Lula,
I purchased the Impacts last November in a search for speakers which would allow my Microzotl2 to fulfill the designed potential unbridled. The first listening session shocked and stunned me due to what I was experiencing. I will keep these speakers for the rest of my life as I am experiencing sound I never realized possible. In my opinion these speakers will embarrass the "best" on the planet at any cost. My dearly loved Magnepan 3.5r's which were my reference for the past twenty years are now sitting idle collecting dust. All of the other six pairs of speakers owned are also in storage.
I asked Mark at Linear Tube Audio about the 4 ohm rating of the Impacts after ordering thinking I had made a mistake and he told me impedance is not a problem for his amps due to not having transformers. He was correct.
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Charles,
The 1 watt is sufficient for my listening needs. A powered subwoofer crossed over at about 60hz handles most of the low end, however the Impacts have low end ability which has surprised me at times.
I replaced all of the stock tubes with Sylvania bad boys 6SN7's and Sylvania triple mica navy issue 12at7's which in my opinion allow the Microzotl2 even more of everything better.
I am not a headbanger, but have cranked it at times to where the volume level is much more than sufficient for my 16x24 foot room. I do prefer nearfield listening while seated 4 to 5 feet in front of the speakers with them 5 feet separated in width. I have spent hours of bliss here. |
Lula,
during my initial contact with Eric at Tekton Designs I explained my desire for an easy to drive speaker which would not restrict the Microzotl2's capabilities and asked him what speakers were the most detailed. Without hesitation he responded the Impacts. The DI were not available yet, nor were the others you mentioned. The DI's were released within weeks after. I spoke with Eric on what the advantage would be to purchase the DI's over my Impacts and was told I would get a little more of the overall sound but identical condition of sound quality.
Having never heard Tektons I felt sure that the need to return them would come sooner than later, so as a joke I ordered the yellow color. The joke was on me. And yes the color plays light beautifully. I am still having difficulty wrapping my head around how an $1800 speaker can manifest this reality of instruments in the room along with everything else they do. I was not trying to be sensational in any manner when conveying my experience. When you hear these you will then fully understand my very strong statements pertaining to the experience. |
Lula,
The Impacts are rated to 30hz and to my ears do very well on the bottom end. The reason I have always used a powered subwoofer is to obtain a full range system since I listen to organ music. Also, I feel that supplementing the bottom end with a powered subwoofer allows the amp to work a little easier and more transparent. Picking up from about 7hz in room to 30hz gives me the "slam" I desire, also including loudness control.
I believe the DI's would add to my enjoyment with there additional mid and treble drivers, but may overload my room in the bass region without the ability to adjust for bass volume.
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Charles,
You are very welcome. The most enjoyable factor of using 1 watt is receiving a notice from the electric company showing my monthly use as the most efficient in my area. All while enjoying the superb level of immersed sound experience!
One other mentionable note is how quietly the Impacts play while retaining the full fabric of intricate details being easily released. Such is the case all the way down to the off threshold. Quite amazing for late night listening when all of my siblings are at rest. |
Elloyd24,
Congratulations on your new purchase. I would guess you will be captivated for many hours of future discovery. Certain expletives may escape suddenly during pleasurable surprises of real instrument outbursts. That type of occurrence was common for my first listening session, which began about 6:30 pm and finally forcefully ended at 4:15am the following morning. Or... maybe I'm just a fanatic.
Listen intently!!! |
Lancelock,
Were you able to determine which model of Tekton speakers Mark had in his showroom? Just curious as after I experienced my Impacts I contacted him to inform of the results using the Microzotl2 in combination. His opinion of the Tekton speakers in general was the significant cause for initially trying the Impact model. He had not heard any of the new patented models. |
Elloyd24,
The most unique quality I have discovered in my Impacts is never becoming familiar with their inherited traits to the point of feeling "same old, same old" speakers, but constantly more delighted by them as each day passes.
Your post is precise on all points. I totally understand what you mean. |
I have no desire to remove them, I enjoy listening to Eric's creations, not modifying them. Eric will accomadate any request his customers desire. I asked him before purchasing about several internal desires but told him after experiencing the Impact's that my choices would probably have ruined his final effort.
You could call him and enquirer of anything on your mind. He was always the person who answered the phone when I called Tekton. |
Backsigns,
The woofers are secured by 8 screws, the midrange and tweeters are secured by 4 screws on each driver. |
Lula,
Lacking any auditioning of the Electrons I offer no comparison. From the specifications the Impacts have a higher sensitivity rating, so if you are driving them with an SET amp they would offer an advantage.
Having spent many hours of ultimate enjoyment I consider the Impacts to be the bargain of the century in high end loudspeakers. Only experiencing them would allow you to ascertain a final purchase. |
Lula,
My best guess on what may be "lacking" in context of your room size would be slightly less quantity of what the DI's and Electrons would produce, which may be optimal to your desires. The Impacts probably would not overload your room with bass as the other two may. However your final listening tastes and demands must determine these factors. |
I just checked my boxes and 71 pounds are what mine weigh. |
