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Tekton Double Impact & Comb Filtering

Like many of you, I have been pondering purchasing these speakers but am very curious about the unusual tweeter array. I asked the smartest speaker person that I know (he is a student of Sean Olive) about the design and below is what he had to say.   

"In theory it could work, but the driver spacing means that the crossover point would need to be very low.
He is using the SB acoustics tweeter which is 72mm in diameter, center to center on the outside opposing drivers is around 5.7 inches, which is about 2400Hz. This means that combing would stop between 1/4 to 1/2 of the wavelength (between 1200-600Hz) is where the outside tweeters should start playing nice with each other.
Since he is not using low enough crossover points he has created a comb filtering monster. Now while it's not the great point source that was promised, it's no worse than most line arrays and the combing will average itself out given enough listening distance.

The MTM spacing on the other hand is ridiculous. Hopefully he is cutting the top end off on one of those midrange drivers to avoid combing."

seanheis1
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
Mr_m,

You bring up some very revalant points that I certainly cannot argue with.

In your opinion do you think that Tekton is not quite ready,as a whole,for primetime.

Kenny.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,316 posts
 
I have not heard but does not surprise me that they sound good. Many less expensive speakers including many vintage will likely sound better than ever if run off proper good quality modern electronics and amplification. My current stand is I see no need for most to drop megabucks on speakers in order to get highly satisfying sound. In many cases, if matched and set up well, I suspect cheap speakers could very well even outperform others costing way more. A lot depends on user expectations. No absolute right or wrong there.  Another reason why the traditional high end of audio is probably hitting harder times than ever.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
kdude66, thanks a lot, appreciate it. Makes every bit of sense.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Kenny,
I don't feel that way. (not ready for primetime). I think I am open minded enough to judge the DI or the whole Tekton line for that matter on a lengthy listening session. And even then it would just be my opinion, for better or for worse. It really intrigues me to see a product such as Tekton glean so much favorable response. I've never seen anything quite like it in my 45+ years of being an audiophile. If I could find a pair to listen to, and possibly be able to get a pair in my home I would welcome it. Even consider buying if it sounded better than what I have. I'm just a little apprehensive on taking the plunge and ordering a pair. Unless the manufacturer is willing to accept shipping and insurance costs both ways if I decided I didn't want them for whatever reason.
Cheers,
Tim
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mapman,
In general terms I agree with much of what you have written. I have had the opportunity to hear many expensive (25 K and upwards) speakers. Some were quite impressive and clearly some were better than others

I do however firmly believe that one can very successfully build an excellent sounding audio system utilizing speakers that are quite reasonably priced. As you note this will require some experience, time and good quality ancillary electronics but is definitely achievable. Matching and synergy is the vital key.
Charles
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