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 David. Actually just a meager 100+ posts now.
Didn't think this thread would be going so strong after 3 months. I've really enjoyed watching this thread meander in different directions as more people enjoy their DI's (and other Tekton speakers). This really has proven to be a versatile speaker that been so successfully coupled to so many different systems, each reflecting their owners priorities in music reproduction.
1812's for sale on this site for $7K. Eric said they would best the Ulfberht's for live recordings and dynamics. The Ulfberht being better suited for more traditional hifi.
Odyssey custom Kismet Referrence stereo amp and tube pre-amp on order. Thanks for the input and recommendations folks. This just seemed like the right thing for what I want to accomplish.
Bullitt, i am using a Stratos Extreme with Jolida tube preamp that has some upgrades with the DIs with great results. I think you will like the Odyssey. I switch back and forth with Cayin tube amp with the Jolida still as the pre. Depending on my mood changes which I like best. They are both very very good!
@mofojo That sounds very good. Glad to hear that. He apparently is a big Tekton fan. He is doing quite a bit of customization to both the pre and power amp plus the full upgrade packages on both. He is also provisioning a third output from his Pre to integrate my sub. So I can put the Pre in an HT mode and it becomes passive to my HT amp while watching movies. If it all works as he says, it should be the best of both worlds. A 2-channel discrete system embedded in a 7.1 HT system.
Stfoth the answer is, sort-of. I am over with the Preamp included, but the original number was for the Power Amp, only. But Klaus does give better than advertised pricing if you call and go through your application/needs with him and buy a package deal. So my overall budget is intact because the if new preamp configuration works, I don't have to replace my Denon. I can keep the Denon for HT and that money went to the lesser cost Preamp and the more expensive power amp in the package. So basically, I'm still within my overall budget for the system. That clear as mud?
Klaus said he would build me "relatively inexpensive" center channel amp if the voicing between the center and front mains are problematic. Relative inexpensive to him is probably 4 figures, but there is a solution there. And Atmos is going to take an additional 4 speakers. I'm not convinced we're missing a lot not having it. But if I get rich and/or bored, who knows. Thanks for the input stfoth.
I am going the Atmos route. I have had people tell me that there is not a big difference and others that swear it is astounding. The common thread is that it has to be dome right. And obviously the material has to be encoded for it to be at it’s best, but more and more of it is coming out.
Where I heard it, I could not tell a big difference from just good surround, but I spoke to one of the other sales people from the facility and they told me that he spoke to the guy that gave me the demo and it was not done right. Not sure exactly why, but he invited me to go back when he was there and he would set it up for Atmos listening for me. I never got back there, but am going to try to get there before I get my speakers.
you will love the Odysseys with the DI's......both with music and HT. The dynamics will astound you, the Odyssey really grips the drivers and can produce prodigious sound levels and slam. They can also produce a very musical sound, albeit not as musical as a tube amp IMO, with great detail and delicacy. Klaus really knows how to tailor his stuff to your needs, equipment and preferences. Are you going with the hybrid Candela pre or the SS pre? If you go with the Candela definitely get some nice NOS tubes for it.
I have the Candela on order. Thanks for the comments. That is encouraging. I will look at
tube upgrades at some point. Talking to Klaus it's apparently going take
several weeks to ship and about a year to break it in with my listening habits. Seems like the
ultimate sound is a long way off!
Since we are talking about amps, I have to chime in; I just
installed a hybrid tube integrated amp (Victor SV-500). I had been using a
flagship Denon receiver (AVR-5700). I believed that a $3000 receiver that got
rave reviews for sound would be enough. Well, I have to say that I was very,
very wrong. OMG, the new amp has brought my Dis up several notches! I am
thrilled at the bass and overall “liquid” sound I’m getting. I think my quest
will rest for quite some time. (“Hmm, but if this amp improved the sound so
much, what would an even better amp do?….NO, just say no.”)
yeah, they take a while to fully break in but after about a hundred hours they start sounding very good. That first hundred hours can be quite interesting as the sound wanders all over the place. You're going to have a very impressive sounding system, the wait will be worth it.
Yep. I asked Klaus if I should just put some music on and close the door for about a month. He said "NO! It is a wonderful experience and you don't want to miss any of it!". I think he is really into his hobby/business and I love to see the passion. On the other hand, I am old. I don't want to die before my amp breaks in either. buds, it's good to know the new power overshadowed the Denon. I keep thinking, could it really get a lot better than this? Because it sounds pretty great right now. All, if I got this thread off-track to amps, I apologize. But the amp dialog has really been a help to me. Thanks!
Bullitt, while the description of the Candela states "low output impedance," it also states "output impedance <2Kohm." If the impedance is in fact close to 2000 ohms, that is much higher than I had suggested earlier would be optimal for use with most interconnect cable types at a 50 foot length.
If the output impedance is in fact not much less than 2000 ohms, and if the length would be around 50 feet as you indicated earlier, what I would suggest (even if you use a balanced run via a Jensen transformer) would be a cable having capacitance of no more than 15 pf per foot for the 50 foot run, and preferably less. Otherwise perceptible rolloff and/or undesirable phase shifts are likely to occur in the upper treble region.
Blue Jeans LC-1 (12.2 pf/foot) meets that criterion in unbalanced form, but as we’ve said earlier an unbalanced run of that length stands a good chance of having other problems. Off the top of my head, however, I don’t recall any balanced cables having similarly low capacitance that sell for similarly modest prices.
Hi I'm Lance and I'm an audiophilaholic. My Orange DI's came in today. They sound pretty good right out of the box and from what I've read they will get better with some breakin. I have a feeling like some others have mentioned, these speakers are very sensitive to the gear upstream. I have a new Modwright Oppo UDP205 and a Benchmark AHB2 driving them and it's already spectacular.
After a some breakin time I will adjust speaker placement for best results and then a little Tube rolling perhaps. I just put a picture of them on my system page.
@lancelock Thanks for sharing the photo of your new setup. Very nice. I imagine the Modded 205 with the Benchmark is going to be a great combination to drive the DIs.
almarg, thanks for that information. I am a long time Blue Jean user. What you read on the Odyssey page seems to have little to do with what Klaus builds. I told him about the need for the long run. He may be compensating for that in the design, but I'll run it by him. I think I've spent about 2 hours on the phone learning from him so far and enjoyed every second. His excitement and energy is contagious. I discussing the long cables he also said he felt longer speaker cables were superior to longer interconnects. Even balanced ones. I was actually a bit surprised. lancelok, that sounds like an awesome set-up. Your Tektons will improve with break-in. At least mine certainly did. So you can look forward to that.
tekton 6 posts 06-25-2017 11:25am Just finished putting around 220hours of play time on my DIs. They sounded fantastic right out of the box but are AMAZING after the break in. Very very happy!!
-------------- I’ve read through this whole thread, and I am quite intrigued. I still am not sure if the Electrons or DIs would be best for me, but I won’t get into that now.
What I am sure of is that I am put off by this user: tekton. As some others have said, I think he’s a shill. And, if he is a shill, I wonder how many others who are posting here are too? Here is why I say this: - as others have noted, his name is tekton. Coincidence... maybe. - Only 6 posts? Most don't really have much detail. Coincidence? Hmm. - On June 13, he says his speakers are due "tomorrow". - Later on June 13, he says they arrived and he unpacked them. Coincidentally they arrived a day early, and that's not worthy of a comment? - On June 14, he says he auditioned the Triton speakers (which he calls Titan) "at length". He then "strongly recommends" the DI's, and insists you wouldn’t send them back. After having them ONE day. - In this current thread on June 25, he says he’s logged 220 hours of listening time. For speakers he’s had 12 days. That means he’s listened 18 hours per day EVERY day for the last 12 days. So, what... sleep 6 hours, then turn on the stereo without eating or leaving home for the rest of the day? For almost two weeks?
Sorry. I really am not the kind of person to call someone out. I usually see this stuff, ignore it, and move on. But, in this case, all the warm fuzzies about the Double Impacts makes me want to really understand what they are all about. And, unfortunately seeing a shill like this gives me less confidence... not more. Your plan, mr tekton is backfiring... with me, anyway.
So, if you are for real, tekton, you are overselling it. If you are a shill, then you are really overselling it. Either way, I don’t believe you at this point. And, now I wonder who else is "stretching the truth".
"
And, now I wonder who else is "stretching the truth".
" You're on to us! We are all shills attempting to get you to buy Tektons. We are up to 1000 posts. Please hurry. We are tiring. :-)
I can see where the username of Tekton could raise some suspicion. However the last thing this thread needs is a shill at this juncture given the multitude of positive responses from very happy owners. What could a shill add at this stage of this thread? Seems like tardy timing IMO. There are enough credible audiogon members participating here and I feel very comfortable with the many High endorsements written here. I believe it’s all legitimate and sincere. Charles
I can tell you without hesitation that the majority of those posting about their Tekton experience here are for real......including me! I've had two members from the site come over to hear the DI's and it was fun seeing the expression on their faces upon hearing them. Probably the same look I had upon first hearing them.....how can they sound this good? It would be a shame allowing one poster you don't feel comfortable about to sway your decision in light of the many positive reviews, including those of a known professional reviewer and an audio dealer......but then maybe you're a shill ;)
With all the exposure here with Tekton, has anyone heard their Impact Monitor? I miss the air and extension my old Tonians had with their ribbon tweeter. Any comments would be appreciated.
On the advice of the above posters decided to try Herbie's Threaded Stud Gliders and damned if they don't work.
Installation showed me that the DIs can become very dusty in a month and that the pointy feet don't work at all on a hard wood tile surface. The gliders are a much better way to level and secure the speaker and, especially, to make fine spacing adjustments afterwards. Went with the inch and a half thread in order to raise the speaker just a little and found the tightening nuts essential to get a nice stable result.
Immediately tried out known bass examples to see if there was any change -- like to use Flight of the Cosmic Hippo (Fleck) and Tarnation (Thile and Meyer). The bass was less ringing and more realistic. Interestingly, it was possible to turn the volume up a little with this added tautness in place. Then tried Mahler's 6th with its opening double bass punctuations. Here too, the bass lines were better separated and more realistic.
SO thanks to those above who put me onto these gliders; your knowledge and information is one of the ways that these threads work. Haven't found this kind of low cost improvement since I discovered Blue Jeans Cable and their Belden 1800f cable a number of years ago.
BTW, took the precaution of getting some replacement speakers for the DIs (I blow woofers and tweeters every now and then...) and they came this week. Uniformly high quality speakers and it is a big plus for me to be able to order replacements on the open market at the most competitive price. Don't let anyone lead you to believe these are "cheap" speakers. If you order a complete set at the best Internet price it will cost you around $1200. A couple of woofers and tweeters are around $200.
Nonoise,' I've had the Impact monitors only 5 days, but they've done some amazing things already. I'm in a quandary similar to Waltersalas; I've already got a highly regarded pair of 2-way monitors with a midrange of Danish origin and a RAAL tweeter. I listen primarily to classical music and solo piano (with a little jazz thrown in). One of the first cuts I played was Mussorgsky's "Night on bald mountain" on Reference Recordings RR 82CD. A very dynamic cut that I've heard many times on many different systems. I've never heard the orchestral textures unravelled like the Impact Monitors did, giving an airy, 3-D soundstage. I heard this cut on a highly regarded $45,000 speaker with highly regarded SS electronics; it was not even close, the Impact Monitors bested them. On the other hand, I'd give a slight edge to my Reference Monitors for solo piano music (at this point in time). They seem to give a more solid, weighty piano sound, whereas the Impact monitors had a lighter touch. It may really come down to which presentation your prefer; they both sound very good with solo piano. I listened to a Jazz vocal recording of Blossom Dearie on Verve; the Impact Monitors gave a really organic, airy, 3-D sound to her voice, realistic and very pleasing to listen to, right smack in the middle of the 2 speakers. My reference monitors did a good job as well, but a slightly different presentation. I'll give further thoughts as I listen more and the speakers break in- pawsman
Thanks to all who responded. I just got off the phone with Eric and he almost sold me on them. He even mentioned you, pawsman, as being very impressed on how they compared to your $45K speakers.
On an aside, I favorably commented on his use of the ring radiator tweeter and how I heard another speaker that uses it and how impressed I was. Eric told me that he's replacing the ring radiator tweeter with a dome unit and won't use it anymore except for models like the Enzo. I'm not sure if he meant he's using the dome for all future models with the patent. He said the sound is as good and all positives apply.
Since he's only made a few examples of the monitor (starting two weeks ago), can anyone chime in and let me know if they use the ring radiator or the newer dome tweeter?
I've got the Dome tweeter in my Impact Monitors; the picture on Tekton's website shows the ring radiator (with the nipple) I believe. BTW, just listened to the Pittsburgh SO doing Strauss' Elektra & Rosenkavalier suites on Reference Recordings FR-722 SACD; spectacular orchestra sound on this Hybrid SACD (I listened to the PCM layer).(All my comments include my 2 Emotiva DSP-10 subs with the Monitors)-
Does that man ( Eric ) ever sleep? He's certainly not one to rest on his laurels. New designs, new speakers, new drivers.......he never rests! The most amazing thing to me is how he makes every speaker sound so good no matter the design......at least the five models I've heard.
While I've always been a full range speaker guy, those new impact monitors sure are intriguing. Makes me wish I had an application to try a pair.
My current fav set up is my LTA MZ2 with 40's Sylvania 12SN7's and 40's Mullard 12AT7's driving the DI's. Yep, the one watt MZ2 drives the DI's very, very well.....unless you're wanting live rock concert level sound. I'll eventually add a SET amp but I'm very content with the MZ2 for now.
Thanks pawsman, That quelled any worries my fevered brain might have conjured. My only caveat is the lightness you describe to the lower mids and bass but that's probably due to room size. My 10' x 15' apartment living room does all I need to reinforce any lack of bass with my present monitors which sport a single 6" Accuton driver so using two 6.5" drivers should play nicely with the Impact Monitor.
Who knows whether the posts by user "tekton" are genuine or not. It doesn't really matter. If you think about it rationally it's not something Eric would have any part in. Why would he bother. There are hundreds of genuine fans of his speakers willing to spruik on their experience with Tekton.
There are also professional reviews of Tekton speakers to check out.
In any case, if you are have a genuine interest in the Double Impacts and you live in the US, how can you go wrong? Take advantage of Eric's money back trial period.
I wish I could do so. As I live in Australia, I rely heavily on Reviews and owner feedback. I am pretty sure I will purchase the
Ulfberht version of Tekton. I am waiting on Terry London's review before I do.
My new DI's are breaking in nicely and sounding wonderful. I did get the upgrades and front grills. Does anyone know when the grills will be made available? They didn't come with the speakers. I did email Eric but haven't heard back yet. I'm guessing some of you guys have asked the same question.
Eric really doesn't like to spend time making grills. He seems to think speakers take priority. I actually suggested he farm them out to be done at one point. But you will see them eventually. Just keep communicating.
Good day to everybody. Well I might as well join the party. I have been following Tekton threads for 2 months now with increasing amazement at the seemingly universal praise for the performance of the rainbow of speakers from this company. Whoever the detractors are from actual auditioning of these products appear to be well underground (if any). Ever since I downsized my main rig in the early 90's I have enjoyed Spendor SP-1's as my reference, and it's obvious at this stage of the game that I rarely change gear unless a component gets sick or like in this case it becomes overwhelming what a great performance/value is before me. I no longer believe that the SP-1's will be my final speaker. My room is very similar to Nonoise's in dimensions being 11x15x8. It is a dedicated room with many GIK traps, custom traps, and 80s.f. of diffusers. I listen exclusively to Redbook c.d. and love listening to Loreena McKennitt, some New Age, 70's and 80's rock and roll, and rarely need the walls to shake. Any advice as to which rainbow color you feel is right for my needs would be greatly appreciated.
Loreena sounds heavenly on my DI's. Along with the Chieftains, the Wailin' Jennys and all my other fav female artists.
I don't know what your budget is LP but getting the most expensive Tekton you can afford isn't a bad way to go. I had their Enzo's before getting the DI's and loved them. I bet the Enzo 2.7's are sweet having the same tweeter array as the DI's but if you can afford the extra grand the DI's are hard to beat. Of course there are the DI SE's, mini Ulfberhts and the Ulfberhts if you really want to stretch the budget!
Ive heard the Lores, Enzo's , DI's, Enzo XL's and Pendragons......differences between them? Definitely. But not a bad sound in the bunch......with the DI's definitely the best of the ones I've heard. I almost don't want to hear the Ulfberhts......I'll fall in love with them and can't afford them!
Hi, guys. Tekton the Shill (or just plain troll) aside, yeah, I’m still quite interested. I currently have B&W 803N, and I’m pretty happy with them. But, they are almost 20 years old, and I would like to consider something new. They can be a little bright at times, and can have a touch of midrange forward sound. I surely don’t want to spend the $10k or more to get newer B&Ws. I can’t afford to spend that kind of money. I got the 803s used. Maybe I should consider some used 803Diamond for something less than $5k. My worry with that option is that I use a Primaluna HP integrated, and I know some B&W speakers can be power hungry. I think I have adequate power, but could lose lots of dough if it’s not enough.
If they are as good as you all say, the Tekton line is attractive. What is hardest for me is the lack of any information, even on Eric’s site about the differences in the speakers. If I want a mid or full tower, how do I know which to choose? Other than tech specs, every page contains the same hyperbole. Does anyone have any sort of description that helps to show the difference between all of the lines? Someone should really help him make his website more user friendly, with descriptive terms to show differences in models.
My info gathering seems to point me toward Electron. DI seems like a huge speaker, and potentially a huge wall of sound. I want something a bit more elegant in appearance and quality of sound than that. But, maybe I should consider Impact... or Brilliance... or Pendragon... or Enzo... or Lore Reference... or what? How would I possibly know? I don’t have the option to order multiple pairs, and return the ones I don’t want. That would easily cost over $1k. And, if I ask here on AG, most will recommend the one they have (or heard).
Stumped in MN. If anyone is in MN and would be willing to share a bit of listening time, I’ll buy the beverages and head right over!
Hi Mac, One thing I know is that the D.I.'s would be the largest model I will choose from with for sure the upgrade package. But I'm most concerned about a match for my room. I fear that they are too large for my listening room. So my question is besides 1 octave, how do the D.I.'s performances differ from the smaller models. I have to agree with Soundermn that for some shoppers additional information to clarify model suitability would really help.
Soundermm, Your frustration is understandable and has merit. I believe that the various Tektons sound as good as their owners say they do. However the website needs to be organized and provide specific and thorough description and pertinent specifications of each model.
In its current form there’s little information that gives potential buyers any idea of what significantly distinguishes one model from another particularly with the overlapping cost of a number of models.
I believe that hiring a professional to design and construct a a high caliber website worthy of the product quality is a wise direction to take. The site should reflect the quality of the speakers. Charles
Agreed Charles. They need a marketing/sales professional equal in quality to the sound and value represented in his line. This is a must to take it to the next level for his company and free him up to innovate and create. I see a company on the verge of a big breakthrough and they are at the point where they must invest in marketing/sales talent to "take the hill" in a big way.
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