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Which Budget Speakers, Tekton or Omega?

I have a $2500 budget and haven’t had any luck finding the right floorstander in the local hifi shops, so am seeking advice from owners of internet-direct speakers.

I have an all tube system with a 30W triode EL34 amp. My system is in the living room, 12’ x 16’ x 8.' Speakers can be a maximum height of about 40 inches.
   Most important to me is a realistic laid-back presentation with open, transparent sonics. For example, I really like the KEF sound. I listen to 90% Classical, but also take my Led Zeppelin very seriously.
I have a sensitivity to high frequencies (hyperacusis), so there must be a smooth and natural top-end. And I’m done with metal tweeters since I haven’t found any that work for me.

There have been many Tekton threads, so I’m familar with some of their models, but I’m very intrigued by the Omega’s. Can anybody share their experiences with the Omega line or offer advice on floorstanders within my budget? I’m open to used or demos.

lowrider57

Showing 5 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Rebbi,
I really enjoyed your well written and informative speaker review. You did what I often advocate, trust your ears. Given the design of this speaker and its load impedance characteristics it makes sense that the Krell amplifier would be the better choice.

The Triode Master version of this speaker would for certain be a better option for your Audio Note Kit 300b SET amplifier. Makes sense to me, 16 ohm and flatter impedance curves and simpler crossover, oh yeah! Rebbi I always appreciate your contributions to this forum. Happy listening.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Gwalt, 
I definitely understand your context that's why I am curious if Glenn has done this comparison in his system and If so what is his impression. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Glenn,
Insightful comments from Gwalt as usual.  Have you tried a higher power amplifier with your LV and was it an improvement? I realize that room size, listening level and music genre are relevant factors to consider. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for providing the very interesting comparison of the Living Voice and Audio Note speakers as heard in your own system. I find it intriguing that  the LV is voiced using the esteemed Kondo components. That’s quite a litmus test for a speaker in such a reasonable price range.

Glenn I’ve heard the Tekton Double Impact and it is a very good sounding speaker. I have not heard the LV but it universally receives high praise. I’m very enthusiastic regarding  high quality easy to drive efficient speakers and good low power amplifiers. It good to know that the LV Avatar is easily driven by your 8 watt 300b SET amplifier.

Another quite interesting candidate in this category is the Canadian made (Toronto) Coherent Audio speakers. These are reputed to be excellent sounding and very easy to drive with lower power amplifiers. This particular niche in High End audio offers much in the way of exceptional musicality and very natural sound quality.
Charles


charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Glenn,
The Living Voice (LV) and Audio Note E (ANE ) is a very interesting comparison of two very well regarded UK speakers of similar sensitivity. Would it be fair to say that the ANE is an easier speaker load to drive (and providing deeper bass/weight ) and the LV is perhaps more refine (and open) sounding? Granted there are numerous versions (options) of the AN available. It seems that either would work well with modest power but high quality amplifiers. The LV is certainly less known than the AN brand in the USA.
Charles
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