Good day to everybody.
Well I might as well join the party. I have been following Tekton threads for 2 months now with increasing amazement at the seemingly universal praise for the performance of the rainbow of speakers from this company. Whoever the detractors are from actual auditioning of these products appear to be well underground (if any).
Ever since I downsized my main rig in the early 90's I have enjoyed Spendor SP-1's as my reference, and it's obvious at this stage of the game that I rarely change gear unless a component gets sick or like in this case it becomes overwhelming what a great performance/value is before me. I no longer believe that the SP-1's will be my final speaker.
My room is very similar to Nonoise's in dimensions being 11x15x8. It is a dedicated room with many GIK traps, custom traps, and 80s.f. of diffusers. I listen exclusively to Redbook c.d. and love listening to Loreena McKennitt, some New Age, 70's and 80's rock and roll, and rarely need the walls to shake.
Any advice as to which rainbow color you feel is right for my needs would be greatly appreciated.
Best Wishes,
LP
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Hi Mac, One thing I know is that the D.I.'s would be the largest model I will choose from with for sure the upgrade package. But I'm most concerned about a match for my room. I fear that they are too large for my listening room. So my question is besides 1 octave, how do the D.I.'s performances differ from the smaller models.
I have to agree with Soundermn that for some shoppers additional information to clarify model suitability would really help.
LP |
Mac,
Thanks so much for your thoughts on this matter. A big concern for me would be that the DI's would be too imposing in my 11x15 room and lack a gentler side which I often prefer nowadays. Up to now I have been leaning a little more towards either the Electron, the Brilliance, or even the Impact monitor. Size and weight is a concern though being I'm not the workout warrior I once was.
Best Wishes,
LP |
To the people who have recently taken delivery. What are the lead times like at this point?
Thanks,
LP |
I believe Bullitt is on the right track in wanting to focus his energy on his most recent purchase. As he stated Klaus offered the suggestion to experience all the changes the amp will offer throughout the break in period.
Along with that ride as Grannyring points out, much can be fine tuned with tweaks, and an almost endless assortment of sound altering options to enhance personal performance.
This hobby even with components of great value still comes at a sizable financial investment (at least in my world it does). He should be allowed the latitude to fully explore the possibilities of his new purchase.
LP |
craigl59:
remind me to pass on your used gear!
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craigl59:
Does the deal for the Bose include handiwipes? |
Has anyone had any experience driving any of the Tektons with a Coincident Dynamo? New they are a huge value at $1500.
I'm wondering what level of performance they offer before I wrap my mind around possibly dropping 5K on a SET amp.
LP |
Hi Charles,
From following along with this thread I am considering the Triode Labs as has been referenced by you and along with other posters who I also respect. However, at this stage of my life I find it difficult to spend too freely. Quite the contrary to when I was younger.
With the Triode Labs I'm unsure if I would even go with the upgraded transformer. The Frankensteins I recognize as a very top tier product, but 6K for new I would have to say no. How about we talk about your pair used?
But seriously, I believe I will get a SET amp and to be candid I did not even realize that the Dynamo was a SEP. I will need to learn of other performance/value options before I can make this move.
Part of the magnetism of this hobby appears to me to also be in the pursuit.
BTW, thank you for all the excellent insight you provide to this and other informative threads on this forum.
LP |
Just a quick follow-up.
Apparently successful surgery Wednesday, and now a long difficult rehab with much to do.
A heart felt thank you to all the special people who participate on this forum for all their sincere blessings.
Now back to improving our music.
LP |
Kdude, Corelli, Mikirob, and Charles,
Thanks to all for your opinions and experiences with the Dynamo.
Based on this information, along with the fact that I haven't joined the world of parts upgrade, I don't feel that the Dynamo would be the right direction for me to go.
Also I hope I did not give the impression that at this time I have already purchased the DI's. I haven't yet for 2 reasons. 1st and foremost now because of a major family illness that occurred this past Monday will be eliminating almost all of my hobby time for something like 3 to 6 months I'm estimating. Prior to that I have been weighing the give and take between the DI's and the Electrons for my application. There are many factors that keep me from choosing which model is best suited for me. Except for my model decision I would have ordered before this past Monday. I really need to talk to Eric for his opinion and also to see things like can he make the Electrons in 8 Ohm? Stuff like that. But listening now is going to be difficult for the time being.
Anyway, we all have extreme challenges in life especially if we live long enough.
Again thanks to all for the great advice to help navigate to calm seas.
LP |
Well after realizing that I have not bought a pair of speakers since 1990, I bought Tekton yesterday. I went against this current and chose the Electrons, because of size and weight even with some assurances that the D.I.'s would work in my 11X15X8 dedicated.
And now some breaking news! Eric told me when ordering that the Electrons now come with 8" bass drivers, no longer the 6.5". O.K. not earth shaking but it is fairly new information.
I went into this purchase with the understanding that I wanted to match an amp purchase with the Tektons too, and with opinions of people on this forum who I respect with way, way more knowledge than myself had helped me to decide on a 2A3 SET amp. The general consensus of this type of amps presentation coincided with my musical taste extremely well.
So now I should live happily ever after (at least in my audio world) right?
Wrong, now I have a problem that I learned today (isn't it the way things so often seem to go?) that my line stage which I am completely satisfied with which is a Truth with no gain at all will-might compromise the performance of this set up.
Thoughts and possible directions from this group will be greatly appreciated.
LP
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Milpai,
I ordered the Electrons yesterday, so I feel it will be about 3 weeks before they arrive. In talking to Eric about my desire to use a 3.5 watt 2A3 SET he said it would be no problem, but I forgot to mention the no gain Truth I use. He is very busy and it was hard for me to remember everything I wanted to tell him when pressed for time.
Today I will talking to Triode Labs about possibly building an amp for me, and he mentioned a really good pre-amp with gain would be a better match for my set up.
I only listen to redbook c.d. with a Musical Fidelity A-5
LP |
Milpai,
To clarify here is the quote from his e mail today.
"The Truth-it will be alright, my 2A3 will provide most of its gain and drive...the Truth will only be work as a volume control in the most neutral/accurate way, because its a passive design and does not +/- to the sound. It is better than most active circuited pre-amp-again, most are mid fi stuff only....and there is rarely a real high end tube preamp out there on the market we seen. But with a good tube preamp-you will get more power, and juice out more info/details-everything/every aspect will be better...."
I took it to mean that because of the low power of the amp and no gain of the Truth that it's just not going to be as good a combo as I envisioned.
Maybe I should be looking for a more powerful tube amp to get the most from the Electrons?
LP |
In my existing system which is powered by a BEL 1001, 26db (1 volt=50 watts) gain and the Truth, driving my Spendor SP-1's 86.5db sensitivity the last thing I would say is it needs more gain, dynamics, openness, or authority.
So is the concern to drive the Electrons properly primarily one of gain, or does the smallish power output of the 2A3 factor into the potential problem as well?
Can this even be answered with this level of information available?
My best laid plan was to build my new system around the Truth and now along with the Electrons.
LP
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Charles,
Thank you for a path to begin to figure this out. I will find out the gain of the amp.
What I don't understand is the relation between the 3 factors of wattage-sensitivity-gain as it applies to the pre amp amp and speaker.
I understand in general that a more sensitive speaker requires less power to reach certain decibel levels but then how does the gain of the pre amp and amp factor in?
Does anyone wonder how I could have been involved in this hobby since the late 60's and understand so little?
Please don't answer that last comment.
Bullitt
Triode Labs as far as I know is custom made only. He will build with 4 ohms no problem. But again as far as I know, no auditions, no returns. Ouch!
LP
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Hi Al,
I just want to mention one thing that's kind of bizarre about the Truth. The volume control only goes to about 2:00. Until you get to about 10:00 you hear almost nothing. At noon it's to low for real listening and then begins to accelerate. Everything happens between 1 and 2 o'clock.
Very sensitive from like 1:30 going up. With that being said I never maxed out the volume.
Not sure if this comment is of any value pertaining to your comment of losing about 1 hour of volume.
And thank you for the effort you had to put in to help.
LP |
Hi Al,
The amp you sent the specs on is the same MKII version but Triode told me the input impedance is 220K. They said they can make it 100K but it would hurt the bass.
The Truth recommends 100K or more if I remember right.
Will that be a benefit for volume or other performance factors with a higher input impedance?
Thanks,
LP |
Hi Al,
Great back check to the 7-17 post.
I'm sure I fit into the don't utilize 105db peaks at my 6' seating positions. It sure would have been easier with all of this if I would have just choosen the D.I.'s. instead of the Electrons.
Several risks for me with this approach. But now I have a much clearer view of what's ahead.
Thanks again to Almarg and Charles 1 dad, two gentlemen who devote they're time to the benefit of others.
LP |
Hi Kdude,
I just did some checking on the Truth. Arthur Salvatore has a long write up on it in his recommended components.
I have to admit I am confused by your comment that " some of the guys build the Truth pre amp with 6 to 10 db of gain." Are you referencing the Hornshoppe Truth?
As far as the volume knob, I am under the impression that all Hornshoppe Truths real listening levels is between 1 and 2 o'clock, which is maximum rotation. Perhaps another owner can chime in on that point.
Just now I noticed on A. Salvatore that he stated the Truth actually losses .5db. I sure didn't know that.
He also talks about it use of light as an attenuator.
Also something unique about the solid state that's used for the buffer is mentioned, but I did not focus on that part of the write up at all.
My educated guess now is that for my needs I believe the combo Truth, Triode Labs, and Electrons will probably satisfy my needs. But it comes at risk for me. No audition, no returns, and not a lot of margin for error. I need to figure a more comfortable way to proceed, especially since I do not sell on line as of yet, and no guarantees that I ever will.
If I understood Almarg thinking on this matter, he would opt for more power to guarantee a full performance under all musical circumstances.
LP
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Charles, Kdude,David_ten
First and foremost, thank you all for your kind words and your sincere efforts in helping me to figure out which direction is the most logical step forward for me.
My musical taste does not include large orchestra. The closest I come to that I think is Loreena McKennitt, who I adore. In case you are not familiar with her group, it contains piano, harp, electric violin, cello, standard percussion, something like bongos, and a few middle eastern instruments that I have no clue what they are but they look while performing like something an organ grinder does. Along with that Peter Gabriel Genesis, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, some Led Zeppelin, but I would venture a guess, not real loud.
How do you guys know what kind of decibel peaks and volumes are being achieved? Do you use some volume meter that I never bumped into. Right now I wouldn't know an 80db from an 87db if it hit me in the head. But seriously, you get the idea of what style I listen to.
Kdude, You hit the nail on the head, "that this pairing might work o.k. for you." At this point I don't feel I can buy the amp without some kind of fail safe in place.
Charles, I would feel a heck of a lot better with 8 watts as your excellent system offers too. In fact that would be a no brainer for me at this junction.
David, Thanks for the kind thoughts, but to be completely candid, I haven't been excited as of yet at all with so much going on right now, plus the uncertainty of my amp issue.
It's funny because it's been over 2 days since I ordered them, and I received nothing. No receipt, no work order, no acknowledgement, nada. However, I know how busy Tekton is so that's really a none issue. I just find it amusing.
LP |
Hi David_ten
I hope your right about my Electrons.
Eric was in his kitchen when he took my order over the phone. I envision my credit card number being jotted on a napkin and subsequently wiping up a spill, or removing that barbecue sauce from the corner of the mouth.
But it's only 3 days now.
Loreena McKennitt, a voice like no other. An extremely talented ensemble. Superbly engineered recordings, along with music that reaches the deepest level of my soul.
LP |
Hi Lula,
Yes, a lot of strong similarities to our quests.
Eric mentioned to me that aside from the frequency benefit on the extremes of the D.I.'s that the 2 models are about the same. I'm fine with a true 30 hz low end and in my case being 65 years old I'm told that old folk lose some high frequency extension as we progress. So if your o.k. with a 30hz low end, when you ripen up some more you will have nothing to worry about if you choose the Electrons is my early opinion.
I also struggled with the issue of size and weight. I think many do. It is a tough decision.
The one thing that really bugged me was the loss of sensitivity between them which is impacting my amplifier options.
My room is 11X15X8 and I as well perceive that I listen at a senior level.
I will absolutely post my impressions, however my instincts are suggesting to me that it may be awhile before the delivery guy rings the bell.
LP |
Corelli,
It looks like bicycle mileage will win today's race.
BTW, 7 days since my kitchen phone order, and not a peep, not a whisper, not a word.
Is silence golden?
LP |
Hi Terry,
I'm heading over to read the article right now, and BTW any word yet on the arrival of your Ulfs?
Best Wishes,
LP |
Grey9hound,
Congratulations on your soon to be arrival.
I hope your wife likes the red, rather than seeing red!
I'm curious when you placed your order? I ordered my Electrons in standard gray exactly one month ago today. My instincts after an e-mail are that I don't think they will be delivered in the very near future. I'm would prefer to wait rather than product being rushed out prematurely for sure. However, I am curious what your timeline was.
LP |
You really have to move fast with this thread. No time to gather your thoughts. It makes sense that I was beaten to the punch by someone named Bullitt.
LP |
I can certainly understand Porscheracer's frustration with receiving damaged goods. It is even magnified with me awaiting my order.
I for one have never heard of this issue with new speakers. These products which appear to be an outstanding value, still requires a significant investment I would assume to most of us.
Does this only happen on a rare occasion, or have others experienced this incident also?
LP
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"I would estimate the speakers will take 2-3 weeks to make for standard finish. At least that is what I was told this weekend."
Aniwolfe, and Terpstation,
2-3 weeks is surprising to me. I ordered the 8" Electrons, first in white, then about 10 days ago changed to gray while awaiting production news. I was told then that Eric is tweaking the 8" Electrons. I stated how important it was for me to have a finished product since I lack any tech experience, and would not want to attempt any updates. I'm sure Eric would not knowingly send out a model that needed additional fine tuning. I personally am willing to wait until he is completely comfortable with his adjustments to this model.I ordered my pair 5 weeks ago.
BTW, it feels good to find others who have chosen the Electrons. These D.I. guys are driving me nuts.
LP |
When I placed my Electron order for 8", I asked about the weight. I was told 67lb. I didn't think to ask about the enclosure size though. I hope the width and depth haven't increased.
LP |
Some 6" Electrons are out there. A nice photo in the customer gallery in beige is displayed. I don't believe any 8" have been shipped since Eric is still tweaking.
LP |
Aniwolfe,
I heard similar news late last week that the parts are soon to arrive for my now 8 week old order for Electrons, and will be shipped in approximately 1 more week. However, I did not get the impression that the model is still being tweaked. I absolutely do not want them until they are completely ready on all parameters. I will call tomorrow for clarification, and post my findings for the soon to be Electron owners.
Corelli,
No way you were restricted on your tube amp quest.
No one with the gumption to bike thousands of miles would get caught in that trap!
Right?
LP
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"(a cool $75,000/pair)"
Does not quite seem to fit with the overall theme of dollar/performance value of this thread.
LP |
Sbayne,
I agree with you that design breakthroughs can bring gear up to another level, and is the foundation for audio advancement.
As we acquire different equipment either purchased or auditioned, it is an evaluation process for each of us to decide which pieces are a hit or miss, and also how to extract all the potential from a worthy candidate.
LP
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Cleeds, David_ten,
I live in the suburban Chicago area.
Oh no, I did not mean that we folk are everywhere. I myself only have one friend who is a believer in what we do. He has a WAF that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. But that's a different story.
I was referencing how this hobby has endless possibilities with every move we make in pursuit of excellent sound reproduction.
Sorry if I was confusing.
LP
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One of the things that fascinates me about this hobby is how ubiquitous it is.
I purchased a Musical Fidelity A5 disc spinner early 2016. My impression with limited experience with CD players was it was good but had a deal breaker flaw. It had a lighter, leaner lower mid-range which seems somewhat similar to some of the recent opinions of the LTA gear.
With a lot of Herbie's isolation products, along with excellent additional advice on DIY efforts (I'm not referring to parts upgrade, which I never learned enough about to venture into that realm) the player truly is balanced from top to bottom with excellent richness.
The final piece which took it from frustratingly close to a proper musical piece for me was with the addition of their tiny CD mat. No give and take which was my experience with another mat, only give what was still needed.
Of course my efforts with this player would not exactly coincide with amplification. However, so much can be done for equipment just in the areas of isolation, acoustics, tube rolling, and if you have the skill, part upgrades, etc.
So much to consider when we evaluate the many forks in the audio road.
LP |
@shadorne
I will admit to venturing a guess here.
There is but one person finding your recent posts of any value.
LP |
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@grannyring
$1800 + 40 hours labor=years of musical enjoyment. Wow, fantastic!
Thanks so much for sharing your efforts.
LP |
With many well respected members choosing the Lyngdorf system approach, I would appreciate knowing the type of room environments the Lyngdorf entered. Is your room dedicated to audio, or multi purpose? Professional, or custom room acoustics or standard room furnishings, and if room acoustics to what extent? Is your room a simpler to control rectangular room or complicated dimensions with staircases, and multiple rooms? And, prior to Lyngdorf were poor reflective materials such as glass minimized to improve the environment?
LP |
Bullitt, With the room correction off do you sometimes feel you have an exaggerated low end being too close to the corners with your D.I.'s?
LP |
Should have stated close to the corner , not "too". Sorry about that. It was drawing a conclusion on my part.
LP |
@aniwolfe
Was that reviewer Teejay?
LP |
Ozzy,
I feel you are stressing needlessly over this issue. $3000 + is not at risk, return shipping cost are along with a decent amount of inconvenience.
In the end usually it comes down to do these speakers give you the musical performance you are seeking, or have enough potential that you want to work with them, or flat out realize they are not for you. 60 days is a generous amount of time for you to do the ultimate analysis.
LP |
canibefrank,
It would appear that social isolation is taking quite a toll on you.
Wishing you well going forward.
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Pertaining to this upgrade timeline, the Electrons I originally had I estimate were built between Sept. 29th and Oct. 4th. The D.I.'s I swapped them out for were built about Dec.15th.
Performance besides the obvious extra lower octave, I noticed a smoother, more organic presentation, with a slightly deeper sound stage with the D.I.'s.
Remembering a post by Eric where he made a statement similar to (people who have been on the fence about buying the D.I.'s now is the time) had me wondering at the time exactly why he made that statement.
You can find Eric's post on this thread, page 74 dated 11-7-2017.
FWIW based on this stuff my guess is the update was implemented somewhere in October 2017.
LP
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@grannyring
Bill, I think we have a very similar opinion on the influence this new resistor you brought to light has on the musical performance. I mentioned the bass because there is a slightly deeper response just due to the basic design differences of the two models. I now realize that was confusing in a post pertaining to the resistor upgrade.
LP |
@grannyring
Oh.., I will have to take a look at that video.
Upgrading the internals sounds like a great idea to me, however electronic tech is clearly not my strong suit.
Will you make a house call to the Chicago area?
LP |
@treebeard1
If you are willing to do the upgrade considering that your manufacturing date may be close, then it's probably best to actually take a look see and not completely trust your serial numbers.
If I remember correctly from a while back that Aniwolfe's Electrons are serial #'s 35+36 and it was reported to me that there was also a 35-36 clone as well out there.
I agree with so many that the original design is great to begin with and if you are uncomfortable with doing the upgrade,(if even necessary) then fortunately there are seemingly countless ways to work on improving your system. That is one of the beauties of this great hobby.
LP
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IMHO, David Ten and Grannyring both offer significant value to this forum.
I for one find it difficult to follow along on too many threads seeking needed information. Most of the tech heavy information I read about I will probably not be able to implement, but can put that aside and focus on what is more in my wheelhouse(so to speak).
I hope Grannyring continues to share right here for all interested Tekton owners to try and learn from his wealth of knowledge.
LP |
