2. speakers
  3. 134046-2280

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.

128x128lowrider57
59 responses Add your response
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
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...

jond's avatar
jond
5,795 posts
 
@lowrider57 Just skimmed through the rebbi review and one thing to keep in mind he's comparing an 8 watt SET amp, albeit a good one, with the Krell. Your amp, which is a 30 watt PP as I remember would be a totally different animal then the AN amp rebbi owns. @rebbi Fantastic and comprehensive review and great pics thanks!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
@jond , yes a very different amp than mine. I'm looking at reviews and seeing that a 20 to 30W tube is needed to get the most out of the Hologram M3 Turbo. High power SS is even better.
rebbi
1,326 posts
 
@lowrider57 and @jond 
Thanks for the kind words on the review!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
@rebbi  , Yes, great review and I liked your step by step setup and comparison to the M4.

rebbi, can you explain how the compression driver is designed to work with a cone rather than using a voice coil?
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,666 posts
 

charles1dad and Gwalt, I posted this reply in the wrong listing sorry.

I tend to listen music at bout 70-85db in my condo thats more then enough to be satisfying and not disturb my fellow condo dwellers. Yes the LV's do come alive some what more with 15-20wch but I do think they are still very good with only 8wch. I'd bet a 300b parallel amp would be glorious with them. I may look at having my amp modified for parallel operation. wow can you imagine 16wch! lol

lots of choices we live in a great audio time.

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
samsca
32 posts
 
I am very happy with my pair of Omega super alnico monitors.  I run them with a parallel 45 tube amp.  Only 4.5 watts.

I believe the reason they sound so magical is because there is no crossover.  Crossovers add distortion. 
The SAM’s sound so pure and elegant.  Like another reviewer said , they just draw you in  like no other speaker. 
I agree that they might not do the highs as well as other speakers and the bass is not as strong either but who needs to hear more highs and bass when it sounds average. I’d rather hear the music more real and closer to the live performance.  
Hope you find what your looking for.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
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.



Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Bache Audio Sofia 101
80x80
Harbeth Super HL5 Plus XD
80x80
Gryphon Pantheon