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.
@jbomber Sounds like happiness. : )
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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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. |
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. |
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. |
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 |
Starsound Technologies Sistrum Apprentice Platforms http://http//starsoundtechnologies.com/SistrumApprentice.php |
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 http://starsoundtechnologies.com/SistrumApprentice.php Sorry. It works now |
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.. |
@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. |
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 |
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 |
@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). |
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... |
@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. |
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? |
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... : |
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. |
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. |
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: 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. |
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... |
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). |
General information, please... Am getting ready to make an offer on an Audiogon item and have never done this before. The seller is new to the site and I am wondering how best to arrange for payment. Is there a way for Audiogon to hold the monies until the item arrives? The menu information is not completely clear here. Would appreciate sage advice from those of you who have done this; thanks in advance I apologize for a general question in this thread but do not want to open a new one just for this simple question. |
totalwex: Am using Double Impacts, upgraded, and with REW creating a convolution file (impulse and filters) and importing this into JRiver have a resulting flat room response (meaning, all electronics and room) from +/- 5db from 16 to 30k. This is without any subs. The room is very large and, admittedly, favors bass response. +/- 5db might not sound impressive to spec lovers, but as a final, complete result for the system AND room, it is very good and approaching studio standards (typically around +/- 3db). SOOO, I strongly believe you do not need a sub with the floor standing DIs if you apply a reasonable amount of room correction -- both physical correction (I use wall deadeners behind and between the speakers) and electronic EQ (such as described above). Corelli's advice above concerning HSU subs is worthwhile. I use these in studio and HT setups and they work splendidly. HSU builds a very fine product at a reasonable cost and they reach down to 16hz with authority. This 16 figure is of interest because 32 foot organ stops go down this far and produce a powerful roar for the lowest "C" on the organ pedalboard. |
Hi everyone - I've been offline for a week (yep a real vacation) so a little late to responding to some questions that are right-up my alley. @totalwex and @canibefrank - I use the Impact Monitors with dual subs. Check out my system page. I've talked about my experience with them quite a bit. There is also an Impact Monitor thread going here on Audiogon. @craigl59 - I've always used Paypal. Yes, you have to pay a fee but its worth it. Audiogon has gotten a lot better recently so I would insist the transaction stay totally within the Audiogon system including all payment and tracking information. |
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For those of you who are streaming Tidal / Roon, and may have interest, I've ordered a Small Green Computer 'sonicTransporter i7 for Roon DSP.' This will replace my full-on SGC streamer/ ripper/ server. It will allow me to eliminate the Network Switch as it bridges Ethernet and allows for a direct LAN connection to a player (or DAC). In my system that is the Sonore Signature Rendu SE. The other option I considered was the Antipodes CX. |
Hey Everybody, Just wanted to share that Allan and I just setup for Audio Arza his new pair of Ulf Be's this morning. In the past I have found that speaker designs that use Beryllium drivers often had an edge/ bite that I found annoying after listening to them over time. However, remember the Ulf Be's were right out of the crates, this speaker was smooth and had a liquidity in their tonal quality, but were producing great micro-details and clarity without sounding hyper-detailed or analytical. So, congrats to Azra they sound great in his room and will only get better as they break-in and to Eric who has creatively designed another world class reference speaker that's as good as anything on the market regardless of price. |