David_ten,
Congratulations on your new speakers. I use the Star Sound Apprentice platforms beneath my speakers and they're truly an asset. However as the speaker is supported by only the upward facing spikes the speakers can be knocked over without significant force. IMO they could be toppled by a determined 3 y.o. So definitely sonic benefit but perhaps not the best option in the presence of small children or larger pets.
Charles |
Hi Mac,
Would you be interested in trying the Coincident Frankenstein MK II SET (8 watts) with your speakers to determine how compatible they may be?
Charles |
Mac,
Good point, if this speaker has a challenging impedance characteristics then the Frankenstein wouldn’t be the best amplifier choice. The Linear Tube Audio amplifiers seems a more suitable option. If 48025 is your zip code you can’t be far from me, 48323. I was going to offer you an opportunity to try mine. Another factor is that your speakers are 4 ohm (I looked it up) and my Frankensteins have only 8 and 16 ohm taps (my system speakers are 14 ohm nominal).
Charles |
As with all audio products the most important question/ criteria is how does it sound? Advertising, marketing and white papers are clearly secondary concerns. Listening determines the true quality and value of an audio product. If this Tekton speaker sounds good then one has to conclude that the chosen drivers are wisely selected.
If a speaker utilizes exotic and expensive drivers and yet it sounds less than good then their pedigree and expense are irrelevant.
Charles |
Teajay,
I look forward to reading your review as I’ve come to appreciate your truthful non BS reports and impressions.
Corelli,
I agree with your decision to upgrade to better parts and wire as these aspects really do matter. Higher quality always pays off in the long term.
Hi Mac, I’d like to hear your terrific system once you receive the Linear Tube Audio amplifiers. Just let me know when you have some time.
Charles |
Mac,
Given teajay's exceptionally high praise of these speakers and the fact that you have 2 very fine amplifiers you likely have more quality than you realize.
Charles |
"Analytical/electrical device" Yep, I know where you're coming from. Many speakers that seem to aspire to an ultra detailed/uber resolution presentation fail to sound natural and realistic. For a 3000.00 USD speaker to get it right is quite an accomplishment. Sounds as if this may be Tekton's best effort to date.
Charles |
Jetter, I would ignore the over the top hype marketing talk and just judge the DI purely on its sonic merits. Based on a very creditable reviewer and actual owner feedback , this is far more important. It's difficult to find a really good natural sounding speaker at any price. For 3K dollars it seems this is a very special speaker. It could potentially serve you well for many happy years , long after you've forgotten the over hyped commentary. Think value and long term satisfaction. Let your ears and brain decide. Charles |
rotavirus, I don't own Tekton products but based on comments from owners on this and other threads I've read they seem quite happy with their speakers and dealings with Tekton. Who are the "plenty" people who've been shafted? What will ultimately determine the success or failure of this or any company is the quality/performance of the product and customer service. I get the impression Tekton is doing pretty well with both aspects. Charles |
Judging sound quality of audio products will forever be subjective by default. There are multiple variables at play that prohibit universal concensus. That's the beauty of this endeavor, near endless possibilities of choices/audio products that allow one to seek and obtain the sound they want.
Charles |
Teajay,
Is a very credible reviewer who admirably avoids hyperbole. When he says the Tekton DI competes with expensive speakers such as the Wilson Sasha and Linear Tube Audio competes with his Pass Labs components I don't doubt him. This is excellent news for passionate music lovers who do not have unlimited budgets. Legitimate upper tier sound quality at achievable cost.
Charles |
There's an ongoing thread about 1500.00 dollar tube preamps in the amp/preamp section. I suggested the Linear Tube Audio ZOTL as a possibility even though I have not personally heard it. I thought it should be considered based on strong reviews and very positive owner comments. It may have fallen on deaf ears however.
Charles |
Mac, I believe that you'll be very fine with the higher power push pull LTA amplifier .Low power SETs like my Frankenstein won't like the DI's speaker impedance characteristics. Charles |
Mac, There is truth and wisdom in what you wrote regarding cost. Ironic but I do believe that the low price (relatively) of the Tekton DI could in fact work against it in some High End circles. Some believe that it is not possible for a 3000.00 dollar speaker to be of reference quality as teajay asserts. It goes headwind into the face of those who equate quality with price.
I believe that listening settles the question of " how good is it really?" There will be considerable resistance to teajay’s opinion that the DI outperforms the more expensive speakers he cited in is review. I’m not suggesting teajay is right or wrong, this all pure subjectivity. However some will outright reject the very notion that it’s even possible.
There is in some cases a strong psychological aspect to what forms someone’s foundational beliefs in the realm of High End. Some hold the idea that a true top tier audio product by default has to be expensive.
Referring to the Tekton DI as a "disruptive" product has much merit. Common sense dictates that not everyone will find the DI superior or equal to much more expensive speakers. What is significant is that there are those who will find them equal (or better). You have to "listen" and then decide. Charles |
Lowrider57,
Teajay (Terry London) earlier in this thread compared the DI with the Pendragon and was emphatic that there's little in common between the two. He makes it clear the DI is far superior in sound quality.
Charles |
I have no doubt that the NAT Transmitter amplifier is a top tier product and I'm sure a superb match with the DI speakers.
Charles |
Corelli,
Yes, the entire point of having a good audio system is to listen to the music that we love. Going to live jazz venues frequently over many years has definitely conditioned my ears. It makes judging audio components pretty simple. It's natural or it isn't. It's funny how some components reveal "hyper detail" yet exclude the music's soul and emotion.
Charles |
Teajay makes a very good case for the LTA components particularly the preamp. I'm a jazz aficionado of many happy years. We all have our individual criteria and sonic hierarchy and for me it's tone,timbre and harmonic overtones authenticity. This is due I'm sure to the dominant presence of acoustic instruments used in jazz.
Dexter Gordon's tenor saxophone, Monk's piano, Chet Baker'-s trumpet or the vibraphone of Bobby Hutcherson. If you can't get the natural tone right nothing else the component and/speaker does can correct this major deficiency IMO. You lose much of the emotion.
If the LTA does this better than other components far more expensive then this is quite an achievement. I've heard expensive audio products that lack convincing natural (thus realistic) tone and timbre.
Charles |
Corelli,
Some buttons are worth "pushing" 😁
I don’t doubt the synergy aspect discussed here regarding the LTA ZOTL preamp and power amplifiers. I use the Coincident Statement Line Stage, their Frankenstein MK II SET 300b mono blocks and their Total Eclipse II speakers. There’s unquestionably much same brand synergy in evidence. If I weren’t so thoroughly pleased with my current system (approaching 8 years) I’d give "major" consideration for the LTA components. Or pair their preamp with a Line Magnetic 219ia or 508ia SET power amplifier. Corelli that ZOTL preamp button needs some action from you 😀. Best of luck.
Charles |
I can also recommend the Star Sound Apprentice platforms with much enthusiasm. I use them beneath my speakers and every audio component. My results are just as teajay described. This is a very effective and well thought out product. Charles |
This is a very intriguing discussion. Mac says his 24 watt Decware falls a bit short reproducing certain live recordings and believes more amp power would be beneficial.
Teajay achieves 100 db SPL (That’s cleanly delivered) from a (signal tube not your typical output power tube) 6SN7 !!! This occurring in his large listening room. What is going on ? I don’t doubt teajay’s findings but this is a quite unusual situation. Can a stout power supply account for "all" of these findings?
Charles |
The Concert Fidelity 300b SET vs the LTA ZOTL 40 amplifier is a compelling comparison of very different topologies.
Charles |
Teajay,
Given the 1 watt power limitation of the Micro ZOTLhow does it present complex symphonic orchestral music? I could imagine that with acoustic jazz (what I listen to 90 % of the time) it could be pure organic bliss. This suggests that a high quality SET of 6 to 10 watts may be a very viable option. I'm surprised that the DI is so easily driven given its 4 ohm nominal impedance.
Charles |
Folks I’m still baffled as to how an octal small tube such as the 6SN7 has the capacity to successfully manage a legitimate full range speaker. How is this tube able to provide sufficient current for a 4 ohm impedance load? I believe the listening impressions of Teajay and Allan but this outcome is highly outside expectations given known specifications of both products. Fascinating results in my opinion.
I’ve been a long time advocate for high quality lower power amplifiers ( particularly DHT SET types) and higher sensitivity and easy load efficient speakers. But! I must admit to being surprised by this unique scenario.
Charles |
Hi Al,
Well, once you explain it that meticulously it does begin to make considerably more sense. That RF transformer is doing some serious work 😊
My amazement is the 6SN7 is used in this manner so apparently effectively. In my pre conditioned mind that tube is thought of as one of the iconic small signal tubes and not a device used to drive speakers (especially of the 4 ohm variety). Again, fascinating.
Charles |
Hi Joe (snopro),
It's good to see you posting and I hope you are doing well. Are you still using the Frankenstein and the Hornings?
Charles |
Hi Joe,
I find this thread very interesting for the same reason. What apparently are truly high performing audio products at honestly obtainable cost with seemingly little if any compromise. It appears that the Tekton DI with the LTA ZOTL electronics or say a Line Magnetic SET amplifier will yield serious high end sound quality far below Uber price levels. That is noteworthy in my opinion. I’d eagerly move in this direction if I weren’t so thrilled with my present audio system.
Charles |
Hi Corelli, I haven't heard the Line Magnetic SETs but I've gotten enough feedback from people I trust that the 518 ia, 219ia and 508ia are really quite special amplifiers.
Yes I am very content with my system (going on 8 years). I was after a very natural sound and a system that brings out the sol and emotion of music. I never pursued "perfect" sound, that leads to frustration IMO. Charles |
Offering an 8 ohm version of the Tekton DI is a very smart idea in my humble opinion. SET and other low power amplifiers should thrive with the easier driven speaker load. Excellent decision.
Charles |
Hi Mac,
If you do eventually get the 8 ohm DIs and are interested in hearing them with the Coincident Frankenstein MK II at some point let me know.
Charles |
Mac,
Good point in that the LTA amplifier 1 watt seems to have no problem with the 4 ohm DI per teajay. .7 watt to 1 watt is a negligible difference, but generally speaking a higher speaker impedance load is easier on the amplifier in terms of driving it. May be a moot point with the LTA ZOTL.
Charles |
Mac,
I believe that you'll be fine with the 4 ohm version based on what's been reported on this thread. I know teajay has experienced many High quality amplifiers in his system over the years. His enthusiasm for the 1 watt amplifiers inspires confidence.
Tweeters cross over at 400 hz, wow! They're covering a very wide range and apparently doing so quite successfully.
Charles |
Mac,
Teajay formed his opinion in the most definitive manner, he listened. I’m an advocate of high quality but lower power amplifiers. Admittedly though I remain surprised that the 1 watt amplifier ((6SN7) out preforms the 40 watt amplifier (KT77)) with this particular speaker. Teajay has both of them in his system for direct comparison. 1 watt! 😊 Mac I have much interest in your subsequent listening experiences.
Charles |
Teajay,
That's a very interesting comparison and I look forward to reading your listening impressions of DHT SET amps vs the known high bar performance of the LTA ZOTL amps. What a wonderfully versatile speaker to allow this type of scrutiny of fine low power amplifiers. This will be fun and informative to follow.
Charles |
Corelli,
You make an important observation, this speaker seems very compatible with a wide array of amplifiers. This suggests a very well conceived design and implementation.
Charles |
Hi Walter, I'm happy for you! The Ulysses is indeed formidable, yes you're in store for much fun. Charles |
"This is fun" no doubt!
I strongly suspect that the 10 watt 300b SET amplifier will be another sucessful match. This is the beauty and essence of having higher sensitivity and easy impedance load speakers. They allow one to take advantage of low powered yet really good sounding Amplifiers that just "make "music.
Teajay you are providing valuable information for many music lovers.
Charles |
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the follow up regarding the 300b SET. Concert Fidelity is a first rate company so I can imagine that amplifier sounds excellent driving the Tekton DI.
Mac the only caveat about my Coincident Frankenstein MK II is it's an early version with only 8 and 16 ohm speaker taps. The later versions (past few years) are 4 and 8 ohm taps. Nonetheless if you ever want to try it let me know. My speaker's are a 14 ohm nominal load and sound wonderful on the 16 ohm tap.
Charles |
Mac,
In addition to the amplifiers already confirmed as excellent matches for the DIs I strongly suspect that Walter's Line Magnetic 508ia will be added to this list. Much fun for sure 😃
Charles |
Hi Corelli, The 518ia is a stereo chassis 845 output tubed amp (25 watt per channel). The 508ia uses the 805 as the output tube (45 watt per channel) this is the amp used by Waltersilas on this thread.
There is also the 219ia which is 845 tubed and is a dual mono stereo chassis design. You can google the LM 508ia, there is much praise for this model. Charles |
Walter,
I’m not surprised by one word you’ve written. I can’t imagine why the DI and your LM 508ia wouldn’t be a superb pairing. no reason at all. Out of the shipping box today and sounding that good already. Charles |
Corelli, One further point, the LM 219ia and 508ia both use a 300b as the "driver" tube, thus a DHT driving another DHT (805 and the 845). this can result in a very organic and open transparent sound quality. Again it’s terrific that the DI allows one to take advantage of these types of amplifiers. Charles |
There was a discussion/thread concerning the LM 508ia on Audio shark.com not too long ago. Charles |
Corelli, Check out the Steve Hoffman.com site. There's a 9 page thread about the LM 508ia and includes comparisons to the 219 ia and the 518ia from owners. Charles |
Hello David,
I was one of the first buyers of the Coincident Statement Line Stage when it was introduced in 2009. It was fantastic from day 1 and my admiration has only grown over the years of ownership. Keep in mind that it is a minimalist design ( only 2 inputs and no remote control). In terms of sound quality it’s about as natural, open and resolved/transparent as you’ll likely find. Supremely emotionally-musically engaging. After living with it for nearly 8 years, it is my final preamplifier. I feel the same about its sibling the Frankenstein MK II SET amplifier.
Charles |
David, I suspect that the remote version is excellent and probably just a trace less transparent than the non remote version, however Israel is a perfectionist and that "trace" would bother him.
Backert Labs and of course the LTA ZOTL preamp are both considered to be excellent and are less expensive than the Coincident. Only way to really know is to hear all 3 directly, but easier said than done. For certain there are fabulous choices available. Charles |
Teajay,
I'm not at all surprised that removing an average quality volume control out of the signal path made such a difference. Lesser volume control quality is a known bottleneck in many components .It's inspiring to know you're enjoying such high caliber sound from these very accessible audio components. SET amplifiers can just sound superb if mated to the right speaker load. Charles |
Teajay, This is why I never refer to any audio product as being the "best". There are too many situational variables and listener preference issues involved. One of the strengths of the Coincident Statement (CSL) is tone and timbre honesty and emotional liveliness. However the LTA ZOTL could be every bit as good or better. We as music lovers have superb choices available in the current market.
It's impossible to hear and own every possible excellent sounding component out there. If I were starting today to build a top tier but affordable audio system,Tekton Double Impact, LTA and Line Magnetic would without question be of high interest to seek out and hear. Coincident has served me in a most wonderful manner yet I recognize there are other audio options every bit as worthy. Charles |
Teajay, It's fair to say that we are both passionate listeners of "straight ahead" acoustic jazz (both live venue and recordings). Would it be accurate to say you're enjoying this current system more than your previous reference system (Pass Labs amps, Concert Fidelity preamp and Lawrence Audio Cello? Just curious. Charles |
David, Considering the functionality you need, I believe the Backert would suit you fine. Reviews and owner feedback comments suggest it is really quite fine sounding yet offers flexibility. . It may be hard to beat when all factors are considered. Teajay says it sounds "great" if not quite the equal of the LTA ZOTL but that's out of the picture for you. In your desired price range it's likely very hard to do better. Oh one more option, people talk about the Don Sachs 6SN7 preamp in glowing terms. Charles |
