Tekton Double Impacts

Chris (Waltersalas), thanks very much for the thoroughness not only of your report, but especially for the thoroughness of the comparisons you have been performing between these two fine speakers.  Your opinions always have extremely high credibility in my book, and in this case certainly help to validate the many very positive comments others have provided about the DIs.  As well as adding an exclamation point (or three) to the remarkable value the DIs represent at their price point.

 As Mac said just above, "the good news is that no matter your choice you'll end up with an amazing pair of speakers."  In my own case, given that the comparison seems to be a close one, with each speaker having mostly subtle pluses and minuses relative to the other, and given also that my listening room is my living room, appearance would be the overriding consideration (that being equally important to both me and my wife).  (I chose the same quartersawn white oak option for my Ulysses as you did, btw).

But again, the huge price differential between the two speakers further reinforces the remarkable achievement the DIs represent.

Thanks again.  Best regards,
-- Al
        

Hi Walter, 
Thank you for such a well written and insightful listening comparison of what I believe are two excellent speakers.  The Daedalus Ulysses is a known standard of high achievement and deservingof the high regard it's held in.  

This is why I was very interested in what you heard in your system with the terrific Line Magnetic 508ia amplifier.  I've followed your posts over the years and value your taste and listening impressions. I'm not surprised that this is a very close and competitive battle and that each speaker has certain advantages.  

Based on your comments the Double Impacts are extraordinarily dynamic yet at the same time nuanced and possessing finesse. This is certainly an example of where one of these speakers could be preferred over the other based purely on specific taste. 

No doubt in my mind that both sound superb with that 805 tubed SET  amplifier of yours 😊
Charles 

Walter,

Your absolutely right nothing does come easy in audio,I enjoyed reading your tough but enjoyable comparison of 2 really good sounding speakers.

My comparsion with my DI's vs my Zu audio def 4's was much easier even though I know really my 2 different sets of speakers are more like comparing apples to oranges.

But I will sale the Zu's and get something else for my 2nd system,my ultimate goal is too have a really nice solid state system and a really nice tube based system.

Even though the DI's are a very dynamic speaker with outstanding bass qualities without being bombastic,what I like most is the lightness,quickness,very engaging coherent midrange and upper frequencies that to my ears just present such a at ease type of balance.I'm hearing inner detail and nuances with some of my favorite recordings that I have never heard before and like you said for your experiences It's only a few degrees but It does get me closer to the music and makes it that much more enjoyable.

Another quality I like is the DI's are early risers and certainly don't need much volume and they retain their good sound qualities when pushed harder,I realize it can be system dependent.

If I were you and could just keep both I think I would,if I remember correctly the Ulysses has been discontinued unfortunately.


Best,

Kenny.

The Ulysses is still listed as a Daedalus offering it isn't under the discontinued list.

Walter,
Good to hear back on your experience with the DI's.  There are so many good choices out there these days.  A nice problem indeed.  I'm glad to hear you have enjoyed your DI's.  I love their abilities  in  creating  a holographic sound stage.  They replaced Magnepan 1.7's, a speaker lauded for its coherency.  I find the DI's to be at least as good in this regard.  Your Ulysses must be very special.
I opted for the plain satin black finish and I must say that if I could do this over, I would opt for the same.  It just seems to up the value factor to a very high level.  At the same time it fades away with the lights down and leaves just the music. (I love a beautiful wood/veneer product, but I tell myself it competes with the music.  So I'm very content.)
I once laughed at a friend who had 7 different bikes.  Now that my biking interests have expanded, I totally get it. Every machine is a compromise, each with it's strengths and weaknesses to one degree or another.
Do you remain happy with your LM 805?  Curious if you have owned SS gear and how you feel the 805 compares.