@craigl59 If you write a ticket to support@audiogon.com, attention: Tammy, I can help you with this.
Tekton Double Impacts
Anybody out there heard these??
I have dedicated audio room 14.5x20.5x9 ft. Currently have Marantz Reference CD/Intergrated paired to Magnepan 1.7's with REL T-7 subs. For the vast majority of music I love this system. The only nit pick is that it is lacking/limited in covering say below 35 hz or so. For the first time actually buzzed the panel with an organ sacd. Bummer. Thought of upgrading subs to rythmicks but then I will need to high pass the 1.7's. Really don't want to deal with that approach.
Enter the Double Impacts. Many interesting things here. Would certainly have a different set of strengths here. Dynamics, claimed bottom octave coverage in one package, suspect a good match to current electronics.
I've read all the threads here so we do not need to rehash that. Just wondering if others out there have FIRST HAND experience with these or other Tekton speakers
Thanks.
I have dedicated audio room 14.5x20.5x9 ft. Currently have Marantz Reference CD/Intergrated paired to Magnepan 1.7's with REL T-7 subs. For the vast majority of music I love this system. The only nit pick is that it is lacking/limited in covering say below 35 hz or so. For the first time actually buzzed the panel with an organ sacd. Bummer. Thought of upgrading subs to rythmicks but then I will need to high pass the 1.7's. Really don't want to deal with that approach.
Enter the Double Impacts. Many interesting things here. Would certainly have a different set of strengths here. Dynamics, claimed bottom octave coverage in one package, suspect a good match to current electronics.
I've read all the threads here so we do not need to rehash that. Just wondering if others out there have FIRST HAND experience with these or other Tekton speakers
Thanks.
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totalwex,I use to DI's with a pair of Hsu sealed subs to very good effect. I have not heard the monitors but I can tell you that you will get better bottom octave coverage using the subs. If the monitor option allows you to better optimize speaker placement (i.e. to give them breathing room) that is what I would do. If you could optimally place either speaker, the DI's alone would keep many happy (but in my room drop off rapidly below 30hz). |
Heads Up on an Excellent cable...if you can use HDMI I have 3 of these . They sound fantastic with the DI. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9105h-purist-audio-design-hdmi-lr-hdmi-cable-5ft-1-5m-digital?r... |
dlcockrum: Agree with most of your informed description... ...however, have just had a young female diagnosed with Syringomelia and it is not uncommon in the USA -- roughly 15% of US cavaliers eventually contract this condition. About 95% of Cavaliers have the underlying skull deformity that can or cannot result in the eventual problem. There are 3 neurological centers in Phoenix devoted significantly to this problem and they make a good deal of money from MRIs. The breeder of the aforementioned female is well known, married to a vet, and claims she has not had another case in 18 years of breeding. She was questioned about this problem extensively before purchase and it still happened. BTW, the surgical option is laughably bad -- roughly a 40% success rate and frequent recidivism. AND I echo your comments about sidetracking this thread and will not continue. |
Hi Craig, I am a registered CKCS breeder with AKC. You are right on that the challenge with this breed is avoiding hereditary health issues. Responsible breeders have their CKCS parent dogs tested for mitral valve disease, eye and knee issues by experts in the field and get certification of health in those areas prior to breeding. Buyers should insist on seeing these documents as well as an AKC-certified bloodline prior to purchasing a pup. This is one reason why this breed is expensive to purchase. We have indeed been fortunate in that none of our dogs nor their offspring have yet been diagnosed nor exhibited signs of the maladies you mention. All Cavaliers will eventually develop mitral valve disease due to the lack of detection of this issue in the breeder stock used to re-establish the breed in 1926 due to efforts by Roscoe Eldridge and worsened later by inbreeding following WWII. The goal of good CKCS breeders is to delay the onset of this disease until very late in life so that the dog lives a happy, healthy life. Syringomelia is a heartbreaking congenital defect (skull is too small for the brain) that is mostly limited to dogs in Europe and is a result of poor breeding practices. Almost nonexistent among well-bred dogs in the US. Point being there here are issues to vet when selecting a CKCS pup but the breed is not a “Typhoid Mary” by any means. Proper due diligence in selecting a reputable breeder is the key to success. Apologies to the OP for sidetracking his thread. Dave |
dlcockrum: I congratulate you on your dog's health and am sad to inform you that Cavalier Spaniels are among the most unhealthy of canine breeds. They are known for their heart, throat, and, especially, neck problems (Syringomyelia). Many of these were caused by the inbreeding necessary to recreate the breed in the early 20th century. If you have 10 healthy Cavs you are among the most fortunate of owners and can enjoy all the plusses with no distractions. I have 3 boys that are mostly healthy and they are a delight. |
I wanted to add that I've ordered a Peachtree Nova300 integrated amp to my demo scenario. It should arrive at about the same time as the ZOTL early next week. All I've done since my last post has been to break-in the DIs by running them 14 hours/day with a highly dynamic CD. I won't do any serious evaluation until all of the amps/pre are in the house. Two quick observations to share: 1) the DI sonic signature noticeably changed from right out of the box to about 10-20 hours in, and 2) the DI has a sonic presentation clearly different from the Spatial Triode Master M3 and B&W 702 S2; not "better" to my ears, but just different, and time will tell how affected I am after a focused test. I didn't really appreciate what the other speakers did until I had the ability to do a quick side-by-side comparative listen. The well-broken-in Spatials are able to deliver a very clever, palpable, convincing, and engaging 3D simulation with my PrimaLuna gear. |
The model # I have is SP-SA-103-3 Total Height:3.312"Outside Width:14 Front 10 Rear"Depth:14"Shelf Height:.3125"SP-SA-103-3 & SA-103-4Sistrum Apprentice™Price: $ 449.99 VIEW DETAILS You can purchase coupling discs separately they sit on top of the sharp spike that is attached to the platform .They are flat on top. The flat part is what you set the speaker on.It seems that they are many different ways to do this . I put the sharp spike onto the carpet under the platform . Installed the spikes pointing up on the platform and the disc on the point on the top of the platform . leaving you a smooth flat surface for the speaker to contact and sit on.here really isn’t a pic showing that https://www.google.com/search?biw=1600&bih=805&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=OVMoW_OjFdDbzwKHpZmw... : |
Grey9hound: Yes, very helpful and thanks for the effort. See that there are 4-legged options available. Which specific model did you choose? The depth appears to be 14 inches on most and I wonder if that is sufficient for the 17 1/2 DI depth. Do you stick the inverted cone into the bottom of the DI cabinet? |
@craigl59No, I am sorry i was not comparing them to Herbies or any other product. I realize that your question was "as compared to", but i was giving my assessment of the Sistrum Apprentice as compared to no platforms. They could be "tippy" if they are not "balanced out or evened out" on the three points. They could be pushed over , but because of the weight of the Double Impacts, I would generally not consider them "Tippy". You would have to exert quite a bit of force. You can get the platforms with 4 points. I hope my answer helps some. |
david_ten: Congrats on your stunning system and the very helpful DI closeup. What is the stand under the Gliders? Is this a Herbies product? Don't have children (anymore) but do have 5 active cavalier spaniels that will attack anything with teeter possibilities. How do they know? Must be instinctive. And, did I mention, they love to pee on a sub? Something about those low frequencies... |
@craigl59 Star Sound is one of my top choices also, but it is tippy which is why I did not go with it (due to our young son). It is an excellent option, otherwise. I just added a photo to my system page so you can see my Herbie ’solution’ with the DIs vs. the SE’s with the GAIA IIs (notice the compression on the GAIAs...also NOTE that the SEs are just above the weight specs for the IIs). BTW, thanks to @sbayne for encouraging me to post details on my system...which I did today (basic info). |
I have the Star Sound Sistrum Apprentice platforms under the Tekton Double Impacts . Everything is clearer and cleaner sounding.. There is much improved separation of instruments and their placement in space or in the sound field. Bass is deeper and more articulate. Everything is improved . It is very noticeable |
Hello Craig, If you find pictures of my room at AXPONA this past year, you should see pictures of the speakers with spikes on the floor and then with the Star Sound Platforms underneath. The difference these made was substantial and made me an instant believer, although some things Robert told me did strike me as hard to believe. Well, as the show wore on I had multiple customers of his come in and begin talking about his products. I spoke with them about the areas I struggled to wrap my head around and they confirmed everything Robert had said. By the end of the show, I was at a point where I didn't want, but HAD to be a Star Sound dealer. I've since had some involved discussions with him about his products and have come to realize that he really knows his stuff. Because of him and his products, I have become a believer in vibration management rather than isolation. If you find his website to be a little hard to swallow, please don't hesitate to give him a call and talk to him. If you look on the Tekton website, there are a few pictures showing the Double Impacts on top of some Star Sound platforms. Good luck with your search! Skip |
@craigl59 Just to note the Aurios are not made anymore, but they do show up on the used market (that is how I acquired mine). You would need the Aurio Pro or Pro Max. 3 per speaker. Otherwise the Symposium Rollerblocks Jr or HDSE supposedly are just as good. You can contact Symposium direct for a solution that would be cheaper than the GAIA feet. |
Thanks, all. The Aurios Bearings look interesting and they are about the same price as the GAIA II. Would not spend $1200 on feet but might try the Aurios. The Starsound items look interesting but their descriptive text strikes me as indirect at best. Will probably just stand pat with the Herbies as they have improved the bass and soundstage.. |
Starsound Technologies Sistrum Apprentice http://starsoundtechnologies.com/SistrumApprentice.php Sorry. It works now |
I much prefer Aurios Bearings under my Tektons compared to the supplied spikes and Herbie Hush Puckies I tried. The spikes accentuated the highs where the bearings actually relaxed the highs back and tighten the bass more. I would try the Gaia bearings if funds allow. @greyhound You need to edit that link it won’t work |
Starsound Technologies Sistrum Apprentice Platforms http://http//starsoundtechnologies.com/SistrumApprentice.php |
I'm a big fan of Herbie's products. I believe I've ordered from them on 12 occasions. When I received my D.I.'s I wanted the Giant Threaded Gliders, and for about a week could not get an answer at their location and then I was fortunate enough to acquire them used from a valued member of this thread. Using the 8 units however I was disappointed with the result. Again believing in their products my conclusion was it was quantity not quality. With plenty of product laying around I added a Giant Glider to the center of the D.I.'s, now like a 5 dice arrangement with good results, but not quite there yet. I then added a couple of large square dots dead center in front to each which in this configuration has done the trick for me. LP |
The Gaia IIs were what I tried. I didn't get the 1 because of the doubling of price, but if you are going to go the Gaia route I think that the 1 is the best and right option for the DI as well as the heavier SE. I did not perceive any real differences or upsides with the Gaia II vs my doubled Herbie 'sandwich' setup. |
Have any of the DI owners used or upgraded to the GAIA II loudspeaker feet? These are a bit more expensive than the Herbies Threaded Stud Gliders I am currently using, but appear to be more substantial and refined in their design. The Herbies cost around $130 as opposed to the $600 for the GAIA and I am wondering if there is enough additional improvement to justify the cost. |
Ha,ha thanks David. Part of it is, as I go through these boards many of the names are familiar but I can’t remember what someone said about their system 2 days ago let alone 2 weeks ago. So I have no idea what their system consists of. Just easier to click the person’s name, click "details" and then look at their system. That’s how Audiogon has set it up. Unfortunately, many people don’t use it. |
@sbayne Keep hounding me on posting my system...it's been helping me get closer to doing so. You're a good role model...I need to get busy with the 'modeling' part. : ) BTW, if you haven't checked out Scott's system page I encourage you to take a look. He updates on a regular basis and following the progression is interesting and educational. |
@snovosel - thanks for sharing your experiences regarding the amps! As to your comment: "One more note I thought I should share (although I wish there was a way for me to display photos of my listening space because then this explanation would be clearer to anyone reading it)" The system pages on Audiogon are the best way to share pictures and thoughts on your system. I totally believe "a picture is worth a thousand words." I've been trying to get people to use the system pages for years. It's a little bit of work but it's worth it! @jbomber - nice series of speakers you've had over the years! What brand are the 845 monoblocks you are using with the DIs? What does the rest of your system consist of? |
I recently posted this in another discussion... Well, maybe I'm a little late to the conversation, but... I quite recently had the chance to purchase a used set of DIs with the upgrades, and between all the reviews and hub bub, and the killer price, and my sickness that has me swapping perfectly awesome gear to try new stuff, I jumped at it. And I must say; no regrets! I think that all good speakers have their ideal sweet spot -- paired with the right electronics, in the right room, with the right music. For me and my music, the Tektons blew me away. My system is in a really large space -- a great room with vaulted (23') ceilings. So I need some juice and speakers that will throw sound, have a large sweet spot, but still allow for critical listening in the "perfect seat". I originally paired them with Red Dragon Leviathan monoblocks, and they performed admirably -- great detail and extension, and very nicely balanced, high-to-low. Then I paired them with a set of 845 monoblocks that push 50+ w/ch, and WOW, did they ever sing. I've owned some pretty nice speakers in my day, including a couple "world beaters" like Vandersteen 3a Sigs, open baffle designs, Audio Physics Virgos, Thiel CS5i, Zu Audio -- to name a few. The speakers that they were going to replace were a pair of PureAudioProject Trio15Voxativs -- fantastic speakers indeed. Here's how I'd sum it up. The open baffle architecture of the PAPs fills my large room with luscious sound, giving me the sensation of being mid-concert hall. The Tektons put me in the 5th row. More slam, easier to place instruments on the stage, better extension on both ends, and more detail (microdynamics?) without being etchy. Where the Tektons really shone (shined?) was on small ensemble jazz, and acoustic rock. Now, I realize that a lot of my perception might well be attributed to The "shiney new toy" syndrome, so I dragged a few friends -- listening buddies -- over for a glass or two and a listen. It was unanimous; the Tektons were regarded by all as the best speakers we'd ever heard in my system. Chet Baker/Bill Evans, Joni Mitchell, Jason Mraz, Dave Brubeck, Stephen Stills, Jason Isbel, Father John Misty; all just brought my room to life through the Tektons like we'd never heard before. And for that matter, Zeppelin II sounded better than I ever remember hearing it also. So, now I'm in a quandry. Looks like I'll be selling off some excess gear b/c I've found my listening Shangri La -- until the next urge hits me. But for now, I can whole-heartedly recommend the Tekton DIs. If they can sound this good in my shitty/non-ideal environment, then I'm dead-certain that they'll make a lot of people happy. My only hedge would be to recomment that you treat them like higher-end speakers, and pair them with the gear that one might intend for much more expensive speakers. Happy listening! |
@david_ten Thanks again for the suggestion as Terry was kind enough to take time to go over my concerns and thanks to him I have a much clearer path ahead of me. I’ve ordered a MZ2 upgraded with the linear power supply and NOS tubes, and I will also be demoing a ZOTL40. Concurrently, I will be demoing a Pass Labs XA25. I will mix and match everything, including the PrimaLunas, and see how it all shakes out. Terry further suggested I consider rolling in NOS Tung-Sol black glass, oval plate 1947 6SN7, Brimar 12AT7 Yellow Label, and/or NOS Gold Brand Sylvania 1957 12AT7 (combinations of which he has used to his satisfaction) on the MZ2 and so I will also bring those to the dance as soon as I can track them down. @lancelock Many thanks for the suggestion about the Ultralinear (UL) which is more costly. I did speak to Mark about that and at least for the moment we decided to try out the above combinations before anything else. So I will try to establish a baseline sound reference with the above gear and then may bring in the UL for a sound check. If the UL expresses "more" magic then I guess the question for me will be, does that "more" justify the extra expense. One more note I thought I should share (although I wish there was a way for me to display photos of my listening space because then this explanation would be clearer to anyone reading it). After speaking with Terry, I went downstairs to my set up, and essentially redid the configuration. I moved the speakers perpendicular to where they had been, put towels in front of each of the full length movie posters hanging on the walls (in front and to the sides), hung sheets from the center beam to basically separate the length of the room. So now I have a strange looking but essentially cordoned off listening space. This effort produced an immediate, startling, positive effect that has me questioning my entire effort above. Nonetheless, I am committed to the journey ahead and look forward to hearing where it takes me. |
@snovosel since you are considering the ZOTL40 with your DI SE, I would suggest the LTA UltraLinear instead of the ZOTL40. I have the DI SE and own both amps and as much as I love the ZOTL40 the UL is better and the 20 watts are plenty. When I say the UL is better I mean it is the best amp ive ever heard. |
@snovosel Regarding cabling...search the Forum for a number of current and ongoing discussions (many on reasonably priced cabling), including threads that are not active. Additionally, reach out to those using your Prima Luna and front end components for recommendations. Many decent options at reasonable prices...but it will require some experimenting on your part to find the right pairings within your system. |
@snovosel Thanks for the additional information. It provides a ton of context and feel for your priorities. Spatial Audio was also under consideration when I went with the Double Impacts. The only head to head in-home comparison I made was with Volti Audio Rivals (which are terrific speakers). Your approach is commendable and I, and I am sure others, look forward to learning about your takeaways and comparative findings. This may sound ’different or unusual’ but I’ve been able to take the SEs out of the equation and focus on what’s upstream. It’s a statement of faith in and commitment to, and a testament to how good the SEs are. In other words, I don’t think about the SEs...I hope those reading understand what I’m trying to communicate. The reason for sharing the above is to point out the value in being able to focus on all that is ahead of the SEs (and the DIs) and to answer your original post on amplification pairings. Your Primaluna separates will pair well!!! However,... ....if you can borrow or loan amps from audio friends or dealers, I would experiment to get a feel for how the different amps work within your system. I think you will find that once you have a week or two on the DIs they will showcase the differences between your current setup and anything else you bring in. I also recommend running LF sections from movie soundtracks to get a feel for the bass. I realize, from your post, that you may not be into cables...however, in my experience (thanks to @dlcockrum for assisting me in this area) I found that cabling did help demonstrably with BASS response (and in a number of other areas). I did see your specific thread on the Pass XA-25 (I have the XA-30.8) vs the Zotl40. Given how new the XA-25 is, and the fact that both amps lean towards being more ’cognoscenti’ amps I doubt you will get much direct and especially head to head comparative feedback. Your best bet is to reach out directly via PM to Terry @teajay who has been very open and generous in his support. |