Tekton Double Impacts

@343mps   How large is your room Patrick?  How much latitude do you have with placement?

I just wanted to about out a thanks to xenophon for your recent order of the Motherlode! This unit is a collaboration of several ideas/designs topped off with production that was based on my experience. Mac, thanks for pointing out that I've updated the site with some new models and additionally the new chassis options. I have a client base that really does like the retro look with the wooden sides, there were actually multiple requests that I keep that look. However any of my models can be housed in the newer aluminum chassis upon request and also in any readily available paint colors. I strongly believe in form follows function, and my products directly reflect that. I can also customize units upon request to fit a client's aesthetic preferences (which are literally all over the map). I just wanted to point that out for anyone that has interest, but isn't a "fan" of a certain look. Thanks to all for sharing your experiences with the Tektons and all of the various gear that excels in driving them. Best wishes, Aric

You are very welcome Aric. I didn’t realize you had custome paint options. Those with special paint jobs on their DI,s can have matching electronics. That’s pretty cool.

Yes, I generally offer basic colors like satin black, cobalt blue, burgundy, bare aluminum, or hammered silver, but I can paint these any color that is readily available (non-mixed) at no additional charge. Best wishes, Aric

I would like to know if the Tekton Impact have a certain depth or stereo image, so we can feel the different layer in music listening ?  Usualy there are different positionning for the woofer and the tweeter, the woofer is more in front and the tweeter more behind the midrange speaker ?

Just to add to me previous post, the review follow up from manthik is very similar with regard to my experience with the Ultralinear and DI's:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-lineartube-audio-lta-ultralinear-amplifier?highlight=...

There is strong bass as if SS, with high sensitivity and frequency detail. It seemed as though subtle sounds were  brought forward, like audience noises and conductor breathing. Also, very quiet when it is supposed to be.
If I had to find fault it would maybe be a slightly supressed mid-range and lack of distortion/pleasant harmonics. Would be interested to hear other experiences.

@corelli
The room is 15' x 20' x 8', with speakers on the 15' wall. It's not a dedicated space, with lots of furnishings and a large counter breaking up the space, so placement latitude is minimal.

https://imgur.com/a/14GCtcb

@audiosens I (believe) you are asking whether the ’Tekton Impact’ speakers image and soundstage and layer/separate musical information? If so, YES.

I doubt there would be a Tekton DI thread if they did not do this across different systems. I will note that all of this is system relative, i.e. the DIs will do justice to what is ahead, relative to the strengths and weaknesses of what’s ahead of them.

@343mps Image is not present when the link is clicked.

@david_ten @343mps

The visible text of the link in 343's post will work, but what is hidden "underneath" the visible text, which is what the browser is directed to when the link is clicked, has two extraneous characters at the end, namely ">

After clicking on the link, if those two characters are deleted from what appears in the address bar and "enter" is then hit, the intended image will appear.

Regards,
-- Al

@almarg   Thank you!

@almarg 
Thanks for the fix on my link... good catch!

@teajay 
Excellent review on the Impact Monitors! You made a good point about their not inconsiderable size, though. I really can't see why I wouldn't just go with the Electrons instead, as the Monitors with stands would take up about the same space.

On a side note, has anyone tried any of the Tektons with Odyssey amps?

343mps, 
 I believe that mac48025 (Tom) early on used this amplifier with the Double Impacts. 
Charles 

Indeed I did Charles, good memory!

343mps, the double impacts driven by the Kismet Mono-blocks and Candela preamp was a dynamic tour de force. I've never heard such realistic drums, it was a real slam in the chest. I've since gone the SET route, and love it, but miss that dynamic slam at times. If I get a second amp for a change of pace, the Kismets would be near, if not at, the top of my list. If you want dynamic slam with plenty of finesse Odyssey would be a great choice. A good tube pre would be a good match.....maybe one of Aric Audios or the Linear Tube Audio MZ2?
Tom

I think @mofojo  also had Odyssey. 

Also, didn't someone have trouble with Odyssey or am I thinking of another brand?

I did have the Odyssey. It’s for sale as we speak. Not because I didn’t like it. It has been a great match with several speakers including the DIs. My room kinda sucks and the Lyngdorf works out better. Great synergy I believe especially with a tube pre. 

@mac48025 - for more of that bass slam, my new Push Pull model really has that dynamic bass that SET's may slightly lack on at higher volume levels. Just putting it out there as I heard "second amp" ;-)

grey9hound278 posts05-30-2018 8:38pm"Funky Destination" is a cool group

grey9hound278 posts05-30-2018 8:38pm"Funky Destination" is a cool group
"Resolution is Only Solution " is the album that get from Pandora .
I am using
"Nightmares On Wax" as the Station name .
I am getting a lot of Cool stuff this way .
BTW .. I am using a Roku Ultra with HDMI out to the 4K HDR capable HDMI in of the Freaking Awesome Oppo -UDP-203.
The Oppo has 2 HDMI ouputs .
#1HDMI out  is Audio Only (I am sending it to an HDMI Input on My McIntosh MX151) the Other 4K HDR . #2 HDMI output is going to My Sony 70 inch 4K TV.
It is Unreal how good the sound is ... Better than my JRiver into the Mx151 , with HDMI also.
All of my HDMI cables are all Purist Audio Design... except one .
The one HDMI cable that goes from The Roku out to the Oppo-203 in , is the Wireworld HDMI Starlight 6.
I Know this is a lot to Digest, But I have never heard anything sound this good.
Amps are McIntosh MC30s (restored by Yves Beauvais at Vintage Vacuum Audio)
Pre-Amp is McIntosh MX151 (with Lyngdorf Room Correction)
Interconnects are the AWESOME Purist Audio Design- Dominus-Fluid .
Power Cable for the MX151 is Purist Audio Dominus -Fluid
Speakers are the Tekton Double Impact.
Speaker cables are The Sonoran Desert Plateau by Star Sound Technologies
Speakers are the Tekton Double Impact..
The speakers are also sitting on the Sistrum Apprentice Platforms .
I am sorry about ranting and raving , BUT, I have never heard a system sound this GOOD.
Very Natural Unforced Sound with KILLER BASS , imaging..etc .
IT HAS IT ALL.
 I cannot believe it myself. For the first time in Many many years , I am completely satisfied with this setup

Very happy for you @grey9hound 

I can tell by your excitement and manner that your system sounds very special and now at the point where it is fine tuned and well paired.  It does take effort and time.  Nice! 

Well Bill, If you ever get that chance again to come to Knoxville , don't hesitate to give me a shout and come and hear it .
I would value your opinion , and would bet that you agree very much with what I am hearing.... Much Much better than the first time you were here

I will certainly keep that in mind and enjoy! 

@mofojo @mac48025
Thanks for the info. I've heard before that a tube pre is the way to go with Odyssey. And that "slam" is sounding good to me; it's what I'm really missing with the Maggies.

I’ve owned Odyssey Kismet monoblocks as well. I think they would be great with the Double Impacts. A couple of months ago I heard the Double Impacts being driven with a Parasound Halo integrated and then with a Cary 300B integrated. I thought they sounded much better with the Parasound. They really opened-up through the lower midrange and bass with that extra power.

@jcarcopo 

I like it! Very cool, I bet they will sound great.

@aniwolfe Thanks, I'm excited to receive them and hear them for the first time. 

Hi jcarcopo,
Congratulations!
I'm uninterested in your initial listening impressions. 
Charles 

The darker finishes for Tekton look so much better glossy.

I'll probably get them after I return from my trip from CA, end of June. 

Reposting the Mini Ulfberhts picture link, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v71b_HmForVCHzG1Rs0y7mIAzjHJTLkt/view?usp=drivesdk

The other link wasn't working correctly for some reason. 

@charles1dad I'm glad you're uninterested in my initial listenings impression thanks for sharing. 😂 

Very nice! A different ’large’ driver arrangement and front port placement than the Ulfberths.

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been really curious what they were going to look like

Thanks to @hobbyhands for this post, on another thread, of the Mini Ulfberth (? not named yet ?) which @jcarcopo is receiving.


"You might also want to see this speaker just went up. I drove down to Tekton and got to hear it. It’s a little larger than the DI, but definitely smaller than the Ulfberht."

http://www.tektondesign.com/new.html

Had to share:
Last night, I fell in love with my Di’s all over again. After installing a Bluesound Node 2, I was able to listen to MQA for the first time. Without going into all of the usual adjectives, let me just say that I found myself shaking my head over and over again, with a big grin on my face. I also heard myself say out loud, "My God." Listening to Sting & Shaggy’s 44/876, I could hear the incredible bass that the Di’s are capable of. Extraordinary!

My DIs will be delivered this coming Thursday (June 14) and I am struggling to decide on how best to power them.  It sure would be helpful if there was a way to catalog and post a standing list of components others have successfully used with DIs that includes room dimensions, treatments (if any), component MSRP, and a checkbox that indicates whether or not the reviewer compared different amps and if so which. 

I don't know what to expect come Thursday but I am committed to the 60-day trial to see if they offer something that other candidates I've brought in have yet to.  My only challenge is to try to make sense out of the many recommendations.  One YouTuber says that a MasterSounD Box/DI combination delivers "great Synergy!" while another writes that their SET amp does the trick, another declares that solid state monos are the way to go, and yet another says that integrated are best.  It's therefore difficult to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each combination short of buying and trying (which incredibly, after speaking to several manufacturers, this "buy and try" methodology is frowned upon. When did manufacturers become so boldly self-serving?) but if THAT (buy/try/keep or return) is the bottom-line reality then, okay. 







  

     

@snovosel Awesome that you are trying the DIs out. What are some of the ’other [speaker] candidates’ you have ’brought in?’

The DIs are really versatile with amplification which is why you find folks driving theirs with a wide assortment of both tubed and solid state amplification.

I would start with the amplification type / level / brand etc that you prefer and are familiar it.

You haven’t said what you have been using...sharing that will be helpful for DI owners to provide more specific feedback. Sharing your room size, preferences, etc. will also help.

I personally feel that the DIs do best with some power, though others are quite happy with SET amps and have driven them to satisfaction with just a few watts per channel. I’ve driven them with both tubes and solid state gear ranging from (into 4 Ohms) 40 watts up to 500 watts (my current amp). Despite leaning and now being fully vested in solid state, my first/initial recommendation is to pair tubed components with the DIs, should that be an option.

Take advantage of the full 60 day trial, and run them as much as you can the first few weeks.

Part of the problem matching amplifier to these speakers is lack of a provided impedance frequency curve from the manufacturer. As the owner has stated, it is not required but I find myself gravitating as a consumer towards manufacturers that are more forthcoming with specific component parts and measurements. For ex, Primaluna I think does a good job with this on their website. DI measurements are still lacking and At this point all we can do is hope that stereophile reviews or time tested reports make their way. Although this thread is full of anecdotal reports and at 1500 + posts, it begs for organization.

I ran a test cd, at relatively low volumes , and subjectively evaluated frequency response, using an otl tube amp that is sensitive to impedance challenges:

I found a good response from 40 hz to 10k.
Like a bell curve,  20, 30,  and 11k, and 12k were barely audible

For some reason there was a significant dip at 60 Hz

and 800 through 3150 hz were the loudest frequencies

The unaccounted for variables are overwhelming But the drop at 60 is a bit puzzling. Unless I have 60 hz hearing loss among other possibilities. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this?

My DI SE have several hundred hours on them now and even though broken in seem to still be gradually improving. I have tried high powered SS amps with excellent results. My current LTA 20 watt UltraLinear is a winner. It is perhaps the best compromise for those who like tube sound but also the speed and dynamics of SS. I still would like to try a low watt SET amp to see what all the fuss is about.

My room is 17’x 18’ with bass traps and diffusers
source is a Modwright Oppo 205 with tube mods
no preamp (still waiting for new LTA preamp)

the system is sounding very real

@ recluseI ran a similar test with my DI's.  I had strong response down to 30hz (cabinet tuning frequency) with a dip from around 50hz.  I suspect this was a function of my room/preferred speaker/listening position more than anything.  I am surprised you did not get more low end extension as my speakers are well out into the room.  ? your amp.
@snovosel The DI's are very flexible regarding amplifier choice.  Yes, a tube amp with a high output impedance could be hit or miss depending on your taste, room, etc.  I find that my DI's perform beautifully with my SS Marantz Reference gear.  The sound is very well sorted out, crescendos have great control and impact, and it just draws me into the music.  I would never characterize the sound as cold or clinical--quite the contrary.  Very musical and with emotion.  I have also used several PP tube amps with great results.  My preference would be dictated by the type of music/recording to be honest. Would love to try a nice 300b SE integrated. I'm sure I would love it with some music, but suspect I would miss the low end impact and control of SS. So it's hard to go wrong.  Suggest you start with the type of amp that has brought you the most pleasure based on your past experience.

I’m running the NAT Audio Transmitter monoblocks with my DI SE and couldn’t be happier. The soundstage is huge, the images are layered with natural depth, the high frequencies and midrange are lush yet resolving and the bass is deep and tight.

@david_ten Included in the DI shootout are Spatial Audio M3 Triode Master and B&W 702 S2.

Will be driving it with PrimaLuna Dialogue HP Premium power amp (EL 34) and PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium preamp (wide assortment of 12au7 -- Mullard, TeleF, Brimar, Ciftie, stock).

Content is delivered via vinyl on a VPI Prime, w/2 3d arms outfitted with Dynavector XX2 and Ortofon Cadenza mono, via SoundSmith MCP2 phonopre; via digital through a Rocketfish bluetooth dongle by way of either Android or iPhone/iPad; via SACD through a SONY drive. Vinyl is typically (but not always) either original pressings and/or the newer 180g releases but in all cases I run them through an ultrasonic cleaner before use.

I’d have to double check but I believe that my interconnect cables are the ones <$100 purchased from Magnolia at Best Buy. Speaker cables are #10 Monoprice.

Room dimensions are 28x16x8, drywalled, carpeted, drop ceiling, no treatment; speakers facing into the long run, however this room is separated by a structural beam and so I have only half the space for listening. I’d like to try to post some images so that you can see the actual layout although it’s unclear how I’d do that.

Musical tendency leans toward vocal harmony groups and solos with decent (sometimes complex) instrumentation: Beach Boys, Beatles, Mamas & Papas, Turtles, Shirelles, Zombies, Ventures, Adele, Shadows, Dick Dale, Nat King Cole, Sinatra, ABC, B-52s, Go-Gos, Bow Wow Wow, Zeppelin, Elvis Costello, Gary Numan, Siouxie, Classics IV, et al.

I rarely play above 85db, most sessions are in the 68-78db range.

I read T. London’s review of the Pass Labs AX25 and Linear Audio ZOTL40 (when combined with the LTA pre) and he used a phrase that connected with me -- "palpability of individual players" during playback. He expressed in words the sensation that I would seek to recreate.

Hello folks, I' ve been keeping up with this thread since the beginning.
Has anyone with the DI's purchased the 8 ohm version?
Also, I see that some of you are running SET 845's, do they run in 4 and 8 ohms?
Lastly, can anyone elaborate any differences in sound between 4 or 8 ohm, or
advantages to having either.
Thanks all,
Sully

@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.

@david_ten   Ok, I will reach out to Terry.

Do you have recommendations regarding cabling?  Not too expensive?

@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 

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.

@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.

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!

@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.