Tekton Design's new THE PERFECT SET equals "goosebumps time"
Just got in house for review for hometheaterreview.com Tekton Design’s new, The Perfect SET, which is close to 100dB efficient and never dips below 8 ohms, which Eric built to be used with SET "flea watt" amplifiers. It is a front ported design using a 12 inch woofer and his patented array of small transducers that function as a midrange driver with a single tweeter in the middle. I set them up in a system with a great 2A3 SET amplifier and found them so superlative I did not stop listening for over five hours! Taking about "goosebump time" the music was so beautiful that I lost track of time.
These speakers have all the virtues of the other Tekton speakers, speed, utter transparency/micro-details, great soundstaging, and that special "aliveness" that I experience when I listen to my Ulf’s. What really amazed me was what the Perfect SET was delivering on the bottom end frequencies, subterrainian/taut powerful bass, that was shaking the room, all coming from at most 2.5 to 3 watts.
If you love SET amplifiers this speaker is a match made in heaven, and remember this pair just arrived and is not totally burnt in yet.
It's funny you mention this gentlemen. Many months ago Kenny sought me out and personally apologized to me for accusations toward me. Of course I accepted this and had a friendly/nice conversation with him. Hope he's doing well these days.
The nickname I gave him in our disagreements on that thread revolved around his position that what ever issue of speaker design, parts, build quality, and theory he was a world class authority, always knew more then anyone could, hence the "brightest Bulb" in the room moniker. Labeled is attitude, but did not condemn him.
If I had never professionally reviewed even one Tekton Design speaker or ever posted here on the GON, the irrational hatred/mudslinging and the spinning of a false narrative towards Eric/Tekton by a small number of individuals who had taken place for reasons that have been discussed (ego, speaker companies threatened by a product that out performs their speakers at much lower prices, jealousy of a breakthrough design) many times before this thread.
@mr_m One question many of us probably have is "what is the value of continued hate talk"? Presumably it is to either chase customers away from Tekton (which obviously isn't happening) or keep this thread going and off the main topic of impressions of the Perfect Set which most of want to hear.
Six years ago, if you bought from Tekton, you had relatively few choices of models, no grills and the color was always black ...kind of like the Model T.
Since then, the market has told Eric that it wants grills...he gave them grills...it wants color options...he gave them color options....it wants smaller speakers...he gave them smaller speakers....it wants bigger/better speakers...he gave them the Double Impact....the market wants even better....he gave them the Ulf (and others)...it wanted Beryllium...gave them Beryllium. He is clearly a guy that listens to the market...and his customers..all while moving forward with his own designs.
Some of these moves might have been rolled out in a better manner and often times the sheer number of orders seems to overwhelm their system...but just using history as an example of Tekton over the past 6 years, I have no doubt that a number of things are either in the works or being seriously evaluated and will improve their business in the years to come:
1. How to handle the volume surges and yet not add so much cost that the more normal times has them too overstaffed. (and we all know this is tough for every company).
2. Offering high end cabinetry like Jim Salk and others offer...why, because eventually the demand for the plane jane cabinets will be taper...and/or because this is a big untapped and high value market for him.
3. More innovative models that will challenge conventional thinking and probably move the industry forward...and give us more fun choices to experience.
At this point...those who dislike Tekton are not having much luck persuading the Tekton supporters or vice versa.
I think its time to call a truce.
At the Florida Audio show yesterday I heard other loudspeakers I think I could own...and I heard some that I couldn't own...no big deal. But as expected, in every room, every manufacturer put forward his best story as to why his product was the best (at least at a price point) and should be seriously considered...again, no big deal, and exactly what they should be doing.
Honestly it’s so sad this thread was derailed, misdirect, to the point where it became personal, I realize we all have different taste on any speaker we chose, The first time I read about Tekton , I did not even took it seriously, I realize later the posters do know what they are talking about, Yes many negative comment too, like Mr m said there are many speakers out the that He prefer, I respect that, Tekton speakers are not for everyone...As you know I bought the impact monitor, When Markr visited my place and He likes them , He end up buying one,it’s ok not to buy Tekton product if you do not like them, it’s your money..Teajay you know I respect your reviews passion for audio , let’s move on , .... for there is power in quietness...this is such a enjoyable hobby ...
Not in this thread, but awhile ago, you got into it with a fellow named Kenny. If you are the same person I am talking about, you kept calling hm "Mr. Bright bulb." Kenny thru out that thread pretty much maintained his composer and maturity with his conversation expressing his own reasons for no longer owning Tekton speakers. It appeared to me that you were the one whose sense of control was eroding away. Most of the personal attacks were coming from your end.
I have no dog in this fight, (no pun intended) I think, as I have said before, that you and Tekton are the biggest reason for much of the hate talk about Tekton. I couldn't care either way as I think there are a lot of speakers out there that I like better than Tekton. Once again, just say'in....
FWIW 2girl, the Tekton hater with the dog opened that can by having his dog eat (or pee on / I didn't read it to closely because I don't care) the patent info.
I'm interested in hearing more about the Perfect SET and hoping some owners will post on this thread.I almost bought them myself but ended up going with the monitors because of the lower weight.In hindsight it would have been easier to position a floorstander.I'm very happy with my Tektons and am still having plenty of those "goosebump" moments after several months in my system.
kosst, as someone who hasn't even heard the speakers that are subject of this thread you sure have a lot to say....Give it up before you dig yourself any deeper. Stick with the subjects that you're familiar with so folks can value your objective opinion rather than your subjective rant.
As you tone and out right hostility towards me increases your living up to what all propagandists resort to as their sense of control starts to erode away.
1) Distortions of what was actually said by people who disagree with their absurd narrative and more statements, such as, "preponderance of complaints out of proportion to their sales compared to every single speakers manufacturer discussed here," which is a fiction that only exists in your imagination. Do a fact check and report back with anything objective that would support your delusion.
2) Personal attacks, name calling, and accusing anyone who disagrees with your narrative is stupid and corrupt.
Thank you for labeling me as a "shill," coming from you this is a great compliment. It's obvious that your strategy, often used by bullies, is to resort to naming calling/verbal put downs with the hope that I'll sink to your immature level, upset myself, and sink to shooting your unsophisticated verbal arrows back at you.
You must think the average GON member is not such a bright fellow who has to be protected from the evils of Tekton Design "empire" and corrupt reviewers that are shills that are attempting to hoodwink them out of their resources and happiness. Like all propagandists, you only know the TRUTH and have to save the poor masses from their own flawed shortcomings. Quite a lofty position to be in, and I assume that you surely have convinced yourself that your motivation is purely to save the GON members from the evil forces to be, or this demonstrates ego/arrogance at an amazing level.
Dgny I agree with the 7 array design , if you can match them or tune them properly , like I did , you will enjoy the musicality coming out of them. Array design works....For me they sounds live... What Clemen Perry describe on Encore Tektons is very very true, that’s what I hear on my impact monitor in a small way....Anyone on the Chicago area has Encore?
Wow, you guys are brutal. This reminds me of an article Hunter Thompson wrote for Scanlon's, on the Kentucky Derby, a long rambling article that never mentioned the race. So getting back to the speaker, "goosebumps" (While not a word in my vocabulary, mine would be jaw dropping.) I agree...if playing well recorded full spectrum music. (I'm not a hifi guy, my main speakers are meyer x-10.) What i found with less than full spectrum audio was a thin sound, which I'd compare to listening to music through your TV speakers, the sound was correct but it wasn't BIG. (CD referred to Warren Zevon 'Learning to Flinch' a live sound board recording. This has great energy but doesn't sound great, unless playing on the car or Psb Amazing Alpha, which somehow fills in the missing low-mids(not well, but tolerable. Had a similar experience with Little Feats 'Waiting for Columbus'. I've resolved this issue by adding the speaker off a Event Opal I have, blended in using a Meyer cp-10. rolled in at 700 hz off at3k. Now if your source is good, I've heard nothing better, these are dead black Quiet, and the bass (which is why I bought these. I was looking for deep BIG articulate, resonate bass that I can play at a lower volume than the Meyer's) is absolutely phenomenal. The 7 array are the most realistic reproduction of sound I've encountered in any speaker, spoken word is like the person is real and standing talking to you. (example: Rolling Stones 'stripped' Mick's vocal are exact, and when he talks between songs it sounds like he's physically in the room. I've never heard sound reproduction like this. Realistic is a an understatement. So to answer general questions; 1) I like the way it looks(not the driver arrangement, but a big strong box. I do prefer speakers to be wider than tall, but looks are secondary, at best. 2) with a 2.5 set amp I would estimate that sensitivity is probably 92-93db. Just a guess based on other speakers I have, with known sensitivity. 3) they play fine with solid state (marantz pm 7000 95watt classB) 4) I used this with a Nagra reel to reel (and heard a level of Tape Hiss I never heard before- very revealing. Alesis ADAT, Alesis Masterlink, Sonosax minir 82, Sony PCM D 100, and Pono Player. They all performed excellent no issues. 5) Loud, is subjective I think they'll satisfy most everyone i maxed the Marantz and heard zero issues.I tried to max the MC 275 but hit amp distortion first (Nagra Jazz Pre) Now I'm in the loud camp ( I'm the guy that left a Zeppelin concert and said, well that could have been louder.) I had the Forte iii with a MC 275, and they were not loud enough for me. Neither are these, but again, I LIKE IT LOUD! Hope this helps
We are not claiming that a small percentage of Tekton customers had negative experiences are lying at all. Even if it just was one customer that is regrettable.
Your false narrative, that you repeat over and over again, is your self-created lie that there are hundreds of this dissatisfied customers. Like all propagandists when asked to produce any facts to support your allegations you just repeat the same nonsense over again. There are hundreds of posts all over the internet, including the numerous threads here on the GON, that objective prove that the vast amount of owners of Tekton speakers are delighted with there performance and cost.
You are a real piece of work, I would love to know what your real motivations are that drives your irrational need/ compulsion to hijack threads like mine and spread a false vile narrative every chance you have.
I have been a Wilson Audio owner for a number of years, currently running a pair of Maxx 2’s. I have contacted them a number of times over the years, and have always gotten through to a real person, (usually Jerone in CS.) I use the telephone, not e-mail. Perhaps this is the reason for slow/no response to your query. I can assure you that if you have questions regarding the product, even though you are not the original owner, you will get any info available in their data bank that is associated to the serial numbers. I know this from experience. Good luck
The Tekton discussions have been back and forth since the Pendragons had an initial stellar Home Theatre review. This irritated several people who did not want to be told from a professional reviewer that their 5-20k speakers might not be as good as a 2.5k one. Without even listening to the Tekton line, most denounced the overly positive reviews from the pros, as well as many customers, again without listening themselves. They picked on little complaints of "no grill on delivery", or "exaggerated sensitivity", in an effort to discredit the company, again complaining in the third party, most were not actual customers.
As I did my research, prior to purchasing the from Tekton, I was looking for negative customer reviews, yet I could not find any. I placed a call to Tekton when they first released the Enzo. I must say it was a very good speaker for the price. I enjoyed the Enzo very much. If I had one complaint it would be in the packaging. The cardboard was thin, as well as the packing foam. Although, they did arrive fine, and when I sold them and shipped them cross country they arrived fine as well. Everything else I was very satisfied. And consider them a great value.
I really think that the hostility shown on these Tekton threads have a lot to do with ego.
Music is a subset of the art world so opinions expressed by manufacturers, reviewers, and individuals are just opinions. Attacking manufacturers, reviewers or individuals is purely personal and has no place in a forum. To be specific, most opinions expressed are done so without an adequate sample size to validate anything. I enjoy reading informational product reviews and just skip those that are about personal attacks. As well, I appreciate reviewers exposing me to none mainstream products.
your experience with Wilson audio and comparing it to your experience with Tekton is nonsensical at best. Wilson has a dealer network and any issues or concerns are usually done at the dealer level. If you purchased your speakers second hand then it’s pretty normal for a manufacture like Wilson to not honor any aftermarket concerns or questions. There’s scant few companies that offer that level of service the only one that comes to mind is pass labs.
eric does things direct. Also if you went to Eric with the same question I’m pretty sure he’d have snubbed you the same way Wilson did. Honestly please think before you post.
oldtech0 "
Tekton haters are at least as passionate as Frank (Oregonpapa) is in shilling the graphene paste/lube he pushes. These threads bring me no end of amusement. Thanks for the laughs." Roger That It can't be"I don't care for Tekton Or Eric" and leave it at that. I saw a few recent pics of Eric and it appears as if he hasn't lost any sleep over the Haters.
I will try to find a pair of Golden Ear Triton Reference to hear. Thanks for the advice. The Encores took me right off the market, but I am always open to the possibility of something better out there.
As for appearance I think the Encores look just fine. I actually like them quite a lot finished in Spanish Tile, as does my wife, who has endured no fewer than six different pairs of speakers in our living room over the past fifteen years. I’ve had a pair of Daedalus Ulysses and a pair of Piega P10s in the piano finish. Both were very nice to look at, and yet I prefer the Encores to either in terms of sound, which is my top priority. I think I remember that you may have heard or owned a pair of Tekton speakers? Have you heard the Encores?
As for the grilles, I don’t use them and couldn’t care less whether they come with them or not.
You should have booked your flight anyways to Utah and went to a WORLD class speaker company . . . They even give you grills with your speakers you purchase. What a concept !
If you’re referring to Wilson Audio, here’s my experience. Last summer, I was going to replace my speakers. A used pair of Wilson’s showed up, near where I live. The fabric on a grill was torn. I emailed WA asking if they could replace the fabric and what the cost would be. Also, would it be possible to learn when those speakers were manufactured via their serial numbers. No reply. Not even after I sent a 2nd email. This certainly did not inspire any confidence that this manufacturer would support their product - other than through their dealer network.
During the same period of time, I sent an email to Tekton asking about their speakers. Eric responded within 2 hours.
A WORLD class speaker company would be Acoustic Zen. They replaced tweeters that were no longer in production for 10 yr old speakers. They special ordered them just for one customer. That is phenomenal customer service. Robert Lee is amazing.
If you don’t wish to read a discussion forum thread, then don’t read it. It’s very simple.
@ waltersalas................ ”if there is a better pair of speakers than the Encores in the $8000 price range, I would love to hear them”
Think Golden Ear Triton Reference. Plus it’s much better looking with its hand rubbed piano black finish, and........wait for it, they come with grills. Wow, what a concept.
@invictus005 -- "People" are not "shilling and peddling this stuff non stop on this forum."
This forum is for members to share their experiences related to high end audio. Sometimes members publish reviews. Sometimes they post questions. Sometimes they share feedback, or concerns. It has been this way for years. If Eric Alexander regularly published lengthy promotional posts for his speakers in the forum, your claim might have some validity, but he does not, so your claims are flatly false. No one else gains a thing from posting their enthusiasm for the speakers. Why you and the other Tekton detractors continue to fail to grasp this very simple and obvious point is baffling. If you have some actual evidence to the contrary, then let's hear it.
On the other hand, there are perhaps half a dozen--maybe a couple more--of you who have very little, if any, first-hand experience with the speakers, and yet appear on a regular basis to disparage both the speakers and the company by repeating and often exaggerating some of the complaints some of have made over and over, ad infinitum.
As the owner of three different pairs of Tekton speakers--the Double Impacts, the Double Impact SEs, and currently the Encores--I find the speakers to be excellent, and true contenders at every price point. If there is a better pair of speakers than the Encores in the $8K price range, I would love to hear them. For my taste and listening preferences, they are amazing. In all three cases, my speakers were flawlessly finished and shipped in a timely fashion.
As for the number of threads dedicated to Tekton, this can be attributed to the popularity of the speakers, as well as the different models that may appeal to different members, depending on their budget, their amplification, their particular tastes, etc. If you don't want to read them, the scroll feature functions perfectly. But you are out of line to suggest that members should not post threads if they seek information or input on particular models they are interested in, and you have no basis for your speculation of what "members are tired of." Do not presume to speak for me, or other members.
This thread is what happens when people shill and peddle this stuff non stop on this forum. At one time, there were 10 threads going just on the first page, with new ones created daily. Members are tired of this crap.
Suggest monitors quash the several posters here slinging “black bile” at teajay and Eric Alexander presenting no facts or evidence; merely wanton heresay. What these d2girl, rotaries, kosst amojan, mission coonery are doing is slander and libel by legal definition as I believe was pointed out by steakster. Audiogon, you are ruining your own site by allowing folks to cast unwarranted bile against a respected reviewer and manufacturers. Best, mikirob
Your black bile towards me personally and professionally validates that I'm living up to my credo on informing/sharing information on less well known small companies that create inexpensive gear that people can afford and enjoy.
If some one with your entrenched closed minded, hostile narrative actually was a fan of my reviewing, I would be very concerned that I had lost my integrity and my vision. So, thanks for giving me the feedback that I'm still on the right course!
It’s a choice to audition, $400 is the risk you have to take, it’s up to you to figure out the headache, the cost, or any possible disagreement , if things does not work out, dealing online is way different than you neighbor dealer... if it’s worth the risk go for it...
Cap you are talking about Wilson’s right? If you have the money why not? With all the negative comments that tekton get from Agon, they continue to have more orders.
I have only once heard a single model of their speaker, the Double Impact, at the Capital Audiofest in 2017. I thought it was a very good sounding speaker. For my particular taste, it seemed to be a good bargain, but, there are certainly other speakers that compete at their price point (e.g., Rethm Bhaava).
Do the Double Impacts beat some speaker costing many multiples of its price? For my taste, yes, of course it does. There are many speakers that sound better to me than stuff that is much more expensive. That is the case because taste/priorities vary. That does NOT mean that the pricier stuff is a rip off or that the cheaper stuff is a spectacular bargain--the value still depends largely on personal preferences. The only time a review that says--that one particular item sounds better than another at three times the price-- has some meaning would be if the two items being compared sound identical (to the reviewer anyway). Most of these types of claims involve wildly different sounding gear so the comparison has no meaning.
I don't know personally about the business practices of Tekton. But, I don't see anything wrong with the practice of permitting in-home audition with a $400 return fee if the item is not purchased. In-home audition involves considerable cost and risk--inspection and testing of the returned product, re-packaging, losses due to damage, etc., and the fee constitutes one form or risk sharing. Buying at a store involves a different bargain--one hears the speaker, but not in one's own home, and the cost is about twice as much.
@johnmarzy Wow , a company that has no factory to show off let alone demo their proud work, No dealers to demo? A leap of faith for $400 to try !
There have been many You get a Rolex for a Timex companies come and go in this game. To be To be valid and Real a company must provide a tangible product . fed by dealer demos and customer service.
You should have booked your flight anyways to Utah and went to a WORLD class speaker company that would have been glad to allow a factory demo as well as explain how a real speaker is manufactured and made with top quality parts and service. Oh yeah ! They even give you grills with your speakers you purchase. What a concept !
Someone a few threads back suggested flying out to Salt Lake to check Tekton speakers out. Certainly cheaper than returning them. However, I will point out that I attempted to do that last August. Eric told me that unfortunately, he doesn't have the space to manufacture and demonstrate his products in the same building. I was told, at the time I wanted to visit his factory, the only speaker I could listen to would be the DI. (that wasn't the one I was considering). Disappointed, but no hard feelings.
I’ve been looking forward to this review, and even more so this reviewers candid opinion.. But you guys ,with no interest “At All” in Tekton can’t stand it.. Is too good to be true (and you 3 know better), then get the Heck out.. You “know better” & you’ve told us, now please get out of the conversation.. As for me I’m interested in Teajay’s opinion.. I respect that he has tons of personal experience (compared to me) with a considerable amount of well regarded audio equipment, not to mention opinions from his contacts & friends throughout the industry..
Teajay, Please continue with your opinions , I appreciate and enjoy reading them..!!
I’m sure it’s really not worth it when people just want to argue for no apparent reason..!!
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