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Tyler Acoustics Decade D3M review

I've been happy with my front end electronics for about two years now, but had some issues with getting the sound I wanted from what tends to be the weak link - speakers.

I've been through quite a few this time around, and while they each had their strengths and weaknesses the seemed to lack that certain "something, something" one might find in the ultra-expensive, exotic speakers. My last monitors, ACI Sapphire XL's were gems but were probably more suited for solid state amplification (I'm running 22 watts of tube power) and I was looking speakers with bit more bite.

The much acclaimed Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands where on my short list but then I saw a pair of D3M's on Audiogon for a very good price that were tough to pass up. I found the Tyler's more unique anyways. The problem is there is virtually no reviews of the new Decade line so it's a bit different than buying say a pair of Sonus Faber or Audio Physic speakers.

While the D3M's are monitor speakers they are beasts, weighing in at nearly 50 lbs apiece. I very nice size if you want a bit more than monitors but not towers (I use mine mostly for nearfield listening). They look a bit odd in pictures but are rather stunning in real life. Mine have the biwire option.

I'll start with the bass. Most of the speakers I had either had weak bass or boomy, overpowering bass. The Tylers have good bass slam but a deep, very controlled bass. I didn't find them to be finnicky as far as placement.

Mids are spot on as well, and what I really like are how the percussions kick out to you, fast and articulate, with plenty of air around each instrument.

A speaker's crossover is extremely critical component to a speaker's success, and I suspect Guy Ritchie's (GR Research) design of the crossover is a major contribution the success. They seem to mate very well to tube gear as well.

In conclusion even if I try I can't seem to find one weak spot in the sound, which is a major accomplishment for a speaker in this price range. Thanks to Ty for wonderful product.
jk121764

Showing 1 response by jimmy2615

jimmy2615
407 posts
 
Interesting, the last two posts. I had the Linbrook monitors for some time, as well as the Harbeth SHL5's, both at the same time in the same room, and now own the Decade D2's.
The Harbeth's were better than the Tyler's for softer music, and the Tyler's were better for heavier music - they 'never' (never say never - but so much better) break up. The Tyler's also had almost as good a midrange as the Harbeth, and that's saying a lot. If I only listened to jazz or chamber music the Harbeth's would have been my choice hands down. See my review/comparison here on Audiogon.
The Decade line in my system is different from the earlier models (I have also heard the Taylo's) with better definition and neutrality, and better bass. The midrange is nicer with the Linbrooks, but not necessarily more musical. I think the newer Decade line is more balanced, and the bass is really quite spectacular (the D2's I own have quite a large cabinet, which could contribute to this quality. Whatever the case, having owned REL subs, the D2's bass quality is like REL). So, in my opinion the Decade series are different but definitely not worse than the older series. I could happily live with either in general.
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