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Which Budget Speakers, Tekton or Omega?

I have a $2500 budget and haven’t had any luck finding the right floorstander in the local hifi shops, so am seeking advice from owners of internet-direct speakers.

I have an all tube system with a 30W triode EL34 amp. My system is in the living room, 12’ x 16’ x 8.' Speakers can be a maximum height of about 40 inches.
   Most important to me is a realistic laid-back presentation with open, transparent sonics. For example, I really like the KEF sound. I listen to 90% Classical, but also take my Led Zeppelin very seriously.
I have a sensitivity to high frequencies (hyperacusis), so there must be a smooth and natural top-end. And I’m done with metal tweeters since I haven’t found any that work for me.

There have been many Tekton threads, so I’m familar with some of their models, but I’m very intrigued by the Omega’s. Can anybody share their experiences with the Omega line or offer advice on floorstanders within my budget? I’m open to used or demos.

128x128lowrider57
gwalt
162 posts
 
Thanks Charles,
I wanted to clear the air by reiterating you CAN drive these speakers with 8 WPC 300B SET but these are voiced so nicely that 20 WPC + goes way further in enhancing the speakers capabilities especially in the bass. I did not play them at high volumes to find this out. Certainly Charles comments above in his last sentence applies.
I think Kevin Scott likes them with AN amplification because he considers LV to sing there and he simply has the resources to do so as he is a dealer for AN. Would love to hear his fully dressed LV horn but doubt that will ever happen. 
Gwalt
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Hi Gwalt, 
I definitely understand your context that's why I am curious if Glenn has done this comparison in his system and If so what is his impression. 
Charles 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,397 posts
 
Great buzz about the PranaFidelity Fifty90's. Seems like they are rarely found on the used market.
clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2
201 posts
 
Lowrider - do you have the Gallo CL-3 like me? I used to drive them with a 50w tube amp that was switchable to 25W triode - that was nowhere near enough to drive them properly and 50w was right on the edge. It wasn’t until I replaced the EL34 with Gold Lion KT77 that I felt like the amp was a good match, but even then I found myself wanting more headroom and bass grip so I moved on to a hybrid integrated and rolled some NOS Mullards in the preamp section. The Gallos are singing like crazy now - not even a trace of hardness, glare or harshness and the bass is absolutely ridiculously good - deep, full and tight. 

Anyways, to your question, I don’t think going to Tekton will be a great move for you if you love Kef, which are pretty laid back and rolled off a little at the top end (which makes sense that you like them even with the metal tweets). I can’t speak to the Omegas as I have never heard them but they do look beautiful. Based on your sound preferences I would throw a curve ball in there and recommend one of the Goldenear speakers - perhaps the 3+ new or 2+ used. They are voiced on the warm side and don’t require current for low freq control because of the built in subs.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,397 posts
 
I am using Gallo CL-3’s with KT77s. My amp is switchable ultra-linear/triode, but I much prefer to listen in 30W triode. The bass the Gallo’s produce is astounding; I’m using short tip-toes underneath. My Audio Note preamp and DAC dig deep with tight bass. It’s possible that my amp lacks the power to fully drive the Gallos.
But since buying the AN multibit DAC, the highs are sounding much more natural.

I like the idea of a speaker with a powered subwoofer, but I’m not sure about the ribbon tweeter. I demoed Dali’s and didn’t like their ribbons.
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