Tekton Double Impacts

Is this were the closed down thread "Where to audition Teketon"  Continues ?

Maplegrovemusic,
Boy, you got that right. Goes to show you, if you "whine" hard enough, you can get your way with closing down a thread.....

Posting because of a thread on "Most Resolving Speaker" and a related finding. As all of you know the SEs (and DIs) are highly resolving. Note: The gear ahead of the speakers needs to play the same game (i.e. this is not just about the SEs).

The T+A amp has a 20 Amp IEC. Since all my PCs were 15 Amp, The Cable Co sent me a Shunyata IEC adaptor so I could get a feel for my PC vs the stock T+A cable. The Adaptor and my PC cable ramped up overall performance vs the stock cable. Easily noticeable.

Given the upside from that test, I asked Triode Wire Labs to make a new PC (same as my PC loom) but with a 20 Amp IEC. The new cable, right out of the box, beat the Adaptor + 15 Amp PC (both fully broken in) in sound quality and performance. 

Making the point that the SEs are resolving / transparent to the degree that a change like the above is expressed and transmitted. Very cool.

@mofojo Posting your question here because it’s a GREAT question and the answers and insights from others may be helpful not only to you but to those who may be considering one or the other.

wondering if you can elaborate on the difference between the DI and DISE. Are there any types of music or anything you think the DIs do as well or better. Rock and metal are a descent portion of my listening. If that was compromised with a more “grown up” speaker that would be disappointing.  Thanks

My answer hinges on the quality of the recordings (for the rock and metal) you listen to. If the quality is "typically average" (the norm with both genres and especially so for many older recordings) then I believe the DIs are the better choice. The SEs will lay bare, to a greater degree than the DIs, the quality of the recording.

For example, Tidal/Roon served up The Rolling Stones’ Saturday Club recordings the other day. Sound Quality was not good.

This is my take. Others who have moved from the DIs to the SEs may have found differently. I encourage them to post their findings.

I posted this video in another thread, but I think the point is very apropos regarding the question you are asking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku7tge9qppo&t=31s

Not sure if this has been posted elsewhere, but there are 2 new reviews of the DI's up online.  

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/tekton-double-impact-loudspeakers/

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/tekton-double-impact-adventures-with-high-sen...

@danonano  Thanks for sharing these reviews. They are thorough and should be very helpful to those considering the Double Impacts. 

Eric said on FB that the mini Ulfberhts were coming very soon.  I can't wait to see them. ;-) 

Hey everybody,

The review on the Ulberht's by Ron Cook just went up on Stereo Times.  He came to the same conclusions concerning the speaker's performance  that I did and replaced his Wilson Audio Maxx 2's, I think they retailed right around 90K, to make them his new reference.

@teajay Thanks for letting us know about the Ulfberth review at Stereo Times. Another terrific review!!!

Another update on the SEs and system related components and performance changes.

I recently swapped in the newly released Synergistic Research Atmosphere X Level 3 (Euphoria) speaker cables. They are fully broken in at this point.

For those of you that are considering tubed integrated amplifiers, the SEs when driven by the Lyric Audio Ti140 MkII and the SR SCs are a superb pairing. The Lyric is Push-Pull and is setup with stock KT150s (at this time).

@sbayne  has a post in his system page that reinforces THIS (and other points)....and though it doesn't need repeating, I find it continues to surprise me ever so often...synergy and matching is critical for overall system results.

My DI SE are breaking in nicely and sounding incredible. I just put the SoundCity Outriggers and Isoacoustics GAIA I footers on finally. I’m running a Modwright Oppo 205 direct to LTA UltraLinear. I will insert the MZ2 as a preamp to see what difference it makes but I’m throughly enjoying this sound right now with crushing dynamics and more bass than I’ve ever heard in this room.

Lance, I'll be curious to see how this system compares with your other system once it is all settled in.

@corelli,  me too.

so far I can say with these speakers the LTA UltraLinear sounds better than the ZOTL40 and the ZOTL40 sounds pretty darn good. The ULs 20 watts are all that is needed.

@lancelock   Terrific news! Would love to hear more about how your isolation setup specifically added to overall performance (unless the "crushing dynamics and more bass" is the finding).

Will you also be getting the new Microzotl Preamplifier in for a comparison to the MZ2? I imagine the new Pre paired with the UltraLinear will again bump up overall sound quality and performance.

@david_ten 

the DI SE are still breaking in so not the best way to review isolation. Since I took them out of the box last week They have been sitting on the carpet without any feet at all. Now I have the outriggers for stability and the Isoacoustics Gaia I with spiked cups for the carpet. A much tighter bass is immediately noticeable.

MicroZOTL Preamp vs MZ2

The same house sound just more of it.

The new preamp has a wider, more clearly defined sound stage and more sparkle at the top. The bass is just a bit more real sounding. There is smoothness, a little smoother without losing dynamics. I can’t explain this but could the MZ2 have been a little grainy sounding?

The piano is sounding more real than ever. There is more clarity in the sense of having more space in between notes or just less noise? Not that I could ever detect any audible noise before with the MZ2 but the background is darker. I guess more real sounding, more in the venue feel.

So the flavor is the same just more of it and the best description I could use is refined, more refined. I think Mark has optimized this circuit design as far as it will go and the more I listen the more I like it. I had to return this one after only a few days but I will be buying one.

Lance

@lancelock   Thank you. If you ever get a chance (and I realize now that you have them set up, it will not be easy to do) it would be great to hear how the GAIA 1s perform straight into the base of the SEs vs into the Soundocity outriggers?

I would also expect (in your current configuration) seamless coherence / integration from the lowest bass into the lower mids, denser / greater solidity to the image(s), increased / better separation, and an enhanced yet more defined soundstage.

Regarding the Linear Tube Audio gear...it sounds like they have another set of winners in their arsenal. Looking forward to how your entire system comes together when everything is dialed in and settled. 

Hello again, just a quick update. I've now had the SEs for just under 2 months. This is nothing new as I have read about it here and elsewhere, but the 'speaker burn-in' thing is real! I very much enjoyed them out of the box, but this last week everything seems to have loosened up and become even more coherent. The bass in particular is now more pronounced and deeper. I mentioned to @corelli that I was considering a pair of subs (and still am), but the improvement to a noob like me was quite astonishing and made me a believer.

@harv1021,
about how how many hours would you say are on them now that you are experiencing this change. I also am loving the sound.

@david_ten ,
im not sure when I will get around to trying the Gaia without the outriggers, it took 2 of us install these. This sound is different but I think it will rival my first system. I have ordered the LTA Preamp.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/new-linear-tube-audio-microzotl-preamplifer

@harv1021   Glad to hear things are settling in.  What you describe parallels my experience.  Good out of the box on a cold winter day, and they just get better with time.  Over one year later, I love these speakers more than ever.

Regarding subs, most DI/SE owners are quite happy without subs.  It really hinges upon what type of music you listen to.  Most of the music I enjoy clearly would be fine without a sub.  But, on those occasions where the music demands it, having that last bit of extension is a real rush!.  Keep in mind my speaker placement favors sound stage over bass extension.  One last comment-- I really like the ability to dial in the bass depending on the recording.  This is a real plus.  So give it time.  And thanks for the update!

@harv1021 Thanks for the update and really cool that the SEs are coming into their own.

@lancelock I get why you don’t want to redo the Gaia 1 setup (another two times in this case!). : )

Congratulations on moving ahead with the Microzotl Preamplifier.

Hey Gentlemen,

This week I'm getting AricAudio's new Push-Pull amplifier in for review.  Since, Aric's SET amplifier, which I have already reviewed, was superlative, it will be very interesting to see how his new Push-Pull design will sound on the Tekton Speakers (Ulf's and Impact Monitors).  I'll run it in Triode mode with EL-34's which will produce around 20 watts per channel.  Aric believes he has gotten a lot of the SET magic in this amplifier, which of course offers almost double the power.

@lancelock,
Your 'second system' is looking pretty sweet! Been anxiously following your posts for some time. I'd have to estimate around 140, maybe 150 hours on the speakers. You probably have read it as well, but I know some have opined that the DIs need somewhere around 200 hrs (think one might have said closer to 400 or 500 hrs) to be fully broken in. So I'm pretty content w/ the current sound, but will have no complaints if it continues to improve!

@corelli,
Always appreciate your take and advice. At the moment I'm thinking that I agree in that I probably don't 'need' subs with the SEs. Although, there is a part of me that has always loved feeling the pressure that a sub(s) can create in a room. I'll  keep you posted.

@david_ten,
Cheers!

Hey Gentlemen,

Just spent about 8 hours listening to AricAudio's new push/pull amplifier.  Based on what has been shared on this thread already regarding Aric's superlative and cost effective amplifiers and preamplifiers, he has another winner in this 20 watt, in Triode mode, single chassis design.  His goal was to get the tonality/timbres and spatial qualities of a SET amplifier with much more power and bass control normally found in a P/P circuit.  So, if you are looking for more powerful tube amplifier to drive your DI's, and yet have much of the musicality of a SET design, this amplifier could be for you.

@teajay  Thanks for the update, Terry. Higher power output with SET like character and quality sounds like an ultimate winning combination! Congratulations, Aric.

@david_ten - Thank you sir! I've been building and tweaking basically non-stop on a few new designs. It's good to finally hear some seasoned ear's opinion (other than my own) on this new Push-Pull.

@teajay - That's great news! I'm stoked that you're digging the EL34's in Triode mode, I felt that was as close to the SET sound as a push-pull could get, plus there's a few tricks of the trade in the circuitry which allow more even harmonics (what make us all love a SET amp) to pass through. 

For anyone that may be into more power, the amp can also use KT88's, 120's and 150's- in either Triode or U.L. mode for up to 65 watts per channel essentially making it somewhat of a "universal" amp.

Best wishes, Aric

@teajay

This week I’m getting AricAudio’s new Push-Pull amplifier in for review. Since, Aric’s SET amplifier, which I have already reviewed, was superlative, it will be very interesting to see how his new Push-Pull design will sound on the Tekton Speakers (Ulf’s and Impact Monitors). I’ll run it in Triode mode with EL-34’s which will produce around 20 watts per channel. Aric believes he has gotten a lot of the SET magic in this amplifier, which of course offers almost double the power.

I think the JJ Blue Glass KT88s sound the best IMO.
I had the Transcend Push./Pull in for a Demo.
Is it the one with the 5U4G Rectifier for the Power Supply .Audyn true Copper Coupling Caps , 6Sn7 ouput tubes ?
It sounds GREAT. especially in Triode Mode
Really cool that you can adjust the amount of feedback which alters the sound,especially in the bass and the "cleanness" of the sound 

Hello All, 

First let me say this has been one of the best forum threads I have ever read.  It seems that every few posts I find myself off researching some new hidden gem of the audio world buried on the internet.  I've been following this thread for about 6 months out of curiosity, but recently managed to blow a woofer on my existing speakers which I've had since 2000.  I blame Wonder Woman's crossed bracelets and a receiver that was on the way out.  The receiver has been replaced.  Now I find myself seriously considering pulling the trigger on getting a new set of speakers, and the Tekton DI's have become my first choice, all thanks to you folks.  I would really like the chance to listen to a pair of these.  I live in NE Georgia.  Would there be any DI owners located between Atlanta (GA), Chattanooga (TN), Knoxville (TN), Asheville (NC), or Greenville (SC)?  Would anyone be willing to let me listen?  The weather has turned nice and I would jump at the chance for a little road trip to listen to these.  My main listening is HT, but maybe 10-20% music.  I'm interested in a speaker that will allow me to slowly build a hifi system as budget allows.  

If you have any recommendations, advice, or thoughts I'll be open to your input.

Once again, thank you to all the folks who have put their experience, thoughts, advice, and recommendations on this forum.  I've learned a lot from you, and plan to continue following this thread.  

Cheers!

Dan

@kerbouchard84
I am in Knoxville,TN.I have a pair of DI with the upgrade package and the DI , center channel .The one with four 6 inch drivers and 7 tweeter array .http://www.tektondesign.com/center-channel.html
Call me or text me .We can arrange a date and time 865-208-2170
Dennis
I am currently using The McIntosh  MX151 with Lyngdorf Room Correction (RoomPerfect).My amp is currently the Rogue Audio St-100. Mostly Purist Audio cables. Amp could be the mcIntosh MC30s ,depending on when you come , I have ordered them from Yves Beauvais at Vintage Vacuum Audio.
He goes through them and replaces all components, with the correct updated ones. Check out anyone who has bought them... especially over on the Steve Hoffman Forums. They are Wonderful Amps. Once he applies his MAGIC to them they are not cheap, but worth every penny .

Somewhere back last year when this thread began it was asked that anyone with any model of Tekton speaker chime in. I believe I may be the first to mention Erics OB Sigmas, his open baffle design he has touted on his site for over a year and offered at a ridiculously reasonable $1700. 
In Sept of '16, after reading extensively of the Pendragon, Lore, Enzo and what was to be the coming Double Impact I took him up & bought the OB Sigmas as an intro to his products. I was coming from a pair of Apogee Duetta Signatures I'd had for over a decade and thoughly enjoyed. I am particularly fond of the dipole "sound" and have been fortunate to have had a dedicated listening room where the setup for this type of speaker well off the back wall has been possible.
A year and a half in I am extremely pleased with the sound I've gotten from these cleverly designed speakers! They are more coherent than my Duettas ever were, much easier to drive and easier to set up. I'm now looking to add the DI's to collection as the reviews speak for themselves.

Thanks for posting fidobite.  I think the Sigmas are a unique speaker and if you ever want to post a more detailed review on these I'm sure others would enjoy hearing your thoughts--especially on how they compare to the DI's.

Steve Guttenberg / The Audiophiliac: On the Tekton Impact Monitors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uti4PJ5Aafs

+1

Good review by Steve. He points out the issues with the design but admits he doesn’t understand the science. He just likes the “American sound” or “gravitas”. Steve likes Zu Audio too - so his tastes lean towards a somewhat colourful fun musical sound rather than pure accuracy.

The comparison to similar priced B&W speakers places the Impact in context in terms of good value or similar options.

He is wearing an anti-US President protest badge but is still very supportive of USA businesses and products. I like Steve....

Listening to Steve’s Tekton review comments I did not infer that he leans toward a "colorful " sounding speaker. In comparison to the B&W 705SE he seems to find the 705 SE good in a "B&W way" implying a specific brand sound signature.

It seems clear that he found the Tekton much more "real" sounding (his own words) reproducing piano. He clearly said there was more realistic weight, scale,dynamics, presence and gravitas via the Tekton. He said it wasn’t merely a "shadow" of a piano.

His description of the Tekton demonstrates to me pretty convincingly he seeks and appreciates realistic reproduction. He also noted the good reproduction of orchestra music and percussion details. He certainly is suggesting/implying that the B&W 705 SE by comparison is more polite and smaller scale in its sound reproduction. Having heard the Tekton Double Impact and SE versions in a very fine audio system I agree with his listening impression of exceptional realism and sense of life/vitality. This isn’t a speaker with a recessed, polite small scale signature.
Charles

@charles1dad and I read it the same way. Tekton is sure getting all kinds of great reviews and comments from the industry. 

The reviewer makes his comparative points so clearly and openly, it seems he’s trying to be very diplomatic toward B&W without appearing to denigrate it relative to the Tekton. He suceeded.😊
Charles

I haven't been online much lately and it looks like I've missed a lot of good stuff. It's also great to see this thread maintaining its civility while sharing many different upstream gear options, different room conditions, differing listening preferences and different Tekton models. 

Congats on another winner Aric! I have both Aric's 300B and Transcend amps along with the 12SN7 Linestage he made for me and I love them all. I planned on giving the Transcend amp to my son after getting the 300B but I'm loathe to give it up. I already gave him my Tekton Enzo's so I don't feel too badly ;)

Based on Charles' recommendation I ordered a pair of EML XLS 300B tubes today and I can't wait to hear them in my system. 

I havent had had time to listen to my system in over a week and that absence makes it sound better than ever. I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder. 

Like Lance I'm using the Soundocity outriggers with the Gaia I Isolation footers on first my DI's then the SE's. I used just the Gaia ones alone at first and noticed a clear sound improvement.....blacker background exposing even more minute detail and a tighter, more musical bass. Upon adding the outriggers I didn't notice an appreciable sound difference but they sure made the speakers much more stable than with the Gaia's directly into the SE's. 

Good to hear so many enjoying their Tektons and hearing about all the different gear used ahead of them. I also couldn't agree more with the many glowing reviews they keep getting. 

Happy Listening,
Tom

@kerbouchard84  Dan, hope you are all set with your Double Impact audition with grey9hound. I believe @waltersalas  is also in your 'range' though he has the SEs. Keep us posted.

Break-in of the DI SE is going well. I don’t have the new MicroZOTL Preamp yet but the UltraLinear fed direct from my Modwright Oppo 205 is outstanding. It sounds so real it’s scary. I love this amp and I love these speakers.

It's exciting to hear the news coming out of Aric Audio about his new PP especially in its description of harmonics and closing the gap with the classic SET sound. My loyalty is steadfast to my Special SE if for no other reason, I've never had a piece of equipment that continually reminded me of why I listen to music in the first place -- across years now. I will stay tuned though, because this new creation is capturing the interest of many and I like being on the front row for that kind of thing.  Congratulations Aric, and Thank You.

Thanks guys! I too think it's cool seeing all of the different gear used to drive those Tektons, which appear to be very efficient and dynamic speakers- everything from 10 watts of SET power, to hundreds of solid state watts. It's all very cool! Of course, I'm slightly polarized towards a single-ended presentation due to it's linearity and lack of crossover distortion, but coming from many years of high-powered solid state background, I can understand the affinity for the power. I try to shoot for the best blend of both in my designs, while maintaining the color, timbre, and naturalness of the presentation. 

@david_ten   Yes, I've been in contact with grey9hound and waltersalas.  I'm going to plan an good road trip around the great smoky mountains to listen to DI's.  It will be June before I can do such a trip, but I'll post my thoughts.  I'm guessing it will just confirm that my next set of speakers will be DI's.

Dan

Terrific news. You are one of the few that will get to listen to the DIs and the SEs prior to making a choice. All the best!

Maybe you should all wait 6 months. For the triple impacts to come out. :)

I am happy to report that my DI SE's arrived safe and sound today! I want to take a moment and thank Mike Kay at Audio Archon. If anyone is looking for someone to assist with their audio needs, be it Tekton or otherwise, Mike is a fantastic guy and couldn't be more knowledgeable, kind and helpful. Thanks Karma and Eric for all the help at Tekton!!

A few pictures of my setup are linked below. Everything but the turntable, Lumin and stand is new, so it will be a bit before everything settles in. My early impression is it all sounds pretty fantastic! A list of the equipment is below for those interested. I will provide more impressions over the next few weeks, but I LOVE what I am hearing so far. For those wondering, I sold off my Accuphase, Focal Kanta No.2, and Synergistic Research loom for this setup and couldn't be happier.  

Speakers: Tekton Double Impact SE (BMW Dark Graphite Metallic)
Preamp: LTA MicroZotl MZ2
Amp: LTA Zotl10 Mark 2
Streamer: Lumin D1
Turntable: Clearaudio Performance DC, Clearaudio Maestro V2 Cart, Clearaudio Clarify Tonearm, HRS M3X Base.
Phono Preamp: Musical Surroundings Nova II
Cables: MG Audio Planus III Speaker Cables, MG Audio Planus AG Interconnects.
Room Treatments: Acoustic Geometry


https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/NPRJyXEhJr4b8K9bvCbi3eeUCJgdubAQdDS30VoTmBU

@rubytuesday  Congratulations on your NEW SYSTEM! 

@david_ten Thank you!  I really appreciated the conversation, it was most helpful in making the decision.  Already, it is exceeding my expectations.  

@rubytuesday,

looking forward to further impressions. I’m hearing big changes as breakin continues with the DI SE. The combo UltraLinear + MicroZOTL is incredible, rivaling my electrostats in sound quality. The real test will be to bring my vinyl setup into this room to try out because as good as the Modwright Oppo 205 is it really doesnt reach the level of my SL1200GAE, ART9 and JC3+ for absolute mesmerizing sound.

Hey @lancelock me too!  I haven't tried using the analogue setup yet, just the Lumin.  Unfortunately, I am trying to run down a ground loop that seems to have found its way into my system.  My room is isolated (installing a few dedicated circuits shortly, but the room is on a single circuit with no other rooms sharing it), so it shouldn't take long to identify the culprit.  For now, i am breaking the speakers in with an old AV receiver and the Lumin (dont want to burn tubes overnight breaking in the speakers).  Looking forward to your impressions as well!

@rubytuesday    Congrats on a really fine system.  Wishing you many many hours of enjoyment from your new system that no doubt will follow.  (Would have responded sooner but guess what I was doing until the late hours?)

@lancelock     Glad you continue to be impressed Lance.  My money says when the vinyl arrives so will a big smile.  Keep us posted.