Tekton Double Impacts

SE Update! I’m comfortable that break-in is behind me; And that I’ve had enough time with them to share impressions.

My pair of Double Impact Special Edition (SE) speakers have been running since December 1st. Four Weeks of run time!

The finish and workmanship is exceptional and is in a Mercedes Diamantsilber Metallic finish.

For reference:
- PC based, networked, Tidal/Roon > Sonore Signature Rendu SE > Schiit Yggdrasil (Gen 5 USB) // Denafrips Terminator > Pass XP-20 > Pass XA-30.8

- My primary DAC input is USB for 2ch music. I utilize the Optical/TosLink input for TV and movies. No additional processing.

- The speakers are on a double set of Herbie’s Giant Gliders (speaker footers) with an isolation platform between the two sets of Gliders.


So what do the SEs bring to the table versus the DIs, that is readily apparent and likely to be considered ’better’ by most?

The SEs are:

- More Refined
- More Resolving
- More Transparent
- Offer Improved Clarity and Detail and Insight
- Exhibit Finer and Tighter Control, therefore (along with the points above) they
- Offer Greater and Better Definition, Layering and Separation
- Image more Precisely
- Present a Wider, Deeper, Larger and more holographic Sound Stage

Because of the increased transparency and resolution there is greater clarity and therefore more extension at both frequency extremes.

Two remarkable areas that stood out for me (versus the DIs) are in the fidelity of reproducing the sound of metal or metal based notes (for example metal strings) and in reproducing the female voice with delicacy and sweetness and naturalness.

To my ears and in my system:

- I find the SEs to be slightly different in tone and timbre than the DIs. Both are tonally balanced and cohesive/coherent.
- I find the DIs to be more forward than the SEs.
- I find the bass of the SEs to be different than that of the DIs...it is fuller, has more body, weight and energy, and it loads my room more than the DIs do at similar settings. Bass tonality for both speakers is very good, but also noticeably different (to my ears).
- I find the SEs to ’disappear’ slightly better than the DIs
- I find the SEs to have a lighter, delicate, more nuanced touch when the composition/music calls for it


I’ll use the ’thoroughbred’ analogy to point out that (in my opinion) the SEs are (versus the DIs) more sensitive and require more care with positioning and room placement and with system synergy.

Everything I’ve reported above does not diminish my love and enjoyment of the DIs. Both are great speakers. To those of you that have the DIs, please know that you still possess an exceptional speaker. Let me repeat that, YOU HAVE AN EXCEPTIONAL SPEAKER in the DIs, period.

A shout out of thanks to Eric Alexander and his Assistant Karma of Tekton Design for their ongoing help and support before, during and after the SEs were ordered/delivered.

A Massive Thank You to Terry @teajay who was instrumental in my choosing the SEs and his support and guidance before making the decision as well as after the SEs were in my system. And to Mike Kay for being there!

I want to recognize Bob @bullitt5094 , Tom @mac48025 , Prem @premnath and Dave @dlcockrum for their assistance and guidance after I received the SEs. Thank you gentlemen!

Thanks for such a complete and well stated review David. I hope you enjoy many, many hours of musical enjoyment from your SE's. 

While le I have nothing to report on the SE's sonics I can say they are gorgeous speakers. As David stated the fit and finish is exceptional. The BMW metallic mineral gray I had my painted in is gorgeous. In a dark room like mine the true beauty of the color doesn't get to show its true colors.....I just might have to install some spotlights on them to show its full potential. Vain, I know :) The woofers look much more substantial than the DI's, I like the look of the domed tweeters. I know, many don't like their looks but I do!

I too have many to thank in helping me make this purchase. First and foremost Mike Kay of Audio Archon whom I purchased them through. His audio knowledge is only surpassed by his patience in putting up with my impatience:) To teajay for his reviews of the DI's, SE's and Ulfbehrts along with the LTA, Aric Audio, Concert Fidelity and CEC gear I now have in my system. To David has been so kind in lending his expertise and appraisal of the SE's. To Charles for opening my ears to what a SET amp can provide along with his encouragement, advice and so many others here that have given or offered help on just about everything audio.

btw......I'm listening to the SE's for the first time. I want my DI's back! What do you mean that I can't fully assess a speaker after a whole 3 minutes with them? :)
They sound just I thought they would tonight.....like brand new speakers that spent all day in a truck with temperatures in the single digits. Right out of the box they sound nice but have a lot of loosening up to do.....obviously. They will be playing for 12-14 hours a day for the next week or two! They should have a hundred hours on them by the time I get my 300b back. I'm looking forward to that. 

David,
Thanks for taking the time to post your listening impressions and comparison of the 2 Tekton speakers. Given your clear writing I feel that I have a very good understanding of what distinguishes them apart. Congratulations! It seems they (SEs) are going to be long term keepers. I'm assuming that you prefer them over the Volti speakers you had a while back.
Charles 

Thank you David, that’s exactly what I was hoping to hear. Im looking forward to sharing about mine in 3 or 4 months.

Tom, Charles, and Lance...Thanks. 

Tom, you will want your DIs back for a few days. I found the break in for the SEs to take some time.

Charles, that's a great question (re the Volti Audio Rivals). I say that both speaker sound signatures are different enough that I would prefer both! : )  At some point down the road I would like to have a full horn speaker and / or an open baffle speaker in the house. 

Lance, hope your wait isn't that long, but it will certainly be worth it.