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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
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.
clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2
201 posts
 
The air motion tweets in the goldenear sound much different than the Dali ribbons, much warmer and more forgiving speakers overall. Smoother than most domes as well. I'm glad the dac has helped. For me it was a combination of mullards plus a new usb cable that ended up giving me a great balance with natural highs.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,397 posts
 
Thanks for clarifying the difference in tweeters. It's interesting that you had to find the right synergy of components to make the Gallos work for you.
soix
8,775 posts
 
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower may be worth exploring further.  Sounds like it might work with your amp, and it seems equally at home with both rock and classical music.  One of the main reasons I'm mentioning it is that it's available with a Raal ribbon tweeter that I think your ears will really like (completely different design than what Dali uses).  I heard it during an extended audition of a Selah speaker, and it is very sweet and detailed but never even approaching harsh in any way -- buttery smooth is the way I'd describe it.  The stock silk dome tweeter seems pretty refined as well, but if I'm you I go with the ribbon hands down.  Seems like this speaker may push all your buttons.  Here's a review just FYI...

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0312/sierra_tower_speaker.htm

Best of luck in your search. 

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,397 posts
 
I've been doing some research and appreciate all the suggestions.
I spoke to Louis at Omega and he described his single driver speakers just as @seikosha has... "very direct and immediate sounding and don't hide anything."
So, Louis recommended the Super 3 High Output XRS, which has 2 full-range 4.5" drivers.

The Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower is a possibility since they offer a 30 day trial.

Klipsch... there is a dealer not far from me. Regarding horns, I found that listening to my friend's system, I eventually felt some "listening fatigue."

But the most intriguing speaker is the Spatial Audio Hologram M3 Turbo S. $2795/pair with a 60 day trial period (slightly above my budget). TMR has a used pair (8/10) for $1999. 
The  @rebbi review makes a great case for owning this speaker, but his impression is based on using a Krell amp to drive the demanding impedance curve.
https://stevefolberg.wordpress.com/2017/11/08/enlightened-engineering-musical-magic-the-spatial-m3-t...

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