natural tone and texture given to vocals and instruments. It's more realistic sounding to my ears. I believe Teajay's assertion that adding a SET amp adds even more musicality but I'm more than happy sticking with this one watt wonder of an integrated amp with these gorgeous vintage tubes. I'm sure I'll take the SET amp dive someday but I'll revel in the sound I'm getting now for a while first. I still have to try the KenRad 12SN7's but I'm enjoying the TungSols too much right now. 

Thanks for for all of your suggestions regarding the DI's and MZ2 Teajay! 

I really wish Tekton would start selling in stores.  :(

Contuzzi,

Not really needed,just get you a pair I like did.
No regrets whatsoever,best 3k I have ever spent in this hobby in 31yrs.

Disclaimer,I don't like dealers just makes prices go up.

I've heard though that the upper Tekton models will be dealer only,
Bummer time to put the diy cap on.LOL.

Best of luck to you,

Kenny.

Mac, 

Glad to hear you got some really awesome tube choices for your MZ2.
I've got my tubes all ready now I just need my MZ2 to show up,
I can't hardly wait.

Best,


Kenny.