Tekton Double Impacts

Quick update on where I am with the SEs.

- I’ve been working on cabling changes (interconnects) DAC > Pass separates. Interesting findings and rewarding results.

With the SEs, cabling changes are elucidated / illuminated to an even greater degree than with the DIs (which, as you all know, are pretty impressive in this regard). Downside being that getting it ’right’ to my preferences is much trickier.

- It’s taken me some time and ’mental contortions’ to get here, but I’ve decided to bifurcate my main system with a tubed amp and a solid state amp.

Taking this step slowly and with purpose as my main objective is to get the final choice as correct and suited to my needs as possible.

To get a feel for the wide wide world of tubed gear, I’ve decided to test directions and I picked up a Lyric Audio Ti 140 Mk2 as a starting point, because it is an integrated (I get an active tube pre stage) and it supports a wide range of power tubes: EL34, KT77/88, 6550, and KT120 / KT150 (which are stock).

I will be auditioning Mastersound’s EL34 integrated and their 845 integrated in the near future.

Aric Audio’s amps are very much on my list and I hope to demo his gear in Tom’s setup, sooner than later. BTW, Tom is loving his Aric Audio linestage and 300b amp...I’m sure he will be sharing the details soon. I also plan to take a trip to Chicago and Audio Archon to listen to the Concert Fidelity and the David Berning products Mike has on demo.

- On the music front, I’ve been waiting for this album to become available on Tidal, and it has. Anouar Brahem’s ’The Astounding Eyes of Rita.’ In fact, it appears most of his work is available on Tidal now!

Anouar is an Oud player (and composer) and ’Thimar’ which I love (and ....Eyes of Rita, similarly) fuses Arab classical with ’world jazz.’ If this is of interest...give both albums a listen.

Like David, I find that the SE's are even more revealing of whatever is upstream of them than the DI's.......and yes, that's saying something. They also take much longer to break in than DI's, but it's a wait well worth it. 

Ive settled on the Aric Audio amp and preamp......his 12SN7 Linestage and custom 300B SET. Both units were built using his new upgraded brushed aluminum chassis and Audyn True Copper caps. They look great and sound even better. The linestage is very transparent with a butter smooth naturalness about it. The 300B is emotes power, dynamics and realism. The overall presentation with both pieces with the SE's is one of clarity and detail, proper tone and pace, speed, refinement and musicality. The soundstage doesn't just extend from wall to wall but encompasses the listener. That wall of sound I love so much about the DI's extends even further around me, it's eerie at times hearing things behind you. Bass is deep, control and abundant....which can really thump you in the chest when needed. Mids are silky smooth, so real and natural that you'd swear the performer was in the room with you. Highs are airier than ive heard with added textures than I'm used too. You not only distinctly hear the differences in metal instruments there's an added dimension making them sound fantastically real.... i.e. I swear you'd be able to tell if cymbals or triangles were made of different metals. 

As as with the DI's there are many component options that will work well with the SE's to provide the sound you're looking for. I'm now convinced I need a second amp to compliment my 300B......maybe a bada$$ powerful push pull or SS amp as a change of pace for times when I want the added grip upon the drivers and headroom these amps provide. The 300B is sublime for the 90-95% of the music I enjoy but no one amp that I've heard can provide everything I desire for all types of music. 

Ive been asked are the SE's really worth the extra $3500? Actually, it's only $2200 more if you get the upgraded DI's in the same automotive paint that comes standard with the SE's. Either way my answer would be.......hell yes! That's not implying the DI's are less worthy, they are a very formidable speaker that I'd have been very happy with for a very long time. The SE's just take what the DI's provide taken up a notch or two. As much as I don't look forward to selling my DI's ( Ive grown quite attached to them!) I'm very happy that I took the plunge with the SE's. 

Hi Tom,
It is very satisfying to know that you are so happy with your current audio system.  You've certainly have made many changes and it appears unquestionably each was an undeniable upgrade.  You should be very proud of what you have accomplished. Your system must sound truly divine. 

Having a 2nd different type of amplifier makes sense ,. No single type of topology will cover "every" musical or sonic parameter perfectly. That amplifier doesn't exist. I have 3 power amplifiers but admittedly rely on the 300b SET 99% of the time. The type of music I enjoy the most and listen to most often just sounds better with that amplifier in use.

However this choice is obviously driven by individual need and preference.  It will be interesting to know what second amplifier type you eventually settle on. In the meantime congratulations on your current audio system achievement. 
Charles 

Thanks Charles, I have one more change to make next week and then we need to schedule a time for you to come over for another listen. I'll be texting you soon to set something up......so get some CDs ready to bring over! Actually it will be more exciting for me to have you come take a listen than it will be for you as you've had your amazing system to listen to for years. I've modeled my system after yours and am very happy with the results. Thanks for the inspiration!

Tom,
Thank you for your very kind comments.  I'm sincerely looking forward to hearing your revised system and will bring along recordings I think you may enjoy. 
Charles