ozzy,
Kudos for sticking to your guns, you deserved answers to your questions regardless of audition availability.
Kudos for sticking to your guns, you deserved answers to your questions regardless of audition availability.
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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Thanks Charles, thanks to you for letting me hear what a well designed 300B amp such as your Frankensteins sound like I had a sonic goal to shoot for. Aric hit the mark and I feel I’ve achieved that goal. After about four of listening to music today I’m hooked. I can’t wait to hear what the SE’s sound like with this amp. Once my schedule settles down I look forward to having you back over to hear my new system.....it’s basically modeled after and similar to yours. Thanks for all of your input, insight and motivation. Ozzy, I totally understand you not pursuing your DI purchase and it’s a shame as I think they would be amazing in your system. I’ll second Charles’ suggestion of the Herbies Giant Gliders, they make moving the DI’s around quite easy. They don’t make unboxing them any easier though :) |
Tom, Congratulations on your 300b SET amplifier, it sounds like Aric did a fantastic job! I think you're hearing what I hear regarding the 300b. When executed to a high standard this tube just seems made for the sole purpose of producing music beautifully and naturally. Aric built this amplifier with high quality transformers, parts and power supply and you're hearing the result of this effort. You have the right speakers to exploit all the attributes of this 300b amplifier. I'm very nappy for you Tom. Charles |
One more reason, Ozzy, is that you would most likely have to move the speakers away from and then back to the listening position in order to perform the DEQX calibrations. And quite possibly you would have to do that multiple times, to fully optimize the calibrations. Certainly doable, of course, but not a trivial task as it is with your much smaller DIY speakers. Best regards, -- Al |
Thank you so much for the posts and understanding. I could get friends to help me move the heavy speakers but my friends are older than me! It would make a good You Tube video I guess though. I am going to pass on these speakers for the following reasons. 1. I can’t believe that Eric or someone of knowledge from Tekton would not (at least) replied to me. That is truly sad. 2. Because of the lack of information as to the speakers specs. 3. With my own DIY speakers, I used the highest quality 8 ohm, highest sensitivity speakers with flat impedances that I was able to find. That and the crossovers I built used Mundorf SGO classic caps, resistors and inductors. All the internal speaker wiring that I used is the Cerious Technoligies Graphene Extreme. But, I would have bought and kept the Tekton speakers IF they improved upon my setup. I mean the sound quality is all that matters to me. ozzy |
Ok, minor noise issue solved......total musical bliss with the Aric 300B amp. The B should stand for beast as this is one hefty and powerful amp. How can 8 watts produce such beautiful music with so much power? At the 9 am position on the MZ volume control its at 80-90 db. It can get MUCH louder. It amazes me. |
As I am also a previous owner of EgglestonWorks Andra IIs I can compare them to the DIs, because I've often thought about the Andra IIs in comparison when I think of their sonic signature. They are very similar in sound, only the DIs are easier to setup, easier to drive, and easier to get a solid center image. All in all, the DIs are more of a pure transducer of sound without the niggling idiosyncrasies of a Von Schweikert design. Mid-bass (or lower-mids, if you prefer) have the edge with the DIs. The bass response is comparable between the two. One of the lovely things about the Andra IIs was that the bass sounded so natural, as opposed to many speaker designs these days where the bass sounds goosed. Anyway, that's my spin, for what it's worth. |
I finally had some time to hook up the Aric 300B and give it a lesson. Since I had to hold off on shipping it until I was back in town Aric had it pretty well burned in already. So how does it sound with the DI's? In one word.......sublime. As much as I like his Transcend KT 120, the 300B is just what I was looking for. It has all of the attributes of the KT120 with more texture, better tone and a more open soundstage with more pinpoint imaging. I am am experiencing a slight hum/buzz from the tweeters when music isn't playing but the background is pitch black when music is playing. There are two cathode bypass switches that allow me to engage/disengage cathode capacitors which effect gain and that hum so hopefully I'll find the right setting that will diminish the noise when music isn't playing. Thats a a minor issue as the music this amp provides is so engaging and delightful that I'm as happy as can be. As far as I'm concerned Aric has hit a home run with this amp! |
I saw on here that several of you (corelli, and mac48025) had the Legacy Focus and went with the Tekton DIs. What was the difference in sound? I prefer rock, alternative and industrial, but have a fair collection of Jazz and Classical, but my heart is with the later. I have upgraded my components to many Agoner's advice and am currently running a Parasound Halo A-21 Amp with a Mac C48 pre, It's ironic these two speakers were compared when I was considering one or the other before I found this thread. The Legacys look like they have the rock aptitude with the larger double base drivers, I also like the varied ribbon tweeters...can you guys help me solve this dilemma, so I can push the button on one of these? Steve |
IMO Ozzy’s concern about how the DI’s impedance may vary over the frequency range is well founded, especially given the practical issues he mentioned that would be involved in auditioning and possibly having to return the speakers. The 4.1 ohm output impedance of his Atma-Sphere M60s is, as far as I can recall, more than twice as high as the output impedance of any other amplifier that has been reported in this thread as having been used with a DI. (For example the LTA MZ2 has a specified output impedance of 2 ohms, and according to a TAS review the Frankenstein, at least in its MkII version, has an output impedance of 1.8 ohms). The Zero autoformers he has can certainly reduce any impedance-related issues he might have pairing the M60 with the DI, and the capabilities of his DEQX might also be able to help with any such issues, but to what degree and with what audible side-effects is obviously difficult or impossible to predict. Best regards, -- Al |
Scott I have high regard to Ozzy he a great contributor here at Agon, Markr discover CT cables thru his thread, and I heard it at Markr.And it’s the best speaker cables For my Andra...I respect that He wants more info on the DI.But if he audition The DI my bet He will keep them, I wish I live close to Him so I can help him unloading the speakers.And He is more than welcome to listen to my monitor...and serve Him good barbecue...😀 |
Scott, I didn't infer that your comments were critical of Ozzy's post at all. Even if he gets the impeadanc curve information he seeks he'd still need to actually hear this speaker with his Atma-sphere amplifiers. My point to him is There's an abundance of posts here that strongly indicate the DI has easy load characteristics. I thought this would provide some degree encouragement and optimism. Charles |
Charles - I shouldn’t have been so short in my post. My thinking is Ozzy is well known and respected on these boards. He wants the manufacturer to respond to his inquires, specifically show him the impedance curve. Many have told him and believe (including yourself) his amps would be a fine pairing with the DIs but he wants to confirm it himself by seeing the data or at least talking to Eric about it. That hasn’t happened - which I agree should. Its been suggested he take the 60 day home audition but Ozzy indicated the speakers are too big and heavy for him to do that. Ozzy also indicated he doesn’t want to take a chance on a $3,000 speaker without getting this info. So, I was just trying to say it seems like the DIs aren’t for him. I’m not criticizing his posts it just seems logical too move on. Scott |
Sbayne, Regarding ozzy moving on away from the Tektons. Maybe so but no matter what speaker he chooses down the road he’ll have to hear them in his system. He needs to determine whether or not a given speaker is a match for his amplifier and system overall. Iwill admit it seems a bit strange given his emails, calls and posts on this thread he has gotten so little in response. Charles |
jayctoy, Ipretiring, agronatz, One of my main concerns about buying and or then sending back for a refund is the size and weight of the speakers. I’m getting older now and carting 100lb+ each speakers up and down a flight of stairs would not be easy. BTW, some of my previous speakers were the Eggleston Andra 2 (215lbs each) and the Legacy Focus speakers. ozzy |
Agronatz even me I was uncomfortable spending $2100 on my impact monitor, without auditioning, I called Terry London who is very kind to answer my question, read the review of DI by TL, emailed Aniwolfe and Waltersalas after reading their post, They told me this are very very good speakers, I respect them, they own tekton speakers, And they were right, my monitor are amazing, With this speakers it’s worth the risk.The risk is very low because more likely you will keep them, 60 days audition, And they have return policy.... |
Ozzy, One of my concerns is that this is a 4 ohm speaker and that the 8 ohm version is +$400 more. $3000 is not cheap but it's also not unreasonable for a truly HiFi speaker. Also, boxing these up and shipping them back will be neither fun nor cheap. Maybe I'm just not comfortable about spending $3K without auditioning. Guess I'm just old school. |
Ozzy, I feel you are stressing needlessly over this issue. $3000 + is not at risk, return shipping cost are along with a decent amount of inconvenience. In the end usually it comes down to do these speakers give you the musical performance you are seeking, or have enough potential that you want to work with them, or flat out realize they are not for you. 60 days is a generous amount of time for you to do the ultimate analysis. LP |
Ozzy, One thing this thread has confirmed is the speaker sounds very good with a "wide" range of amplifiers. I don't know who's e-mailing you and honestly some people just prefer higher power amplifiers and Will simply have that preference. My point to you was they were just wonderful with my 300b SET amplifier and its 8 watts. The room wasn't small and volume wasn't held back. There were zero issues driving the speakers. So I just extrapolated and feel that your 60 watt OTL amplifiers "should" do as well as my 8 watt SET driving this speaker load. Just my opinion. Charles |
mac48025, Its nice that you could actually talk to Eric. He mentioned, but did not provide any real data to that affect. Charles1dad, As I review the few reviews from (Audio Video Review?) and on the Tekton web site there are no specifications stated. That and along with Eric's reluctance to answer my questions suggests his speakers don't test well. Perhaps these speakers perform well with low power tube amps but I have others who have sent emails stating that they perform better with higher power amps. That would concur with a impedance problem. Now I know $3000 is cheap in todays realm of High End audio but do you people just submit on line $3000+ without being able to get questions answered? ozzy |
The speaker’s ability to hold it all together when played very loudly is stunning. Just a fun and engaging speaker all at the same time.@grannyring Bill, I've experienced the same thing. Especially how the 2170 retains all of it's detail and dynamics at low volume. It's almost eerie. Or any volume for that matter. I'm sure your speaker mods contribute to that, but I'm experiencing the same thing with my unmodded DIs. I'll also add this was not a characteristic I experienced with either the LTA or Odyssey products. The tube experience for me was... it sounded it's best in the middle of it's output capabilities. It wouldn't support the dynamics at lower volume. And at anything close to it's output limits it would display distortion. And with 10 watts you get close to that max output pretty quickly. But I do understand many people like the sound of the tube distortion/"warmness". I'm just in that camp. |
Ozzy, As Tom (Mac48025) pointed out there many posts here of success with low power amplifiers which wouldn't be likely with a difficult speaker load. The 4 ohm Double Impacts simply sang with my 8 watt SET using the 8 ohm tap! I strongly believe that your amplifier would do at least as well. Plus as I recall you have step up transformers if heeded. Charles |
Ozzy, When talking to Eric while ordering my speakers he mentioned that the DI's tested extremely flat which made them very easy to drive. I've found that to be very true having driven them with the one watt LTA MZ2 for months. Not sure if that's any help to you or not and hopefully Eric will respond to you soon. |
david_ten, Are you using the M-60's with the Tekton speakers? I'm sure Ralph would agree that without a demo using the M-60's or a stated impedance curve it would be impossible to really know how they would play together. I think that is why Eric is ducking my questions. I bet his speakers impedance dips severely at certain frequencies. ozzy |
. Not that it SHOULD...but it had BETTER, for that kind of scratch. ;-) |
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