Jetter.. i see $450 but i get the idea... im all about that and am extemely interested but i would still need to figure out the towers.. maybe back to psb x2t with this sub as an option... I do love my PSBs but was ready to look into something different.. more research for me!
“Invest” in Tekton?
I’ve been a member of Audiogon for a while but haven’t really had the need to utilize the forums until now... I’ve perused the forums pretty extensively the past couple of days but haven’t really found my specific question.... First some background: I’ve had my current system for quite some time (PSB image: 5t, 9c, 2b, subsonic 6; Denon AVR3311 as preamp; and a NAD T955 amp) and have been pretty happy with it... yes, I tend to hold on to my stuff for a while.... I recently decided to explore the option of upgrading/updating my speakers and was pretty interested in some midlevel stuff (SVS Prime, Emotiva, PSB X2T, Paradigm 8, 9, or 10 something…) but ultimately decided the $2000-$3000 price tag wasn’t worth the investment as they were all roughly in the same league as my PSBs... Somehow, I stumbled upon the review of the Tekton double impacts... don’t even know how I found it but there I was... I kinda chuckled to myself when the reviewer started comparing them to $20,000 speakers and then started calling them better at some things... I was a little pessimistic about the review because in my aforementioned research every speaker was the greatest thing since sliced bread.. (To be honest, in my eyes, the professional reviewers lost some credibility because every speaker was just great, couldn’t find a bad review no matter how hard I tried...) Anyhow, the comparison to speakers 7-10x in price piqued my curiosity so I started snooping around for any Tekton reviews I could find and lo and behold, everyone loves them and the comparisons to speakers multiple times their price were plentiful. Ok, so the Tektons are good and now I’m more interested than I should be…
So here’s the rub… I’ve never even considered spending $5000-$6000 on a speaker system (5.0-5.1). Never in my wildest dreams… I’ve always had a theoretical limit of $3k and never gave anything above that a thought. Along comes Tekton with speakers that are in the 5-6k price range (5.0-5.1) but are being compared to speakers $20,000+ and the fact people are putting them in the same league as speakers in that price range, and saying they are better in some instances, is intriguing…
So here’s where I am asking for some assistance. It seems the Tekton lineup is a unique opportunity to acquire reportedly superior sonic performance with apparently unparalleled value. However, $5-6k is a TON of money in my world.. It won’t break the bank but admittedly, it bends it pretty significantly and spending this kind of money on speakers definitely wasn’t a consideration even a week ago… Personally, I am seeing this as a once in a lifetime purchase (am 43 and would expect these to be the last major speaker purchase of my life) but I do need to justify to my betrothed. My original sales pitch to her included the analogy “it seems they are selling Lamborghinis for the price of a Mustang…” and “I really don’t think there will be another opportunity like this” (when did I start selling timeshares???!!!) There are other barriers with her as well (e.g., “They’re how big?!”) but she does have somewhat of an understanding of how much I like music and stereo stuff.. somewhat…
So my actual questions:
To those that have actually heard the speakers, (transducers?)… do you really feel they are leaps and bounds better than typical speakers in the 3-6k range (generally speaking…)? For comparison, I liked the SVS Ultras but due to price and size (yeah, I know how big the Tektons are..) I put them in the “maybe someday” category. To be clear, I’m not asking is “x better than y?” but rather “Do these $3000 speakers really belong in the same class as $20,000 speakers????
In your humble opinions, is this really a rare/unique opportunity with unparalleled value that is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” or are situations like this (incredible value for the money) more common?
I can’t even claim to have a basic understanding of electronics, I’ve read up on ohms and what not and my eyes glaze over.. I spoke with Eric and he, without hesitation, stated my NAD T955 would be plenty sufficient to run whatever options I went with. Thoughts? I intend on using the NAD until it dies (hopefully no time soon) and will deal with next steps when the time is right…
I am super nervous about ordering something so expensive unheard, If anyone is interested, I would like to have a discussion relating to my type of music and listening environment/levels.. (not including in this post to keep size down..)
Any other relavant information I haven't considered, particularly in the area of justifying a purchase such as this?
There are probably 100 other little tidbits I could include in this but I am trying to be as brief as possible and I still wrote a novel… Anyhow, any productive assistance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
129 responses Add your response
You don't have to have 8"+ drivers with that room volume to get deep bass. You can get smaller speakers with 6.5" drivers and get proper bass. My room is 13' x 18' with a vaulted ceiling. My speakers use dual 6.5" drivers and I have no need for subs. I have to partially plug the ports! Only 3 db down at 31.5 Hz, measured at my listening position. It's all about how good the speaker design is, driver quality and room interaction. As for monitors, I have heard Revel M22 in a room size like yours and they were glorious. If you have your heart set on big towers, big drivers, with or without 7 tweeters, better save your cash for some serious acoustic panels for the basement. |
333jeffrey, thanks for chiming in with that! Nice to hear an actual comparison... as far as heart set on the DIs... admittedly, they are what got me rolling on this whole thing and I do like the concept.... but im trying to remain somewhat objective and am willing to explore other options... i really do agree with everyone that the DIs are obnoxiously large for my purposes so if there is something smaller that brings the "it" factor I am more than willing, especially if it is significantly less $ @toddverone..regarding specs, yeah.. nothing replaces hearing them but when thats all ya got at the moment.... Like i said if it does come down to tekton i would most likely take a field trip to check them out in person... still open to recommendations for other towers as mentioned above also, forgot to mention, thanks for the room suggestions.. will definitely be diving into that stuff soon, mayne sooner than later if this near field stuff takes hold... |
be careful looking at specs and wanting to get the best based on those. i definitely hear what you're saying about not wanting to get a 'lesser' model and then a sub that would add up to the DI. the problem is the room. those big speakers might be too much, and, if they don't work with your room, the fact that they have better specs won't matter. what having a sub will do is let you tune the bass by giving you more placement options. however, you seem really psyched on the DIs. why not try them? you'd be out shipping if you don't like them, but then at least you'd know, rather than always wondering about what could have been. i definitely agree with whoever said to put your speakers along the 11' wall, once you get a pair. good luck! |
Hey guys, thanks for keeping the conversation rolling!!! As I mentioned, I really appreciate your input as I am getting exposed to a lot of information and you guys are forcing me to really think through and define my objectives… +2 toddverrone regarding the headphones...I appreciate the suggestion David_ten but headphones are not the route I want to go Now, regarding monitors....
So, knowing I want to stick with towers, Let’s get it on the table I am not married to the DIs by any means... I have had suggestions for XTZ and Zu Audio come my way and am in the process of looking into them.. So I guess these are my parameters:
Here’s my thought process on Tekton: (DIs, $3k, Electrons $2750, Enzo 2.7 $2k, not really interested in other models) DIs vs Electrons: Why give up the higher performing specs to save $250 and maybe/maybe not need a sub? DIs vs Enzo 2.7: Enzo is only rated to 40hz so most likely need sub.. add on $800 and we’re right back up to nearly $3k… that’s assuming a sub is necessary.. If not, we have a logical option here… So as far as Tekton is concerned, it’s pretty much the DIs or bust (with the Enzo 2.7 no sub option noted).. I even looked up the monitors and at $2k + sub that gets right back into the same mess… I did like the sound of the SVS Ultras ($2k) but as I mentioned somewhere, I couldn’t determine if a sub would/wouldn’t be helpful as the room I auditioned them in was pretty crummy for low frequencies… the SVS subs were pretty much invisible… Enter your text ... |
+1 toddverrone. Headphone systems are great but not the same experience as speaker ones are. Putting together a dedicated listening room is a great experience. With awareness that many of my suggestions have previously been mentioned, I would In this case (small 9x11' room), develop a near field system, based on a pair of two way monitors selected based on considerations for room size, speaker placement and room treatment. Then find a compatible integrated amplifier and desired source components. If possible I would consider placing speakers along the 11' wall. I would consider putting equipment rack to either side of listening position. This will provide opportunity for largest soundstage, an advantage over headphone listening. I would consider treating walls behind speakers, at 1st reflection points, behind listening position, and the use of bass traps in corners. I am a DIY guy with this approach. Look up ATS Acoustics, Piper City, Illinois, a great source for information and products (no affiliation, just a customer). Again, selection of speakers need to be made based on the aforementioned considerations. Enjoy the process, you will be rewarded. |
The monkey on your back, or in this case, the monkey in the room is The Room! @helomech nailed it: you are really constrained by your room. 9X11 by??? 6 to 7 feet since it is a basement??? Cinderblock??? You really should consider a 'near-field' setup like the one @helomech suggests. Taking the Tekton DIs out of the equation, you generally should be able get a higher quality speaker if you choose a monitor over a floor stander, for the same spend. You have said 2.1 is a possibility...it would be great if you could incorporate a sub with the monitors, or preferably 2 subs. But the room is going to limit this...it will be easy to overwhelm the room, so something that is delicate, has a smaller woofer, and doesn't go down super low. If you don't, the excess energy will just get sent up the walls and the flooring above you, and into your home. You've said you like hard rock. : ) Given the room size, front porting speakers or transmission line speakers that port to the front or to the bottom would also be good options. Talk to Eric. Maybe it is better to go with one of his other models, and incorporate a sub, one of his or another brand's. I still think the DIs will work, just leave a sub out of the mix, and plan on major room treatment in your situation. @teajay recommends Linear Tube Audio as a fantastic pairing for the DIs, and this would help you accomplish (along similar lines) what @last_lemming is recommending. Given your room, I still recommend a headphone setup as a very good option. I purposely mentioned the 10K level to give you a feel for what you could accomplish for not that much more than your stated budget of 5-6K. The 5-6K, wisely applied to the complete chain will easily get you to around 85% of what the 10K spend would and will kill the equivalent spend for a speaker setup. Plus you get to take the room completely out of the equation. Set the room up for comfort and use, as you prefer, without having to spend a dime or time on treating it. |
In that small of a room I would go with SET amp - no question. Decware makes amazing stuff for reasonable cost. Their interconnects work well and a cheap compared to most. Check their site. Pair that with a Zu Omen speaker with Radian tweeter upgrade. Throw in a decent source and your done. Trust me, BIG sound, great tone and if you end up needing more bass add a small sub. I have this set up in a room just a bit bigger and it’s amazing. I run Zu Omen Defs w/ Radian tweeter upgrade. Oh I don’t need a sub either. IMO Zu is similar in many ways to Tekton from what I've read. |
@david_ten: I tried a variety of headphones in the $200-$500 range (and was willing to pay as much) when I bought my ATs but honestly, these sounded the best to me and ironically were by far the cheapest.. I run them with a funky little tube amp I got off Amazon, can’t remember the brand or name of it.. Honestly, I have absolutely 0 complaints about the sound coming out of it.. none... but admittedly, sitting there with headphones on lacks a certain "Je ne sais quoi " (yeah, I looked up the spelling...) Can’t really put my finger on it but it’s there and apparently it lacks enough that I find it viable to explore the options I am looking at... Now, as far as a 10k headphone set up goes, no I’ve never heard something like that, not even close, but for the aforementioned reasons... I do appreciate the suggestions though. If anything, something suggested but not utilized helps to ensure all angles are being explored and decisions are not being made hastily... |
@la10slgr, You said: "re: headphones. I have a set of headphones that I love (Audio Technica ATH-M50x) sound great and everything!!! I’ve actually been doing exactly what you recommended the past couple of years but it’s just missing something that speakers give…" Th M50x is good. I'm not sure what you drive them with, BUT...have you heard a well put together reference level headphone system? a reference TOTL headphone system (cans, components, and all cabling) will deliver for around 10K (purchased wisely) what 20K in a speaker system will struggle to, especially given your room, and that's if you go with something like the Tekton DIs which don't dent the budget like other higher end speakers will. And I'm being extremely conservative with the 20K favoring the speakers and realistic with the 10K on the headphone system (it can probably be done for less). |
Invest is not the word for it consume is. Buying any new audio is not a good investment sure a chance exists that what you bought may have future value but if ones takes the entirety of audio production since the beginning you would find that little has held value let alone increased. But if wanting high quality audiophile playback and at the same time hoping to conserve orignal investment then vintage audio is the best choice Western Electric RCA MI Vitavox Mottiograph Altec JBL Lansing Garrard Marantz etc if one buys wisely many of these increase in value and when used with some modern gear sing. Otherwise your just buying a loudspeaker to use for sometime till it fails is obsoleted or you tire of it you may recoup a small amount of its purchase on resale you might not. |
@david_ten thanks for the suggestion. I might just try to get ahold of him.
@helomech re: life story.. yeah , got
on a roll and by the time I was done didn’t feel like reviewing.. good point
though (oddly I hate writing but I seem to get on a roll within forums.. you know, the place you are supposed to be brief…) re: tekton business
model. Yeah, the website itself and the variety
of speakers could both use some clarity.. However, if the speakers are up to
par I’m willing to give a flyer on the others as I have some of the same tendencies
(focus on a good product but realize my strength is not the business/marketing aspect…) @david_ten (2nd time) re: ceiling height. correct, it will be in the basement
so only so much height as well..
@hddg I think I am getting the gist that these aren’t necessarily 20k speakeers but at their pricepoint most comments indicate the DIs seem to perform very well. I will look into those XTZs
@mofojo pure speculation at this point. I did the math and aside from my time, the trip to Utah would cost about the same as shipping so if it gets to that point, I would head out there,, audition, and bring home if they fit the bill…
@nitewulf the new set up will be stereo.. maybe 2.1 depending on what ends up happening. |
The Tektons are good, but to compare them just like that to 20k speakers is just not so straight forward. They should be compared to 20k speakers that are not really worth their price. It makes no doubt that with those small teams that know sound engineering, design and build their own speakers and sell them direct, you automatically reap higher quality for lower prices. For sure in some cases of 20k speakers, you pay for the bigger boss, the smaller boss, the designers, the many overheads, the retailer's margin and for the marketing. It does not leave you much in terms of real speaker quality if for the packaging!! Back to the Tektons, they are highly efficient, and getting a lot of very loud sound doesnt make much sense unless this is what you want. If sound quality with enough volume is your ultimate goal, maybe you ought to consider replacing your NAD with some nice tube amps (SET!!!) and get the Tekton Lore. You will be quite high on the scale of audio quality. If you want to get which for me is the best price/quality ration in terms of speakers, you would want to look at XTZ. Their sound quality is just near perfect in every parameter, and they are not very fussy about amps, even if of course they will improve a lot if you upgrade them. The XTZ Divine 100.33 are pure marvels http://www.xtzsound.eu/product/divine-100-33, and the 99.36 will give you more bass if you want that, and you can upgrade them with the Beryllium kit later. http://www.xtzsound.eu/product/99-36-flr. A friend of mine just did that and he is now in the audio nirvana. They are absolute audio jewels, designed in sweden, components are all european and mounted in China for costs, and you buy direct with XTZ. |
@helomech: great points. You could also go with active monitors. For example, the active version of the Kefs that helomech mentions, ATC, and others, etc. I missed the room size... 9 by 11 !!! I think you are in the basement, how high is the ceiling? Another option: Have you considered headphones? A used TOTL / Reference system can be had for your total budget, including DAC and amp. No room treatment and subsequent spend required. Even open backs, which I recommend getting, will not bother anyone if you are in this room, or most other rooms for that matter. You will get the bass you desire. Or equalize it to your heart's content. |
Ok, I read your whole life story (apparently I have too much time on my hands). Your conundrum is much easier (and cheaper) to solve now. You are working with a 9x11 room.This is not much larger than some closets. You DO NOT need floor standers, let alone large ones like those from Tekton. What you want is good quality stand-mount monitors. These will sound better in this size of room, won't over power with booming bass, and save you $$$. Luckily there's many great ones for less than a pair of Tekton DIs, Kef LS50s for example. You also don't need surround sound in a room like this, it would only muck up the imaging. So you could possibly put something like $3k into some stand-mounters and have $2k left for a nice integrated amp, maybe one with a good onboard DAC. For $800, you can find a musical subwoofer from the likes of Rythmik or REL for your headbanger sessions (if you like overloading a room with bass). You seem to desire a balanced, musical sound. It's very hard to beat British stand-mount monitors in this regard. Don't let the published specs on many of these misead you. Many of them are as resolving as the very best. Have you noticed that Tekton seems to come out with a new model every few months, and each one is claimed to be better than the one before it? If the Enzo and Pendragon were such giant killers and made "every other speaker obsolete," then why the need for the Double Impact or that open-baffle one? I understand the need to have multiple product offerings for certain price points and applications, but the marketing method is unusual to say the least. I notice a lot of these Pendragons for sale on the used market, which makes me wonder if they're really giant slayers as claimed. You could put your PSBs in the planned listening room and see how floor standers cope with such a small space, but my guess is they'll overload the room. |
Warning: virtual
novel coming up but it’s my post so…
Ok, I’ve been reading all the latest comments and have fallen behind replying so thanks to everyone who has chimed in! At least to some degree I have initially considered a lot of thinking points that have been presented and fortunately have been presented with some new angles to consider, which is exactly why I turned to y’all in the first place so truly, thank you for your comments… I have spent a lot of time since my original post contemplating the known variables. I’ve also spent some time working with my wife regarding what is/isn’t acceptable in terms of aesthetics... Of all things, a video cabinet that I (with my father-in-law’s expertise and guidance) created with my own two hands was the line in the sand, it has to stay where it is... Oh the irony! I crafted the cabinet to fit perfectly with my PSBs leaving no room for anything wider.. oops… At any rate, she was pretty insistent the video cabinet stays so there were some conversations about that… So that coupled with the growing list of logistical issues (e.g. the growing realization the components need to be at a comparable quality level, all the work that would need to be done to accommodate the speakers…) and the writing was on the wall… But don’t fret!!! So one point that has been made a few times in one form or another is “are you sure this is something you need?” and after some extensive internal monologues I can emphatically say it is. I have always loved music, period. Even as a kid playing with my legos well into the night I had to have music playing as I built. Along those lines, I was a typical 80s kid with MTV always on and to this day, if it was a video on MTV I can pretty reliably tell you the artist within seconds of hearing it. Moving forward, I was in band from 4th -10th grade and would have kept playing but I had to make a choice between football and band (to be honest, the option was given to continue with both but I wasn’t the type that was going to be on campus from 5am to 6:30 pm every day…) and football won.. I will say this, football and band were really the only two things I committed myself to in high school, I was pretty bummed I had to give one up for the sake of the other… At any rate, no matter where I have been, music has always been with me.. There are so many songs/albums that can trigger an instant memory that would otherwise be lost… Even today, hearing the right song at the right time can literally give me goose bumps.. Latest example is Nine Inch Nails “Right Where It Belongs.” I pretty much ignored anything NIN after “Downward Spiral” but stumbled into this song a few months ago… The first 3 minutes of the song is recorded “lo-fi” but the message/lyrics brought me in and then suddenly, at 3:02, the stage opens and the song crescendos into “hi-fi” and it just gave me chills.. Those are the things that stir my soul (I am a sucker for a good crescendo!!!)… I could go on and on but I think the point has been made Moving along… I had to omit some background in my original post as it wasn’t relevant but now has a place… For years, I have had this dream of creating a sound room in my basement… Creating a space that was all mine that I could go to and listen to anything I wanted, as loud as I wanted, whenever I wanted… It seemed we were finally at a place financially to put this dream into action so I started looking into it and figured I knew just the right people (father-in-law: very handy; buddy 1: architect, buddy 2: home theater installer.. perfect!!!) So I figured a couple grand and some help from my friends and voila!!!! Yeah…. I don’t want to throw anyone under the bus but suffice it to say, buddy 1 and 2 were less than enthusiastic about helping with the project so yeah, thanks guys... Then, I started looking into the cost of running electricity and soundproofing and the project was circling the drain before it even got off the ground.. Needless to say, I was pretty frustrated and bummed as the budget was annihilated before I bought a single item… At this point I changed course and decided “All right, I’ll just get my fix with the main system” and that’s about where y’all came in (auditioning the mid-level stuff to put in my room to replace the PSBs but decided to stand pat as there wasn’t a discernable difference so why blow the cash for no improvement…) Well, as David_10 stated, “BUT THEN THERE WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN THE JOURNEY” So within this whole crazy story, I’m back at stage 1, building the “sound lab” in the basement.. This time with full spousal approval!!!!!! It basically came down to this revelation (this is all internal monologue): “Wait a minute, I’m ready to drop 5-6K on a speaker system that 1) has questionable spousal approval and 2) creates a myriad of logistical problems (room set up, the damn cabinet, the right “upstream components” to do the job effectively) but won’t spend it on the sound room which has nothing but upside???? Not to mention that means only 2.0-2.1 speakers which cuts out the need for the center and rears and also cuts out the need for a 5 channel amp.. Theoretically, those savings can be applied to higher quality equipment.. WHY AM I NOT DOING IT THIS WAY??????” The ”sound lab” will have it’s own logistical issues as I’ve never built a room before, never worked construction, never designed a room before, and definitely never sound proofed a room before. But that’s why we have forums and youtube right???? What could possibly go wrong???!!!! But seriously, I know this is a huge undertaking (an actual electrician will be involved..) but as I said, this is something I have always wanted and am willing to put forth the effort necessary to make it happen and summer is around the corner and that just happens to be when I have spare time… Ok, so how bout we get this back on topic???!!! So new room = new questions/logistics… I think I’m gonna eschew paragraphs and get straight to the bullet points. The situation: 1. New room: will be approximately 9x11 with sound treatment techniques utilized to prevent polluting the rest of the house and my neighbors tranquility (details omitted at this point, not a secret, just trying to save room) 2. Regarding Tekton: based on owner reviews; Terry London’s review (reading the full DI thread revealed he will call out speakers he doesn’t like… his stock went up tremendously in my book seeing that); and some other random research I have done I feel pretty comfortable with buying their speakers 3. My musical tastes: I have a pretty narrow window of music I like but it varies within that window.. Mainly 90s hard rock (Tool, Rammstein, maybe 80s Metallica if you don’t know the others, etc) but also alternative (Nine Inch Nails, Janes Addiction, etc. ) with a smattering of other stuff. I’ll be the first to admit a lot of it is “Noisy” but when you find the sweet stuff that just gets you.. yeah, that’s the stuff, particularly most Tool songs if you are familiar.. 4. My preferences in a speaker: Accurate reproduction as it was intended that can fill up a room (I do like it loud), if there’s a chime in the background or hushed backup vocals I want to hear it!!! Having said that, there are 2 variances. 1). Too much tweeter makes my ears hurt.. How Klipsch is still in business is beyond me… Wouldn’t set ‘em up if you gave me a pair (at least from all that I have ever heard..) 2). I have to admit, maybe I like when the bass goes boom… Altogether, when a system sounds crystal clear across the spectrum and can bring that bass appropriately, I love it! a. Whilst talking to Eric, he compared one of the speakers to B&W 803/804. I have traditionally liked B&W sound so that did get me yet a little bit more intrigued.. Can’t remember if it was the DIs or the Electrons though 5. My upstream components: HA!!! Ain’t got none!!!! Just makin’ sure you’re still paying attention at this point.. I know I would’ve started to glaze over at this point if I wasn’t the one writing the post….
The new questions!!!: Ok, hopefully everyone realizes I realize the whole “individual preference/only you can tell what’s good” bit so with any luck we can just skip right past that… 1. Thoughts on Tekton speakers based on room size? a. Double Impacts – HUGE!!! b. Electrons – Less huge but at their pricepoint, why wouldn’t one just get the DIs? c. Enzo 2.7 - more realistic size (and price!) but at what cost sonically??? Initially, my heart wants to start with the DIs and see if I need to add sub sound afterwards but my brain is telling me Enzo 2.7 with sub(s) (which would pretty much equal the price of DIs without the sub… so yeah…) 2. Preamps/amps – What do YOU like/what would YOU recommend? The reason I ask is I am only familiar with mid high stuff (PSB/NAD, KEF, Emotiva, etc.) so I need a starting point of stuff to start looking into. If it wasn’t obvious from before, I’m a value oriented kinda guy that looks for the bang for the buck.. I know I will need to spend some money on this stuff but want to be realistic… 3. Constructing the sound lab: I will be doing my own research but if anyone has any suggestions regarding valuable resources I am all ears….. Ok, that’s it for now, if you’re still with me thanks for reading and, as always, I look forward to any replies that are productive towards the conversation… |
@la10slgr: I commend you on your thoughtful approach to making your choice(s) and for reaching out to other members for feedback and guidance. My advice will match some points that have already been made, and will be contrarian in other ways. These are some things I wish I had impressed upon myself 20 years ago! If you find this too direct, I encourage you to consider that: This is also a letter of advice to myself. : ) Which I hope makes it less personal. 1. Only you know your musical and sound performance preferences. Your room is unique. Your current system is also unique to you. How you utilize it, is also specific to you. How your partner’s sound, music and aesthetic preferences factor in are also unique. Therefore, whatever is said, including what I am about to, should be unwaveringly evaluated through your own filters and situation. 2. Expect your sound and audio related IQ / EQ to move forward and higher (hopefully) over time and with experience. a) Don’t get hung up on this speaker purchase being a life-time long one. Did you say that to yourself when you got the PSBs? If so, it’s a trick we often play on ourselves to justify the spend and keep the partner happy. b) You are 43! You’ve got another 40 plus years of good hearing left in those ears of yours. Likely more with medical and tech advancements over that time period. c) As you get more established, the discretionary spends (on anything really) generally get easier. 3. If audio is something you truly love and ARE INTO: I would, when the time is right, skip past the analogies with your ’betrothed’ and have a conversation about what you love, and enjoy, and dream of, so she realizes, IF THIS IS THE CASE, how important and essential it is to you. There will be lifelong benefits from doing so. 4. Most audio equipment is good. In fact most, even at the lowest of price-points, is remarkably good. a) We (and I am exhibit 1.) expend a lot of time trying to figure out what is better. This isn’t necessarily a ’waste’ of time, though it depends on how the one goes about it. But it most certainly can get in the way of listening enjoyment. Figure out what balance works best for you. b) Understand what ’enjoyment’ is and means to you. 5. Conventional advice, especially in the short history of electricity based audio, has been that the speaker is the most important component in the audio chain. Linn is known for it’s historically opposite approach. a) I started with a full embrace of the conventional approach at the time (which btw is fracturing, or is, at the very least, not as rigid now). I wish I had not. b) There is a very, very long chain that the electrical signals pass through before reaching the speaker. c) Think and reflect about point b), perhaps even read up on these areas so you can decide for yourself....if it were my money, I’d spend it on the source and power supply/cabling, and see how your current speakers perform. If you are still not happy with the PSB system, then go with new speakers...your ’upgraded’ speakers will appreciate and reward you for the enhanced front end and power. d) You may be very surprised how your PSBs (or any other reasonably priced speaker) will sound with a much higher performing front end and cleaner power. Take yours to one of your local dealers and hook them up so you can make that call for yourself. 5. The room, the room, the room. Treat it, well. : ) 6. Speaker placement and seating positions. 7. Speaker isolation. 8. Speaker Cable. 9. You want to change your speakers, but you haven’t truly clarified why!!! This is from your original post (I apologize if you have clarified this further into the thread): "I recently decided to explore the option of upgrading/updating my speakers".....) a) Your post is mainly about value, spend, and performance to price ratio. If you can dig down into WHY your are replacing the PSBs, etc., I think members will be able to give you more specific and perhaps more useful feedback. b) The ’why’ may also help you in realizing that it might not entirely be a speaker issue. ----------------------------------------- Despite my indirect efforts to dissuade you from a speaker spend, let me state, For full disclosure and disclaimers know and unknown, that I do own the Tekton Double Impacts and am very happy with them. I’ll close with how I started: These are some things I wish I had impressed upon myself 20 years ago! BUT THEN THERE WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN THE JOURNEY. Happy travels. Best wishes and good luck. |
Granny, Based on what you stated you would probably like the DI's. Would I tell you they beat 50K speakers--see my previous comment. I also have some tinnitus and do not tolerate any edge or fatigue factor in my gear. With the DI's there is none. But there is detail. The only question is will they be 'fat" enough for you. I find them very neutral with very high quality bass. But I would not call them overly warm. I would not call them in the least bit "thin" either. I find them just right. You may want something on the warmer side of neutral. In the end your gear and room may decide it. That was the point of my previous comment--you won't know until they are in YOUR room. And really, every time we turn over some gear, there is usually much more loss than a return shipping charge. Audio has changed. Many of us have no practical way to audition gear. Brick and mortar has nearly vanished. But much can be learned on the net. I've been a bit shocked by how well this has worked for me. Have not returned a piece of gear in many many years. |
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Phaun, I've only seen one dealer for the SE and he posts regularly on this site.Without reading through a bunch of pages,I can't recall his name.I should have saved it for future reference. I have always got Eric by phone or email but this was before the axpona show last weekend.I would imagine he is very busy. You may want too start a diff. thread for your SE question. Kenny. |
I had a 5.1 setup with Zu Omen Defs as the fronts, SVS Ultras as the rears, SVS center and SVS SB Ultra 13 sub. This system produced some sweet music. In February I purchased the DI's and have sold my entire 5.1 system. I have only good things to say about ZU and SVS. Both make excellent speakers and they are also good people to work with. However, in my opinion the DI's are just that good. They are the perfect speaker for me. Best bass I've ever heard, incredible differentiation of instruments and powerful dynamics. I power them with a Wyred4Sound STI 500 integrated amp. The DI's are 4 ohms so this amp puts out near 500 watts at 4 ohms. Happy listening. |
Granny, I see that we prefer mostly the same,including music. I truly believe that you would find the DI's to your liking and meeting all of your preferences. Even out of the box,the DI's were at ease,nothing forced in your face,and they just disappear.I only have 25 hrs on mine and hav'nt played every type of music I generally listen to.I still need to experiment a little with placement in my room but I think I'm pretty close.I envy you with your big room,it's the size of our old house.We moved 3 yrs ago to smaller and room is 20x25 which opens to the kitchen. I think you may be familiar with Eva Cassidy's music,The di's really bring out a sense of delicacy and more emotion in her strong voice,then any other speaker that I have owned. The di's have great low level resolution meaning early risers,and hold up at higher levels.I hav'nt pushed mine extremely hard or had a chance to listen to a full orchestra recording at high level. I have a very good feeling that they will hold up just fine. You mentioned that you thought they might be bombastic in the bass and be possibly overpowering.I found the bass to be just right for me in all aspects and haven't had the need to fire up my subs at all, but some may want more. We would probably differ in component matching but that is a whole diff. story.If you lived closed to me I would have you over to listen but I know we don't. Basically I think I will be happy with the DI's for quite awhile,I would'nt consider any speaker a forever speaker for me. Just my 2 cents,I hope it helps your decision, Kenny. |
Thanks Kenny. My room is large at 34x24 with 10 foot ceilings. I like my sound full bodied, warmish, and big sounding. I don’t want the speaker to yell out "notice me" but rather I like to be drawn into the music with a speaker that is always at ease and not firing out at me. Any sort of glare, ringing, brightness, tipped up highs and the like will have me turning off my system. I suffer from tinnitus. I enjoy resolution and dynamics, but cannot tolerate any thinness or extra brilliance in the upper mids and highs. I really enjoy a meat on the bones speaker like my past Harbeth 40.1s and my current AZ Crescendo. I also enjoy Soundlab M1s. As the volume is turned up the performance should swell and swell enveloping me in layer apon layer of glorious tones, dynamic contrasts, and beauty. Not asking for much😁 I listen to to all kinds of music except country and rap. Love acoustic guitar, female vocals, jazz female vocals, old school jazz, Van Morrison, Rickie Lee Jones, solo piano, classical chamber.... I listen at 75-83db usually and sometimes take it up to 85-90db for shorter period of time. Speaker needs to sound full bodied at 70-80 db. Hope this helps you. The poster will also learn a lot with your response. |
Granny, I can respect that,I know a little about your current system and previous gear.If you are interested in my thoughts if I think the DI's would be a good fit for you,I would need to know more. 1.Music presentation preferences. 2. Music choices. 3. Room size. I haven't heard the cresendo speaker but I think I have a pretty good grasp on how they might sound. I think we may desire some of the same things. Even though I got a upgraded pair of di's I think they will be even better with wire and cap changes similar to what both of us have experienced with other speakers. I don't know if you or others are aware but Eric is coming out with the SE version of the DI's that will be dealer only. Wish you all the best, Kenny. |
No problem Kenny. You don’t agree with me and that is fine. We need to be able to disagree and still have a voice and get along. All is good. I am however most interested in this speaker so I must correct you. I do in fact belong on this thread. I have talked to the builder based on my interest and certainly qualify to post here 😊. They may well be in my home within a month once I hear them. I am certainly a potential buyer. I am like doubting Thomas and need to hear for myself as I have learned from experience that one man's gold is another's dung. I never said I would not buy them. Any speaker that sells for $3000 and is said to sound better than $50,000 speakers will get my attention because I am a curious person especially in all things audio. |
Granny, I understand your position,but if you know your not going to buy them for various reasons why even bother too participate in a thread that you have no real interest in. I know you have had lots of gear over the yrs,I see your adds all the time.I've enjoyed several of your insights for yrs but not this one. Just my opinion, Kenny. |
Well what is nuts to one may not be to another as it all depends on your circumstances. $300 is a lot of money to some. Just as the hassle and weight of dealing with large speakers is a real problem to someone older or with back problems etc.., Also the risk of shipping damage, and yes it happens, adds to the potential hassle factor. We are all very busy. It is all relative. For me, based on my relative realities, I would need to hear them . I don’t believe the hype as I have been there and done that one to many times. Yes, I am finally a skeptical Aphile. Experience has forged this wisdom in me😊 I strongly encourage the poster to find a way to hear them first. Great idea to find a local owner.... |
la10, I think you are on track. You really ought to carefully read the other DI thread. To those who feel it's nuts to order a $3000 dollar speaker without hearing them, I could not disagree more. Can you really judge a speaker in a noisy, rushed, audio show. Or set up poorly at a dealer. On equipment you've never heard. I think not. Yes, I struggled a bit with the idea but sites like this make it easier as long as you are talking with people who have extensive FIRST HAND experience with the equipment. Not people who are guessing. Worst case scenario if you sent them back (you won't) is you are out $300 shipping. Not the end of the world, you had fun for a month with some new gear. Are they $20k speakers? I don't know and I don't care. What I do know is that I am is so impressed with these speakers they can see me to my grave. I'll never feel like I was missing out. All of a sudden the $3k seems like a much smaller sum--seriously! Been in the hobby over 40 yrs. My single overall best purchase. I love buying gear that has such a high performance/price ratio. With that in mind, I'm sure that I would be way disappointed if I traded these for a $50k speaker! |