Zu vs. Tekton? -- your comparisons on price, build, sound

use the force Luke

 

 

@riley804 Good one --hoisted on my own petard -- and I deserve it!

Still, to defend myself, if you look at those results, there are not many thread starters with this comparison. So....

More, the reason I’m not just searching the forum is that there have been some recent upgrades to both, and also because there was a recent thread about high sensitivity speakers and low watt tube amps.

Still, good point and I suppose the best spanking for me would be for this to be the last comment in the thread.

Happy Turkey Day from a turkey!

i had to get you this one 😀.

are you thinking of trying a pair of one of these speakers?

 

maybe the brother in law will bring his over and you can hear them in your setup

 

have a safe holiday….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Zu is an Interesting company. Just looked at their site. Thanks

My guess the Zu are better built than Tektons. My friend who owns the Zu Speakers sold them 8 yrs ago, the model I think they are essence? My friend move to Omega Alnico HO, to Tektons impact monitor, to Ps 12 Tektons.

@riley804 I'm really not about to change speakers. I did write to Jim Salk about considering making a more sensitive speaker. The problem he cites is accuracy. But he's thinking about it.

What I'm interested in is -- if you will -- the "tier below Devore" for sensitive speakers. I know folks love/hate Tekton, but since Zu is just down the road in Utah and is a similar kind of company and price-class, I'm wondering about them in comparison. Both those speakers can show up at The Music Room, to which I can drive and try out a pair.

 

 

 

I've had Tektons and as good as they sound (for the money) they are not made that well or should I say they are made to a price point. its the cabinet work that's lacking IMO, that is where they are saving money to keep the pricing down. From pictures I'd say Zu is ahead in this area, sound I do not know. 

Personally i couldn't live with the looks of the semi gloss paint and poor cabinet quality. Not saying they are bad just that's where Tekton saves money to meet a price point. it would be nice it they offered an upgraded cabinet for those who wanted it. 

 

Sound wise, it's up to you and your room.  Zu's to me are more focused and etched sounding and boarder on bright but in the right room are tough to beat.

Tekton have their own sound too which I have liked so far, great live sound.

IF you consider build quality and WAF then Tekton takes a loss every single time.  Zu's are beautiful looking speakers, Tekton are far from that.

Zu Audio is by far superior, no comparison. You can understand all of the words in vocals, piano and strings are well defined. To me Tekton sounds muddy.

Apples and oranges in both design and sound. I’ve heard both, Zu many times, but neither is my cup of tea. I do like Zu aesthetics . Tekton is best for folks with modest tube amps looking for a lot of speaker for the $$$ and probably go loud well. Zu is a fit for modest tube amps also and I always want to like them but sound has always been a bit thin and not involving nor well balanced when heard to me. Very midrangy and a bit shouty. Definitely a unique sound. Also I think Zu prices have gone up quite a bit in recent years based on their niche.

The YouTube channel, 2 Channel listening has a few fairly indepth comparisons between Zu and Tekton.... just Google zu vs tekton to find them. In one or more of them he takes them apart to examine hardware and cabinetry.

There is a nearly new pair of Tekton Monitors in silver for $600

in Phoenix. Just a touch further south of the ZU people. I think they retail for $2,100

so it could be worth the drive. Woolsons Audio. Open Saturdays.

Many cool vintage pieces to see. 

Whilst I am not exactly a lover of the Zu house sound they are far superior to Tekton in build quality , and component quality of drivers and crossovers minimal as they are. If I were looking for a Boom Box to stick on the back of a trailer and take part in the Notting Hill Carnival I might consider Tekton

It is always interesting to see how much hatred Tekton speakers get on here.  I owned the Zu Omen Dirty Weekend speakers and couldn't stand them. Thin and uninvolving sound but they were detailed.  I simply love my Tekton Moabs.  They sound incredible, better than any of the other speakers I've owned.  But if you want a fancy finish they aren't for you.

Go to youtube and search ZU vs Tekton.  There is a guy that have done a number of review videos comparing the two which include sound demo's.  I've watched all those videos and the bottom line is that with the models compared, the Tekton wins on sound and Zu wins on looks.  The models he compared were the Tekton Lore vs Zu Dirty Weekend and Omen.  There is also a comparison between the Tekton Uruz (a lore with ribbon tweeter) and the Zu Omen.

I have a pair of Tekton Lore References connected to my second system that has a vintage Denon PMA757 (80 wpc) with a Zen DAC V2---they sound amazing. I've also connected them to my Luxman 505uxii. Mine are in the blue finish and I get many compliments on them. I've only heard the Zu's at audio shows and they sounded fine. I did quite a bit of research on them as well and the Tektons always seem to get a little more favorability over the Zu's. I believe both have return policies if you don't like them. 

I haven’t heard or owned either brand but I do have a pair of Omega DynaTens.  If you are looking for a speaker similar to DeVore 0/93’s these are worth a look.  They are a departure from Omega’s single driver design but still very minimalist, no crossover and organic materials used in the woofer / tweeter.  
 

Build quality / craftsmanship is outstanding.  These aren’t identical to the Devore, they don’t use the same woofer / tweeter - conceptually they are similar and do both use Seas woofers / tweeters.  
 

I just moved up to a new set of Towers and might put my Omega’s up for sale, at a used price they would be an absolute steal based on the build / sound quality. 

Have had the Tekton Double Impacts (upgraded) for 2 years now, 2 channel only.  System, Svs SB 4000 sub, Audiolab 6000 transport, Benchmark LA-4 Preamp,  and their DAC 3B, powered by Peachtree Amp 500 with Amazon HD service for streaming.  Rock and Roll big time. Couldn't ask for a clearer more Dynamic sound and articulate TOO. CLARITY!!!  Have Focal 948's in another system, that I'm very fond of.  Tekton's are every bit as good, maybe better. May be the  room acoustics too. I got them in pencil gray color. Look nice, but sound great. They love Rock and Roll.Robert TN

Carbon Miller is the person to ask this question, as he can tell you everything you need to know.  He is one the most knowledgeable in this discussion group.  I have communicated with a few times recently about upgrading cables .  Both he and Jason Ressler at The Cable Company were the first to tell me to think of cables the same way you think about components.  These two individuals are great resources.  People who don’t believe speaker cables make a difference are  people who don’t they either don’t want to spend the money on high end cables or people who don’t know what they are talking about.

Pretty sure I know his opinions on Tekton. 

opinion, just like the comparative sample size….

the used pair in Phoenix, now that is cool and good contribution by @chorus 

ZU makes some very attractive speakers in fun colors I can relate to.

Steve Guttenburg recently harpooned a new ZU model. Odd

that he did so as normally does no negative reviews. Did

he feel he needed to say what he did or did he not realize how 

his review came across? I think some of both.

 

The Tekton look is for a younger market. I get that.

Audiophiles owe a debt of gratitude to Tekton for capturing the

imagination of younger folks who may be new to audio.

 

I have heard Moabs in two home systems.

Ditto with Double Impact and Lore.

The first Tekton I heard that piqued my interest is that Monitor I mentioned.

 

Decware promotes about 10 models on their site.

He has knocked off some of the truly proven designs over time.

Although I haven't heard Steve's stuff I am a believer.

 

I doubt many other makers can claim the 700+ unit backlog

that Decware currently has. 

decware.com/newsite/speakers

 

As the story goes if you have a drinking fountain in an obscure

location, people would  flock to it if flowed beer.

 

People may want to get in line there before Harmon gobbles

them up and the genius & pricing changes.

 

I like the Zu full range speakers. I would buy them over Tekton.Just my opinion. 

@larry5729 sure, cables matter, but the money spent on cables are way better investment on speakers, they make such a tiny difference. It's not a myth but way overhyped. 20 dollars cables vs 2000 dollar cables make the littlest difference

I've owned Tekton monitors and several months ago bought a pair of Zu Omen Defs.Not really in the same price range but I have a few thoughts that might be relevant. The Zus are way more sensitive,excel at separating instruments and vocalists and placing them in the soundstage, are not in the least bit bright and thin - IF time and thought is spent on set up.If there are any issues upstream you will hear it,which to me is a good thing. Easy to track down and remedy.

 The Tektons aren't built to the same standard, they had a clear almost sterile sound(at times), even with a tubed dac,pre,and amp.They were not as easy to drive as I thought they would be and would get shrill and congested when pushed. I did really like them with acoustic music though - lots of detail and nuance.

The only thing I wish the Zus were better at is the very highest frequencies - cymbals and "air".The whizzer cone can cause some grit and grain in the presentation but is easily eliminated by damping it.They do not need any help in the dynamics dept. and will not be shouty if the cabling is of a neutral variety that leans slightly to the warm side.So not Odin:-)Again - they were a bear to get positioned correctly!!!!

Grislybutter - have you ever heard Synergistic Research Atmosphere Level Speaker wires.  All I have thinking about is upgrading my speakers.  However, Jason Ressler at The Cable Company kept telling me I haven’t heard my system.  I didn’t believe.  However, now I don’t know if I need to do so.  I am hearing a lot of space and detail I have not heard in the past 5 years.  It is difficult to come to grips with spending $1,700 for 2 pieces of wire.  I think those you put down wires can’t afford them and as a result they tell everyone how crazy they are.  I think Carbonmiller told me to think of cables as components. They are sending signals to your components so why not improve the signal. Perhaps this is why they call this electronics.

@larry5729 +1 on cables

BTW it's not carbon miller its millercarbon

 

For a BIG stage sound...My Tekton Pendragon w/ 7 Tweeter array is unbeatable...Not as bright as I would like though. I needed the Schiit mini loki + EQ. and Bingo ...I have the sound of speakers many time their $2500 price point. The paint job on the cabinets is atrocious.....The sound is stunning. You are there with the artist  if you pair them with a low power tube amp (KT88)  and an Denafrips Ares 2 DAC....Wow. HI FI Happiness on the cheap.

Has Danny Richie been inside a Tekton yet? 

Curious of his take.

@missioncoonery

where did I say the 2000 dollar cable is not better than the 20 dollar cable??????????

 

and you call me an idiot?

 

Please try to read what I wrote and react to that.

 

Also, this is a Tekton vs Zu post. Hm.

@larry5729 

"I think those you put down wires can’t afford them "

there is truth to that, your cable budget is my speaker budget. But that's not to say I don't want to hear the difference. I do. And I tried. And for me there was such a small difference I can't go nuts about cables

I've tried many speaker wires and the Most for the least is Anticables basic wires. Totally turned my system around. For $200 you can clean up your sound!

@grislybutter 

Here are your 2 statements 

"where did I say the 2000 dollar cable is not better than the 20 dollar cable??????????"

"20 dollars cables vs 2000 dollar cables make the littlest difference"

So yeah, you said it

 

 

 

If you want looks.........ZU   ....if you want sound  ....Tekton....That's it !

Tekton are average at best and the ZU are head and shoulders better sounding. 
 

Tektons are like having Donald Trump in your living room screaming “LOOK AT ME, HEAR ME”

Zu,s are refined, balanced and attractive well kinda.

Much prefer my QLN,s. 

@facten yeah, you can't read, I am sorry for your limitations.

My words absolutely don't mean that the 2000 dollar one IS NOT better. I can't believe we at kindergarten level now. Please leave me alone. 

#grizzlybutter

 

"20 dollars cables vs 2000 dollar cables make the littlest difference"

" My words absolutely don’t mean that the 2000 dollar one IS NOT better"

 

So do tell what does "littlest difference" imply, or mean to you?

 

 

@missioncoonery 

you started to insult me, and whichever way you want to construe it, it was completely unnecessary and rude. Not to mention you misconstrued what I wrote completely. Very childish and sad

@facten 

seriously? can you google what difference, little difference, littlest difference mean?

vs. NO difference?

difference by whatever amount MEANS whichever is better is better by that amount. But by no means equals to NO DIFFERENCE

@grizzlybutter

And, littlest in your context no matter how much you want to try to make it out differently means that you don’t find any difference between a $20 and $2000 cable.  So get off your high horse

@grislybutter you are digging a deep hole here. @missioncoonery did not call you an idiot. You also did not articulate your position very clearly.

Better thicken up the old hide here or you will consume yourself.

I read your post and I agree you are really downplaying cables and their impact on a mid to upper level system. Granted Zu and Tekton are not top shelf speakers but they will benefit from a better cable than a $20.00 lamp chord. 

OP, here. I took @grislybutter to be intending a claim that was missing two words. 

Here's the claim as I think it was intended: 

"20 dollars cables vs 2000 dollar cables *can sometimes* make the littlest difference"

This seems indisputable.

@larry5729 I bought a 14' length AP Crystal Solo Oval 8  single speaker cable from TMR for $600 and I paid the company $130 to cut it in half and re-terminate it. Brand new that speaker wire would have been $2661 as a pair of 7' cables. There are ways to get value without buying new. 

"Voices are split in prismatic fashion" is the nail in the coffin, IMO.

From another thread, re Tekton Moab: "Nice, plenty of positive things to say. However, it was quite obvious that the array adds convolution to the imaging, especially with more complex music. Voices are split in prismatic fashion and I could hear the grouping of drivers’ contributing to that….Frankly, for all the tweeters purportedly giving the Moab such incisiveness, not really. The 3" soft dome of [my Wharfdale] Opus 2-M2 to my ears in this system was much more precise and elegant, without the smearing of the multiple drivers’ launch….[Moab] does have a more stringent sound, and does not excel in that system at warmth, even though a relatively recent AR preamp and Pass 30.8 Monos were in use. The bass was ok, but certainly not overwhelming in terms of impact or tonality. For $4K some good scale, acceptable presence and impact; reminded me of a low to mid line Magnepan or Vandersteen, a bargain, but with idiosyncrasies." 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/my-take-on-the-tekton-array-experiences-to-date

 

@grisleybutter....$2000.00 speaker cable sounds no better than $20.00 cables?..well maybe if your playing in the Zu,Tekton arena but I suggest you listen a system that has the ability to prove how just absolutely idiotic your statement was.

Uh...before you go calling other people idiotic:

 

the quality of a cable is not dependent on the amount of money you spent on it.  It's dependent on the appropriate electrical qualities you need for the task.

Mogami cables, for instance, are very cheap compared to typical "audiophile" cables.  Mogami, and similar brands (e.g. Canare) are what most of the pros use.  Know why?   Because expensive audiophile cables aren't required for transmitting the signals they are recording and mastering.

Most of what you listen to was recorded with bog standard studio grade cables.

Every time an audiophile swoons over the amount of sonic information his expensive cables "reveal," he is hearing the level of sonic information those standard, cheap studio cables were just as capable of carrying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think a lot of people who are non-believers in speaker wire are those either have difficulty writing the check or are jealous about those who can.  As a result they put down others who can.  Perhaps their hearing loss doesn’t allow them to hear greater detail.  4 hours after I hooked mine up I heard my tweeters for the first time.  At first they sounded harsh and I called my sales person to complain.  He said give it 4-6 hours, take two aspirin and call me in the morning.  I think the added silver must bring out the highs.

speaking of highs I would t think the Tekton’s must drill your ears.  I we have a beautiful living room and my wife would kick me out if I came home with Tektons.  I am trying to decide between Focal Kanta’s and Paradigm Persona 3’s.  I like Persona 3’s for sleekness.  The Kanta’s are much bigger and I don’t like the two piece grills.  I also don’t like over powering the room and ruining the looks of our room.

The gate keeper has the last word.

@larry5729 i thought you had Salks! Did you get rid of them and if so how come?

@larry5729 or some people just have a life. (mortgage, 3 kids in college, mother's hospital bills, trips to Europe, date nights, etc., all the good and bad stuff that cost $$$)

speaking of highs I would t think the Tekton’s must drill your ears.  I we have a beautiful living room and my wife would kick me out if I came home with Tektons.  I am trying to decide between Focal Kanta’s and Paradigm Persona 3’s.  I like Persona 3’s for sleekness.  The Kanta’s are much bigger and I don’t like the two piece grills.  I also don’t like over powering the room and ruining the looks of our room.

Classic buying with your eyes. The Paradigms have a long history of speakers that measure and sound bright. The Personas are no exception. Unless you match the right gear with them, ear bleed city. The treble measures and sounds flatter to my ears with the Tektons. Absolutely not ear piercing, but it is all in all unremarkable treble. Flat measuring, but not refined sounding. Of the three you mentioned, it would be the Kanta, hands down for me. More refined than the Tekton in the treble and not tipped up like the Persona. You should listen before you spend that kind of money.