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.