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Tekton Double Impacts

Anybody out there heard these??

I have dedicated audio room 14.5x20.5x9 ft.  Currently have Marantz Reference CD/Intergrated paired to Magnepan 1.7's with REL T-7 subs.  For the vast majority of music I love this system.  The only nit pick is that it is lacking/limited in covering say below 35 hz or so.  For the first time actually buzzed the panel with an organ sacd. Bummer.  Thought of upgrading subs to rythmicks but then I will need to high pass the 1.7's.  Really don't want to deal with that approach.

Enter the Double Impacts.  Many interesting things here.  Would certainly have a different set of strengths here.  Dynamics, claimed bottom octave coverage in one package, suspect a good match to current electronics.

I've read all the threads here so we do not need to rehash that.  Just wondering if others out there have FIRST HAND experience with these or other Tekton speakers

Thanks.
corelli
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Lancelock,
I find your impressions of various amplifier comparisons with and without the M2Z ZOTL particularly interesting. Your Benchmark amplifier has "vanishing " low distortion specifications. In my experience and understanding this is achieved via very generous use of NFB (negative feedback). This approach also results in a very low output impedance and conversely a high damping factor.

I’m curious how this type circuit will sound with and without the M2Z in the signal chain driving the Double Impacts and how sonically it differs from the LTA ZOTL 40. I look forward to your listening insights of these 2 very different amplifier topologies. I’m not sure if theZOTL 40 utilizes NFB and if so how much. Probably considerably less than the Benchmark given the distortion figures. I’m assuming that the ZOTL isn’t nearly as low. It would be very interesting if you had a zero NFB amplifier as a 3rd variable (SET or a First Watt). Yes,I know, easy for me to say 😊 Fun stuff.
Thanks,
Charles
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@evolvist :  

The AHB2 is a phenomenal amp. I'm sure you will be very happy with it and the Linn KDS/3, especially since you are probably looking for a very 'clean and clear' presentation. Given this (I'm assuming), the Ulf mini is probably a better choice over the DIs.

Speaking of Decware, I have been keeping an eye on their product line-up...just haven't been able to make the jump to tubes yet.

Since you were comparing DACs/Pres and settled on the Linn, did you also consider the Bricasti M12?


grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,545 posts
 
@evolvist 

Yes indeed I love my Lyngdorf and I am well aware of the fact few here in the US own it or know about it. As a long time tube guy,  I understand the "cool" factor is pretty low on the unit. It is so understated aesthetically that many would simply think of it as a lifestyle product and not take it seriously. The room correction is nothing short of transformational. The room is what limits most of our systems and gear. 

I do not own the DI speakers. I own Acoustic Zen Crescendo speakers. I would love to try a set however. Most interesting speaker and achievement.  


evolvist
167 posts
 

@david_ten  I 've heard the M12, yes, only after I purchased my KDS/3, though. A good friend of mine is a Bricasti dealer and he offered me one well under retail. I thought it sounded very nice. The dual mono design really makes a difference.

What's ultimately enchanting about the KDS/3, however, is it's doing what Chord is doing in two different boxes, in one box + streamer, getting out of the USB path. At 16x RBCD, in the Linn and Chord FPGAs, in theory you're now closer to rendering 16-bit audio than ever before. In that respect, I don't give a hang about DSD, unless it's a unique mastering that was transferred to DXD then DSD. These are rare.

Anyway, I'm getting OT, but, you're probably right about the mini-Ulf. That is to say, if the DIs are all what they're cracked up to be, then the mini-Ulfs should be a no-brainer.

Like yourself, I have never made the jump to tubes.

And @grannyring like the Lyngdorf, Linn is largely overlooked this side of the pond. I've heard the 2170 and I thought it was a fantastic product that does a remarkable job.

I look forward to using Linn's Space Optimization on either the DI or the mini-Ulf, should one fit the bill. I mean, all of these voice in this thread, with so many different tastes in music, downstream gear, and experience can't be wrong.

One thing I've noticed, though, is that nobody has mentioned heavy mental of hip-hop with the DIs. Now, I'm not a metal head, nor do I listen to a bunch of hip-hop. I'm more of a classic rock, small ensemble chamber music, classic jazz, acoustic guitar, prog-rock music lover, but it isn't beyond me to put on some Metallica, Maiden and Beastie Boys from my youth. :-)

mofojo
2,308 posts
 
evolvist,
i listen to a LOT of metal on my DIs. Slayer, Megadeth, Soilent Green etc. If it is a descent recording they sound very very good. It takes really good mid bass for metal to sound right and the DIs have that in spades. Lesser recordings like Pig Destroyer sound better than they will on most speakers but nothing is gonna to magically transform bad recordings to sound great. 
I mainly listen to acoustic rock, Primus, Classic Rock and they are phenomenal on that as well. hip hop I don't listen to but have played some for my wife and she loves them. 
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