As far as the Omega's, I'm only interested in the large 7 or 8 inch driver. Anybody know why this design is not called a concentric driver?
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.
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.
Showing 14 responses by lowrider57
Doesn't a concentric driver actually consist of two separate drivers sort of in the same frame with a crossover too? The Omega is just one driver covering the whole range with no crossover.Right you are. It's a two-way speaker system with a driver and a horn in the center of the cone. This is the design used by KEF and Tannoy. Here's what I don't understand about the Omega design. From their website... - Full-range 6.5" driver with felt diffraction ring and 25mm voice coil - One-piece whizzer / dustcap assembly - Dual cone with twin rolled edge surround Is this simply a different design that accomplishes the same result as a concentric? |
Thank you @seikosha , you've provided me with a complete explanation. And thanks to @ihor and @jmolsberg for your listening impressions. From the website... The new 8" driver is an improvement over the very popular 8" driver of the past. The sound is like the RS5 on steroids. Very fast and dynamic, and able to handle complex music. |
Thanks, helomechanic, but I need higher efficiency than 86dB. @rebbi , thanks, Full range or single driver speakers have a particular kind of sound. Some people really dig them, some people don’t. This why I'm here, for info such as this, and the plan is to take advantage of a trial period. Regarding your comments, I've read that the mid-highs on this type of driver can be less refined. From the comments thus far, it seems that multiple drivers may be better for the range, texture, and dynamics of symphonic music. But I do listen to string quartets and chamber music as well. So far, my favorite sound signature is from the KEFs (using a concentric driver plus low frequency woofers. But the Q series does not have wood veneer or bracing, the R series are not as efficient, and the reference models are out of my price range. |
I am using Gallo CL-3’s with KT77s. My amp is switchable ultra-linear/triode, but I much prefer to listen in 30W triode. The bass the Gallo’s produce is astounding; I’m using short tip-toes underneath. My Audio Note preamp and DAC dig deep with tight bass. It’s possible that my amp lacks the power to fully drive the Gallos. But since buying the AN multibit DAC, the highs are sounding much more natural. I like the idea of a speaker with a powered subwoofer, but I’m not sure about the ribbon tweeter. I demoed Dali’s and didn’t like their ribbons. |
I've been doing some research and appreciate all the suggestions. I spoke to Louis at Omega and he described his single driver speakers just as @seikosha has... "very direct and immediate sounding and don't hide anything." So, Louis recommended the Super 3 High Output XRS, which has 2 full-range 4.5" drivers. The Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower is a possibility since they offer a 30 day trial. Klipsch... there is a dealer not far from me. Regarding horns, I found that listening to my friend's system, I eventually felt some "listening fatigue." But the most intriguing speaker is the Spatial Audio Hologram M3 Turbo S. $2795/pair with a 60 day trial period (slightly above my budget). TMR has a used pair (8/10) for $1999. The @rebbi review makes a great case for owning this speaker, but his impression is based on using a Krell amp to drive the demanding impedance curve. https://stevefolberg.wordpress.com/2017/11/08/enlightened-engineering-musical-magic-the-spatial-m3-t... |
Thanks for your comments @samsca . I forgot about this thread, I should have updated it and thanked everyone. So, thank you everybody for your contributions. I bought a used pair of Devore Gibbon Super 8's. They're mint with a beautiful cherry finish and are furniture quality. They sound wonderful and are the perfect size for my room, pulled 2.5' from the wall and I sit 8' away. I also upgraded my amp to an Atma-sphere S-30 mk3.3. I first asked Ralph about the pairing and he said his amps like Devore. |