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Former Tekton owners: What have you moved on to?

I owned the Tekton Lore Reference for about a year and a half and they were great for the price. I ran them with a 50w tube integrated and it was a nice combo. For $750 I had no complaints except perhaps that the paint was cracking on one of the rounded corners. I ended up buying a pair of Gallo CL-2 for an office system on closeout direct from Gallo for $390/pair. After they were broken in I found myself listening to them more than the Tektons after awhile. I was getting addicted to the CDT tweeter.

Based on that experience I ordered the CL-3 refurbished for $650/pair shipped (crazy steal) and they were on a different level than both of the above. Sonically, one defining moment for me was listening to Joni Mitchell, Both Sides Now. (I think the Track was You’re My Thrill. )
During the intro there is a brief flute soli. With the Tektons it sounded like a really nice flute section that was very homogenous sounding and blended. With the Gallos I could hear each individual flute player and their unique tones and vibrato. The bass was also deeper and tighter on the gallos and the imaging was just amazingly holographic and wide and deep.

I know the timing of this is interesting as the Tekton hype train seems to be at full tilt right now with some of his higher models and I am curious to hear them. The 2 things that would give me serious pause and keep me from moving up the Tekton line are 1) the size and aesthetics 2) The very much "in your face" house sound that can get tiring to me.  Just wondering what others have moved on to from Tekton and what they heard that moved them in that direction.
128x128clarinetmonster2
monsterman7's avatar
monsterman7
5 posts
 
Everyone has an opinion but I will say amplifiers have a strong impact on the sonic characteristics of these high sensitivity speakers. 
I drive my Pendragon's with a really nice KT66 based tube amp with 100wpc.   Before settling on the tube amp I tried every hyped up solid state (rogue, parasound, mcintosh 5200, ect) and it was not great because I heard every flaw in the power amp.  My current tube amp is a Synthesis A100 Titan and I must say it's a fantastic setup.  I will not be selling the Pendragon's anytime soon, if anything I'll be upgrading my DAC to the new Oppo 205 or to the Schit Bifrost or yaggy.  
Side note:  The Pendragon sounded pretty slick with the Sophia Electric Baby amp with only 10wpc and had enough bass to keep my young sisters happy playing trap music and bass heavy tunes.  And it kept me happy with it's most seductive vocals, mid range and tingle highs never being too sharp.    
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cleeds
5,943 posts
 
kosst_amojan
Am I to believe that a pair of $20,000 Pendragon PMD's are showing up Wilson Alexandria XLF's and Focal Grande Utopia EM's? Or even a pair of Sasha W/P's or Sopra No.3's? That's really hard to believe
Why don't you listen and decide for yourself?
2channel8
758 posts
 
Two years ago when I was looking to upgrade form my very respectable Boston Acoustic T 830s, I lusted after some SEAS Pendragons recommended by Eric when I described my room. (they were off the market shortly after we spoke). While I was saving my pennies I kept an eye on the local used market and came across a pair of NIB Gallo CL-3s at a very good price. Unfortunately the seller could not provide a reasonable demo, nor accept a return; so I will never know but still wonder. 

BTW I wound up with a pair of used $3000 Cantons for $800. I'm more than happy but I'd love a chance to hear any Tektons. I live in North Jersey.
malthuse
18 posts
 
Jayctoy
I assume that what you mean is that any assessment of any speaker that isn’t done after complete burn in is a complete waste of time.  I would also assume you mean that any assessment has to be done in the owners listening room because as we all know the room is a critical aspect of assessing a speaker.  And of course, an assessment can only really be done when the final amp, cable, source, etc... is used  In my opinion all of these factors are far more important than burn-in,

What other restrictions are you going to place on my ability to form an opinion?  Do I have to also listen to only the music that you say I should have to listen to?

Piffle and nonsense...audiogon forum...adios
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,008 posts
 
Eric speakers are not for everyone’s wife, Speakers like  James said one speaker doesn’t fit all.Aniwolfe make a very good point  most of us Tekton owners got so excited , when we listen to them, because they are truly treasure find, Aniwolfe is right we are not defending it frustrate us why they did not work for them, It takes many many years to learn this hobby, it takes hours and hours maybe thousand of hrs , before your ears are trained how to listen.With all due respect I feel like if your ears are not train enough any good speakers will not sound good, it happens to me.I hope anyone who orders Erik speakers or any speakers give them a chance to settle, And never slam any speakers without proper auditioning, do your homework before buying, many audiophile here you can pm them , and they are happy to help.,..And please ask your wife, because this hobby is not a beauty contest.😄
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