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Which Budget Speakers, Tekton or Omega?

I have a $2500 budget and haven’t had any luck finding the right floorstander in the local hifi shops, so am seeking advice from owners of internet-direct speakers.

I have an all tube system with a 30W triode EL34 amp. My system is in the living room, 12’ x 16’ x 8.' Speakers can be a maximum height of about 40 inches.
   Most important to me is a realistic laid-back presentation with open, transparent sonics. For example, I really like the KEF sound. I listen to 90% Classical, but also take my Led Zeppelin very seriously.
I have a sensitivity to high frequencies (hyperacusis), so there must be a smooth and natural top-end. And I’m done with metal tweeters since I haven’t found any that work for me.

There have been many Tekton threads, so I’m familar with some of their models, but I’m very intrigued by the Omega’s. Can anybody share their experiences with the Omega line or offer advice on floorstanders within my budget? I’m open to used or demos.

128x128lowrider57
sbrownnw
686 posts
 
I really liked my Tekton 6.5t monitors.  Great midrange with right amount of punch about 12" from wall.  I tried their mini lores, too laid back for me.  I upgraded to ProAc Studio 148s and have not looked back.  There is a pair of the 148s for sale now.  Unfortunately, both of these models are no longer made.
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
Buy these and use the savings to get new grill covers. They will do your rock proud and not be annoying on the top end.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-legacy-audio-signature-iii-2018-01-18-speakers-80301-bo...
rebbi
1,326 posts
 
Someone may have mentioned this earlier in the thread, but both manufacturers offer a trial period, and I would suggest you take advantage of that to see how you like them in your room, with your associated equipment and your musical taste. I have had Tektons on loan from a friend and they are very nice, especially for the price. I owned the Omega Super Alnico Monitor a few years ago. Full range or single driver speakers have a particular kind of sound. Some people really dig them, some people don’t. That’s why I recommend taking advantage of the trial.Also, for what it’s worth, although the Omega‘s and other “single driver“ speakers of similar design do not have an electronic crossover, they do have a mechanical crossover, i.e., the transition between the main cone and the smaller, whizzer cone. Let me also add that Louis of Omega is a wonderful guy and a pleasure to deal with. I was one of those people who couldn’t warm-up to the full range driver sound, but Louis was never less than a total gentleman – I really came to like the guy very much. I don’t have much experience with Eric over at Tekton, but I know a lot of people like him, as well.
helomech
1,482 posts
 
Neither. Try these:

http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/94317/Spendor-Spendor_A5_Stereo_Speakers-Speakers

They’ll be far more similar to the KEF sound but have a smooth textile tweeter. Hands down one of the best brands for classical music.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,392 posts
 
Thanks, helomechanic, but I need higher efficiency than 86dB.

@rebbi , thanks,
Full range or single driver speakers have a particular kind of sound. Some people really dig them, some people don’t.
This why I'm here, for info such as this, and the plan is to take advantage of a trial period. Regarding your comments, I've read that the mid-highs on this type of driver can be less refined.

From the comments thus far, it seems that multiple drivers may be better for the range, texture, and dynamics of symphonic music. But I do listen to string quartets and chamber music as well.

So far, my favorite sound signature is from the KEFs (using a concentric driver plus low frequency woofers. But the Q series does not have wood veneer or bracing, the R series are not as efficient, and the reference models are out of my price range.
 
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