Tekton Double Impact SE vs Kef R7 Meta


Hello everyone, I’m looking for some help with my eventual upgrade path. I currently have a pair of Kef Q350 being powered by a Willsenton R8. I enjoy the clarity, detail, and instrument separation of the Kef’s, but they can be a bit polite. Soundstage is great as well, tonal balance is good as well. I’ve been looking at the R7 metas figuring they have similar sound characteristics as the Q350s just with more refinement and overall better sound, but I realize the Willsenton might be a bit underpowered (especially in triode mode) to really make them sing. Tekton is a name that keeps coming up in my research. I realize they can be a bit of a controversial choice do to some of the issues they’ve had with reviewers. All I really am concerned with is, how do they actually sound. I really want to keep that clarity that the KEFs have. We listen primarily to rock, metal, and electronic music. My room is rather large. It’s a 19’x 39’ great room (living room, dining room, and kitchen. 
 

I’d like to hear from people that have had experience with either of these speakers with similar amplification and what their thoughts are. I’m also open to other speaker suggestions. Thank you!

dstryker77

Rbstehno, with respect to you I disagree 100%. How can you trash Tekton on one seating. By the way I own ps 12 Tekton and impact monitor . If I have not purchase my impact monitor after I listen to them at axpona many yrs ago . I will not buy them, They did not sound good at all still better than Cerwin Vega, though they are not match with the system and the music being played is also not right for the speakers. Give my regards to John , I hope he is ok.

It always comes down to personal preference.

I’ve heard the Tektons and they were perfectly fine if big and bulky has appeal.   Will also work better than KEFs with most tube amps if that’s what you want.  I’d consider a Rogue Cronus Magnum as a very good option.

Otherwise teh KEF meta line top to bottom is pretty close to the gold standard at various price points in terms of objective measured performance, but you need a amp with a lot of drive for best results. I use Class D Hypex and GanFet based amps with the ls50s for optimal performance and value.  Read up on the KEFs as needed....every speaker is different and always advantageous to understand their sonic attributes like amp requirements, dispersion pattern, setup, etc.

I have KEF ls50meta + sub in a very good quality detailed setup and love it.  Pretty much close to reference standard sound I would say.

I also have much bigger Ohm Walsh F5s and have kept Ohm Walsh speakers around now for over 40 years.   These are the bomb but a totally different kind of presentation....more like a live performance in your room than recordings..   Check out www.ohmspeakers.com perhaps if not familiar.

I also like and own Sonus Faber, but this is a much different kind of sound, warmer easy on the ears, and never in your face.

Different strokes.   I wish I could have one of each.  I already have no less than 9 pair of speakers running in the house.

You could have very nice looking and sounding good speakers if you have the knowledge and money. Sonus faber and Wilson will give it to you. Erik is very clear ,His speakers are for those who can’t afford expensive speakers who can enjoy music for less price. Your call not his. 

Mapman I do love Kef 105 and 107 and the Ls50. I totally agree with you.Matternof preference.

devinplombier - Yes, you should listen first and trash after, once you have a "real" data point. If you’ve never listened to a product, how can you dismiss it?

@jcatdcat that’s a fair point. 

With regard to Wilson speakers, I’ve heard Sasha, Sabrina, and watt puppies so I do have some basis in fact.

Now, to call them "trash" may be a bit of a rhetorical flourish; they are competent for the most part, but they’re still grossly overpriced (note that I didn’t say "expensive" because in my view there’s nothing wrong with expensive). Also, they’re fantastically ugly, except for the Sabrina, which is unassuming and plain.

As I’ve said, I will never give one red cent to businesses that threaten and intimidate reviewers whose reviews they deem insufficiently deferential, therefore I have little interest in seeking auditions of Tekton products.

If I ever own Tektons, they will have been bought used, and they will likely reside in my home theater. I have a double standard when it comes to home theater vs 2-channel.

I’m still curious why a number of folks who are otherwise not known to hold back on criticism praise tekton so highly; so if I run across a pair, I will sit down and listen with an open mind and see what the fuss is about.