Any insight on Tekton Double impact BE, Focus Se, Salk SS 8, or Golden Ear TRef?


I am looking to replace my 20 year plus towers. However I noticed that most notable speaker manufactures are not putting out what I consider a true full range speaker 20 Hz to 20 Khz (Well not for semi sane price points that is). So I have been examining some of the big bang for the buck and consumer direct brands.

My Budget is for something that come in between $6,500 - $10,500. System requirements is something that is a tower  with frequency response between 25 Hz to 20 KHz.
Capable of handling the dynamic bass heavy content of electronic music from thing like Bass 305, Bach Organ works, or Bass Guitar centered works from folks like Kyle Eastwood or Marcus Miller. The primary listening I do is Opera Metal, that has broad range of content and vocals styling of classical opera but is also bass heavy with metal guitar, drums, and a lot of classical instruments. So it is just not about the bass the system has to be able to have some finesse and detail. Something with sibilant treble will not work. Especially when those powerful Soprano voices really start to wail on the metal tracks from Arven or Leaves Eyes.

My system is dedicated 2 channel Balanced Audio Tech VK 32 Se preamp and VK 500 SS amp. At 250/450 watts 8/4 ohms I have a decent source component and plenty of power.

The two notable consumer direct transducers I been taking a hard look at is
Tekton Double Impact BE edition $6500.00Salk Sound SS8 or SS8 Be for $8995.00There is a lot of favorable press on these but I have never had a chance to listen to one or any knowledge on their build quality which is the biggest concern for me. I desperately want to avoid shipping a 100 plus speaker in for repair. Is there any insight that I should be advised against if I move towards these products. The SS8 I know are really highly regarded, the DI have a little bit more of mixed response but there is enough favorable press on them that I they are also a very strong contender.

Brands that are offered by dealers I can drive to and listen to are:Golden Ear Reference $8998.00 towers great extension and very listenable. Not real punchy or as fast on the transients as the Legacy.
Legacy Signature SE. $6500.00 Has all that I am looking for does not go as deep the TRef. But filled the room I was in with more bass.

Legacy Focus SE, $10,600.00 a pair. This one I liked the sound of the best. It gave me the most in terms of bass energy and the dynamics I crave. Not as relaxed in the treble as the TRef its highs were to my ear more forward, which could be problematic on bright and spitty recordings. None the less I do not think treble would be a problem when mated with the more neutral sound of the BAT gear I have.

So far I am leaning towards the Focus SE, however since I do not have any experience with either Tekton DI or Salk SS8.I simply do not want to rule them out without getting some insights from those that own or had experience with them.
How much consideration should I give to them? They are at much more manageable price points, but do they truly offer comparable sound and reliability, that I will be doing myself a disservice should I not take some time to explore them further, before pulling the trigger on the Focus?

Thanks all for the help.




walkertm
Legacy is a great choice. I owned the Focus and Whisper systems at one time. You can't go wrong with Legacy. Superb build quality and excellent customer service.
Check out the Philharmonic Audio 3 speaker great quality and sound. I don't think you'll find anything close in its price range. One of my friends a classically trained musician,  former orchestra member has a pair and they are truly fabulous.
I own the Goldenear T-REF's and I'm very pleased with the way they play all music beautifully. They can fill a room. Metal or easy listening.
  I own Salk Song3 also and they are fantastic too. I would recommend Salk speakers to anyone.  They are probably the nicest looking speakers you can get. If you go with Salk, they are made to order so there is a time issue.

Tekton Encores $8500-$9000. I love mine! I came from Double Impacts.  Both are great at there respective price points. 

I have only had 2 of your choices, The Tekton DI’s and the Legacy Focus SE’s. I currently own the Legacy’s. I have had quite a few brands through my 63 years and I think I finally found the ones I’m going to keep. You mentioned their a little bright with those 4 ribbon tweeters. I actually like the crispness of them. But they do have toggle switches on the back that will subtract some high end from the mix for just your concern. Some people love the Tektons. I didn’t think much of them. Just too much in your face midrange that came across like a huge full range speaker. If you are worried about brightness, I would think they would not be too your liking. But, you won’t know till you get out there and hear them. Or order them for a home trial. If you try the Tekton’s, do not put any fingerprints, smudges , animal hair ( not one ), ! or any kinds of marks on the bottoms of speakers or you will be charged a couple hundred extra bucks when you return them. I know, I had to pay. And I wiped them down and thought they were all cleaned up before returning. Good luck with your quest. I had a ball traveling around listening for my choices..


BTW, If you happen to live near OHIO, you have an invitation to stop by and have a listen in real world conditions