Here are my impressions of the Tekton OB Sigma speakers. They were delivered on December 23rd and it took Tekton 8 weeks to build. Currently, the speakers have approximately 60 hours on them.
Before I get going, here is a list of my ancillaries:
Equipment
Antipodes DX Music Server
Bakoon DAC 21
Bakoon AMP 12R
Audio Vault Equipment Rack
Klee Audio Grand Illusion Speaker Cables
Curious Cable USB
Balanced Power Technologies Isolator
Combak Harmonix X-DC Studio Master Power Cords
Mapleshade Cable Lifts
Combak Harmonix TU202 ZX Footers (supports the speakers)
Les Davis Audio 3D2 Resonance Control Discs
Previous speakers
Scansonic MB-2.5
Acoustic Technologies Classic Speakers
A little background, the Tektons replace the Scansonic MB-2.5’s. In my opinion, the MB's play well above their sale price. With the supporting components, the music played through the MB-2.5’s was lively and visceral. They were detail champs, and tone/timbre seem just so right. The base provided a good foundation, but on some material within my rather small room became boomy. This is probably because the Bakoon amp is only 15 watts per side and did not have enough grunt to control the lower frequencies. I could tame it, as I possess DSP within the Roon software that controls playback. I will say that I had strong regrets when I sold the Scansonics. I find them to be stellar performers for the price.
Also, here a quick note regarding the Acoustic Technologies Classic Speakers. They are a single driver speaker with a specially designed cabinet that amplifies the base through its rear port. What is unique about them is their lack of a discernable sweet spot. My desk sits offset from the typical center position within the room and the soundstage and tonal balance remained squarely between the speakers. Their mid-range was excellent and my only issue was that the high frequencies and low base where rolled off a bit which at times omitting some details and nuance in some material. Other than that they performed at a high level and only were eclipsed by the Scansonics.
Now to the Tektons, as they are still being burned in, however, I think I can give a fair impression. Regarding their design and physical size, I am pleased with how they look in my room. I chose the matte black color with the upgrade option. I assume the upgrade is consistent with the other models where the speaker terminals, internal wiring, and caps are upgraded. I did find an adhesively backed felt that I have placed around the tweeters to give a little smoother treble balance. They sit on Harmonix TU202 ZX footers.
I will immediately cut to the chase. These speakers are not being returned anytime soon. As impressed as I have been with the Scansonics, the OB Sigma, in my opinion, is a musical instrument. The Bakoon products are noted for their ultra-high resolution and vanishing low noise floor. As such, the OB digs out more detail, under \ overtones, and nuance. In a small way, it has been a little bit disconcerting, because one (1) it does not sound like the Scansonic, but two (2) when I listen really closely, on much of the material it sounds like live music. The highs are extended and smooth and the base is well defined, textured, and tuneful. In addition, the coherence top to bottom is pretty remarkable. My sense is that while the music played through the OB’s is a touch on the warm side; I find no area to fault the OB. This is an impressive speaker and I would say an enormous value. Certainly consistent with the review I have read, and the description provided on the Tekton website.
I am still playing around with positioning with pulling them out within the room and how much to angle them toward the listening position. But in their present location, I am well pleased with the music that the OB’s convey.
I will add this though, I recently auditioned the Wavetouch Antero bookshelf speakers. Their performance in my room was a revelation as they provided the highest resolution playback that I have heard period. The upper base on up I consider state of the art. Their only drawback was their lack of base weight, given their relatively compact size. And the need to augment with a subwoofer of similar quality and I am not in the mode of adding more electronics. Just mightily impressed and may opt to have two (2) sets of speakers to play with.
With that said, the OB's have a potential to be a game ender for me (until I decide to try something new, as I always get the itch). Also, the OB's got the wife's endorsement after she gave thumbs down to the Wavetouch because of the lack of base. I like that Tekton offers a 60 day trial period. It is tough buying speakers that you haven't heard, and this policy provides peace of mind. The eight (8) week delivery time was a tad annoying, and expectations can be tamed with better communications from Tekton to let customers know when to expect delivery. Other than that, no complaints and a happy new Tekton customer.
Happy New Year!
