2. speakers
  3. 146338-8997

Any insight on Tekton Double impact BE, Focus Se, Salk SS 8, or Golden Ear TRef?

I am looking to replace my 20 year plus towers. However I noticed that most notable speaker manufactures are not putting out what I consider a true full range speaker 20 Hz to 20 Khz (Well not for semi sane price points that is). So I have been examining some of the big bang for the buck and consumer direct brands.

My Budget is for something that come in between $6,500 - $10,500. System requirements is something that is a tower  with frequency response between 25 Hz to 20 KHz.
Capable of handling the dynamic bass heavy content of electronic music from thing like Bass 305, Bach Organ works, or Bass Guitar centered works from folks like Kyle Eastwood or Marcus Miller. The primary listening I do is Opera Metal, that has broad range of content and vocals styling of classical opera but is also bass heavy with metal guitar, drums, and a lot of classical instruments. So it is just not about the bass the system has to be able to have some finesse and detail. Something with sibilant treble will not work. Especially when those powerful Soprano voices really start to wail on the metal tracks from Arven or Leaves Eyes.

My system is dedicated 2 channel Balanced Audio Tech VK 32 Se preamp and VK 500 SS amp. At 250/450 watts 8/4 ohms I have a decent source component and plenty of power.

The two notable consumer direct transducers I been taking a hard look at is
Tekton Double Impact BE edition $6500.00Salk Sound SS8 or SS8 Be for $8995.00There is a lot of favorable press on these but I have never had a chance to listen to one or any knowledge on their build quality which is the biggest concern for me. I desperately want to avoid shipping a 100 plus speaker in for repair. Is there any insight that I should be advised against if I move towards these products. The SS8 I know are really highly regarded, the DI have a little bit more of mixed response but there is enough favorable press on them that I they are also a very strong contender.

Brands that are offered by dealers I can drive to and listen to are:Golden Ear Reference $8998.00 towers great extension and very listenable. Not real punchy or as fast on the transients as the Legacy.
Legacy Signature SE. $6500.00 Has all that I am looking for does not go as deep the TRef. But filled the room I was in with more bass.

Legacy Focus SE, $10,600.00 a pair. This one I liked the sound of the best. It gave me the most in terms of bass energy and the dynamics I crave. Not as relaxed in the treble as the TRef its highs were to my ear more forward, which could be problematic on bright and spitty recordings. None the less I do not think treble would be a problem when mated with the more neutral sound of the BAT gear I have.

So far I am leaning towards the Focus SE, however since I do not have any experience with either Tekton DI or Salk SS8.I simply do not want to rule them out without getting some insights from those that own or had experience with them.
How much consideration should I give to them? They are at much more manageable price points, but do they truly offer comparable sound and reliability, that I will be doing myself a disservice should I not take some time to explore them further, before pulling the trigger on the Focus?

Thanks all for the help.




walkertm
nitrobob
260 posts
 

I have only had 2 of your choices, The Tekton DI’s and the Legacy Focus SE’s. I currently own the Legacy’s. I have had quite a few brands through my 63 years and I think I finally found the ones I’m going to keep. You mentioned their a little bright with those 4 ribbon tweeters. I actually like the crispness of them. But they do have toggle switches on the back that will subtract some high end from the mix for just your concern. Some people love the Tektons. I didn’t think much of them. Just too much in your face midrange that came across like a huge full range speaker. If you are worried about brightness, I would think they would not be too your liking. But, you won’t know till you get out there and hear them. Or order them for a home trial. If you try the Tekton’s, do not put any fingerprints, smudges , animal hair ( not one ), ! or any kinds of marks on the bottoms of speakers or you will be charged a couple hundred extra bucks when you return them. I know, I had to pay. And I wiped them down and thought they were all cleaned up before returning. Good luck with your quest. I had a ball traveling around listening for my choices..


BTW, If you happen to live near OHIO, you have an invitation to stop by and have a listen in real world conditions

firstnot's avatar
firstnot
248 posts
 
I would consider three brands you haven't mentioned: Focal Kanta 2,
Magico A3, PMC 20-24's. I have not heard the Salk products but as you say the owners seem pleased enough. Of course I am someone who did even know that Metal Opera existed so these brands may not be your cup of tea.
rsure
29 posts
 
@firstnot First time I heard of Metal Opera too! The variety of different music types is amazing...
walkertm OP
42 posts
 
@ Firstnot & rsure The term I use is opera metal, but in truth that is a misnomer. The bands listed are categorized in Folk - Melodic- Gothic metal. I call it Opera metal since the female leads are usually Sopranos, many with classically trained voices. Also much of this music has classical themes and instrumentation borrowed from Opera. Metal is a broad category. Not all of it is filled with growling  all the way through  (Which I hate) and screeching guitars. Some of these folks have real vocal and musical talent and an ear for composition. Think of this music in the same vein as Evanescence and Lacuna Coil but with more of bent toward classical chord  progressions and vocal styling.
lancelock
1,094 posts
 
I have listened to Salk speakers at shows and have always been impressed. Even in the poor conditions a hotel room provides the sound was wonderful and the finish was spectacular.

I own the Tekton SE not BE and am very happy with the sound. Feed them with a good source, amplification and you will be amazed.
More to discover