Tekton Double Impacts

My DIs will be delivered this coming Thursday (June 14) and I am struggling to decide on how best to power them.  It sure would be helpful if there was a way to catalog and post a standing list of components others have successfully used with DIs that includes room dimensions, treatments (if any), component MSRP, and a checkbox that indicates whether or not the reviewer compared different amps and if so which. 

I don't know what to expect come Thursday but I am committed to the 60-day trial to see if they offer something that other candidates I've brought in have yet to.  My only challenge is to try to make sense out of the many recommendations.  One YouTuber says that a MasterSounD Box/DI combination delivers "great Synergy!" while another writes that their SET amp does the trick, another declares that solid state monos are the way to go, and yet another says that integrated are best.  It's therefore difficult to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each combination short of buying and trying (which incredibly, after speaking to several manufacturers, this "buy and try" methodology is frowned upon. When did manufacturers become so boldly self-serving?) but if THAT (buy/try/keep or return) is the bottom-line reality then, okay. 







  

     

@snovosel Awesome that you are trying the DIs out. What are some of the ’other [speaker] candidates’ you have ’brought in?’

The DIs are really versatile with amplification which is why you find folks driving theirs with a wide assortment of both tubed and solid state amplification.

I would start with the amplification type / level / brand etc that you prefer and are familiar it.

You haven’t said what you have been using...sharing that will be helpful for DI owners to provide more specific feedback. Sharing your room size, preferences, etc. will also help.

I personally feel that the DIs do best with some power, though others are quite happy with SET amps and have driven them to satisfaction with just a few watts per channel. I’ve driven them with both tubes and solid state gear ranging from (into 4 Ohms) 40 watts up to 500 watts (my current amp). Despite leaning and now being fully vested in solid state, my first/initial recommendation is to pair tubed components with the DIs, should that be an option.

Take advantage of the full 60 day trial, and run them as much as you can the first few weeks.

Part of the problem matching amplifier to these speakers is lack of a provided impedance frequency curve from the manufacturer. As the owner has stated, it is not required but I find myself gravitating as a consumer towards manufacturers that are more forthcoming with specific component parts and measurements. For ex, Primaluna I think does a good job with this on their website. DI measurements are still lacking and At this point all we can do is hope that stereophile reviews or time tested reports make their way. Although this thread is full of anecdotal reports and at 1500 + posts, it begs for organization.

I ran a test cd, at relatively low volumes , and subjectively evaluated frequency response, using an otl tube amp that is sensitive to impedance challenges:

I found a good response from 40 hz to 10k.
Like a bell curve,  20, 30,  and 11k, and 12k were barely audible

For some reason there was a significant dip at 60 Hz

and 800 through 3150 hz were the loudest frequencies

The unaccounted for variables are overwhelming But the drop at 60 is a bit puzzling. Unless I have 60 hz hearing loss among other possibilities. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this?

My DI SE have several hundred hours on them now and even though broken in seem to still be gradually improving. I have tried high powered SS amps with excellent results. My current LTA 20 watt UltraLinear is a winner. It is perhaps the best compromise for those who like tube sound but also the speed and dynamics of SS. I still would like to try a low watt SET amp to see what all the fuss is about.

My room is 17’x 18’ with bass traps and diffusers
source is a Modwright Oppo 205 with tube mods
no preamp (still waiting for new LTA preamp)

the system is sounding very real

@ recluseI ran a similar test with my DI's.  I had strong response down to 30hz (cabinet tuning frequency) with a dip from around 50hz.  I suspect this was a function of my room/preferred speaker/listening position more than anything.  I am surprised you did not get more low end extension as my speakers are well out into the room.  ? your amp.
@snovosel The DI's are very flexible regarding amplifier choice.  Yes, a tube amp with a high output impedance could be hit or miss depending on your taste, room, etc.  I find that my DI's perform beautifully with my SS Marantz Reference gear.  The sound is very well sorted out, crescendos have great control and impact, and it just draws me into the music.  I would never characterize the sound as cold or clinical--quite the contrary.  Very musical and with emotion.  I have also used several PP tube amps with great results.  My preference would be dictated by the type of music/recording to be honest. Would love to try a nice 300b SE integrated. I'm sure I would love it with some music, but suspect I would miss the low end impact and control of SS. So it's hard to go wrong.  Suggest you start with the type of amp that has brought you the most pleasure based on your past experience.