Old Speaker Conundrum...

[MindEraser]

Considering the OP is used to old school 15" woofs, those Tektons may be the closest sonic match mentioned so far. They certainly are the closest as far as sophistication of the engineering. And they may still be enjoyable as all get out, as whatever flaws they have they'll bring the dynamic range. I've not heard them, but I have seen Erik's (Tekton) cab work which is top notch.

You may be right. I feel that there might be a little bit more quality and care taken in these then larger manufacturers. I like how the website says " please allow 2-3 weeks for special colors" ect. Its like they are made to order. The cabinets appear to be very premium. These speakers aren't the McDoubles's sitting under a hotlamp for hours at Mcdonalds. These are a juicy flavorful burger made to order at a local Mom and Pop.

 

[marksas]

These look pretty nice. I think I would be more inclined to stretch my budget to the Lore or Lore 2.0 Model. Not sure what the difference is between the two though, can't find any reviews or opinions on the 2.0 for some reason or why they are cheaper.. . These have less drivers than any other of the speakers on my list, but that just leaves room for them to be higher quality.

The Lore 2.0 is just the newest version but yeah, not sure why they are $100 less than the original Lore. Here's his blog where he discusses the new 2.0 and lots of other stuff. Those 2.0 are insane, very high quality parts and certainly no need at all for a sub.
http://tektondesign.wordpress.com

Here's a good in depth review on the M-Lore

http://hometheaterreview.com/tekton-design-m-lore-loudspeaker-reviewed/

 

[MindEraser]

I used to live in rural western NC so feel your pain on auditions.

Have you looked at Craig's list or your local classified newspaper?

If you tell us what is available (cut and paste from CL), we can point you to the good deals.

This would accomplish two things:
1) You are getting a modern pair of speakers to listen to for at least a few weeks to see how you like the sound. Your feedback would help us help you.
2) By buying a good deal on a used speaker, you should be able to resell it without much loss, if you decide to.

About 6 years ago I was about where you are with beloved vintage speakers falling into disrepair. In Atlanta, there are plenty of options to audition (one dealer let me take display speakers home Saturday and return Monday since he was closed on Sunday). After a few days to get used to more accurate sound, I came to realize that new speakers are better (though a great old speaker can shame a poor new speaker).

My concern is that with vintage speakers as your only real reference, you limit your perspective.

Also betting that if you get a good deal on a great used speaker, you will never bother to look back!

I did find what appears to be a pair of Polk Audio SDA Signature Referance's on my craigslist just posted today for only $250 I think these are some sort of 180lb Freak HIFI speakers, probably forged in the fires of Mount Doom. They are huge!

Not much else but DJ PA's, more cheap vintage, car subs, and some vintage Klipsch for $1800.

 

[KEW]

I did find what appears to be a pair of Polk Audio SDA Signature Referance's on my craigslist just posted today for only $250 I think these are some sort of 180lb Freak HIFI speakers, probably forged in the fires of Mount Doom. They are huge!

Not much else but DJ PA's, more cheap vintage, car subs, and some vintage Klipsch for $1800.

I just looked them up and you're not kidding. Those things would dominate any normal sized room. It looks like they were built around 1984, so you may be running into more failures at 30+ years old. Probably not a great option (but always fun to consider).

(from Polk SDA series, maybe not the same one)

I guess the Klipsch are also from the same period if they are referring to them as vintage.

Don't rule out based on price, you can always make an offer. I know a few guys trying to sell speakers and they are almost having to give them away. Sucks for them, but good for you.

Sounds like offerings are lean in your area. Oh well, worth the try.

 

[walter duque]

I just looked them up and you're not kidding. Those things would dominate any normal sized room. It looks like they were built around 1984, so you may be running into more failures at 30+ years old. Probably not a great option (but always fun to consider).

(from Polk SDA series, maybe not the same one)

I guess the Klipsch are also from the same period if they are referring to them as vintage.

Don't rule out based on price, you can always make an offer. I know a few guys trying to sell speakers and they are almost having to give them away. Sucks for them, but good for you.

Sounds like offerings are lean in your area. Oh well, worth the try.

I had a pair of them in the SDA series (mine where the smaller ones). With a couple of Carver amps they sounded good. Stored them at my cousins for a few years and that's how I got them back. So I gave them to one of our forum members.

 

[zieglj01]

HTD's look like an interesting idea. I need to do some more research on them though. Company hasn't been around to long, could be a good thing or a bad thing.

You are right, the company has only been around since 2001.
Also, I have owned some of their speakers.

Not trying to turn you from EMP - was just giving you a good option
with strong bass.

 

[MindEraser]

Thanks everyone, for all of the support and great recommendations. You guys have been awesome! It was a fierce battle in my mind between the Emptek r55ti, Klipsch rf 82 ii, Magnepan MMG, Polk Rti A7 and HTD Level Three. If all goes well I will be ordering a pair of Tekton Lores in Satin Red in a few days.
Might be the 2.0 or the original, gonna have a talk with Eric about that first. Let me if you'd like me to post some high res pics whenever I get them. I will also report back with how they sound.

 

[ski2xblack]

You sure? Of all the speakers on your list, the Lore may be the most finely crafted, but it certainly is the most crudely engineered. It's based on a guitar speaker driver, run far too high (cone breakup?), one too large for smooth blending with a flush mount tweeter, and the networks are crude, minimalist designs (that feature expensive audiophile caps). They're a niche speaker aimed at a specific, rather gullible audience. They are sensitive, but most Tekton users have low power tube amps and need the sensitivity. You don't. And you don't need their compromises.

 

[marksas]

I think you should give the Lores a try, regardless of the drivers used and 'simple' crossover designs, I have yet to read ANYTHING but positive reviews of his speakers. As for the high efficiency ratings, personally I think that just opens the door to experiment and try a multitude of amps, including tube amps.
Here's an excerpt from a review on the Lores...
"With the exception of a few caveats that I'll cover a little later, these speakers are game changers that set new standards for what can be expected in world of "affordable" high end audio (4). Looking back over the past fifteen years, the only sub-$1000 speakers that I would say can compete with these overall would be two that I happen to also own; the long discontinued Sound Dynamics 300ti and my current reference Direct Acoustics Silent Speakers… and maybe the Magneplaner MMG. However, in most regards, I find the Tekton Lore to be superior to these other speakers in significant ways."
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue60/tekton.htm

 

[MindEraser]

I had a pair of them in the SDA series (mine where the smaller ones). With a couple of Carver amps they sounded good. Stored them at my cousins for a few years and that's how I got them back. So I gave them to one of our forum members.

You sure? Of all the speakers on your list, the Lore may be the most finely crafted, but it certainly is the most crudely engineered. It's based on a guitar speaker driver, run far too high (cone breakup?), one too large for smooth blending with a flush mount tweeter, and the networks are crude, minimalist designs (that feature expensive audiophile caps). They're a niche speaker aimed at a specific, rather gullible audience. They are sensitive, but most Tekton users have low power tube amps and need the sensitivity. You don't. And you don't need their compromises.

You sure? Of all the speakers on your list, the Lore may be the most finely crafted, but it certainly is the most crudely engineered. It's based on a guitar speaker driver, run far too high (cone breakup?), one too large for smooth blending with a flush mount tweeter, and the networks are crude, minimalist designs (that feature expensive audiophile caps). They're a niche speaker aimed at a specific, rather gullible audience. They are sensitive, but most Tekton users have low power tube amps and need the sensitivity. You don't. And you don't need their compromises.

 

[MindEraser]

You sure? Of all the speakers on your list, the Lore may be the most finely crafted, but it certainly is the most crudely engineered. It's based on a guitar speaker driver, run far too high (cone breakup?), one too large for smooth blending with a flush mount tweeter, and the networks are crude, minimalist designs (that feature expensive audiophile caps). They're a niche speaker aimed at a specific, rather gullible audience. They are sensitive, but most Tekton users have low power tube amps and need the sensitivity. You don't. And you don't need their compromises.

I did have some of those concerns about the Lores. Every single review of them people are blown away though. I don't really get the guitar speakers thing. I have had a few guitar amps and couldn't imagine them being to terribly musical. I highly respect your opinion and concerns. Do you think the EMP Tek's plus a sub would be a better sounding and more refined option?

 

[MindEraser]

I think you should give the Lores a try, regardless of the drivers used and 'simple' crossover designs, I have yet to read ANYTHING but positive reviews of his speakers. As for the high efficiency ratings, personally I think that just opens the door to experiment and try a multitude of amps, including tube amps.
Here's an excerpt from a review on the Lores...
"With the exception of a few caveats that I'll cover a little later, these speakers are game changers that set new standards for what can be expected in world of "affordable" high end audio (4). Looking back over the past fifteen years, the only sub-$1000 speakers that I would say can compete with these overall would be two that I happen to also own; the long discontinued Sound Dynamics 300ti and my current reference Direct Acoustics Silent Speakers… and maybe the Magneplaner MMG. However, in most regards, I find the Tekton Lore to be superior to these other speakers in significant ways."
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue60/tekton.htm

Yep all the reviews are really good. I think somehow Eric has engineered it perfectly. Its like the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I think I am moving back to being unsure again..... well I've set myself to make a decision in the next few days. Back to wrestling my demons...lol

 

[zieglj01]

Erased

 

[ski2xblack]

Take my opinion fwiw. I've not heard the Lores, new or improved version. I have, however, been around the audio block a time or two, and along the way I've formed some strong opinions on how to do high sensitivity speakers. My opinions diverge from what I see employed by Tekton, that's all. That doesn't mean that Lores wouldn't please you, and considering your frame of reference they might blow you away. Their dynamics alone would make many objectively better speakers sound kind of anemic in comparison. They'll be finished beautifully. You'll be helping Eric put food on the table, and he's a pretty nice fellow.

It's your call, there is no right or wrong to this. I just want to help you take a look from all angles, and not just base you decision on the glowing reviews.

 

[MindEraser]

Take my opinion fwiw. I've not heard the Lores, new or improved version. I have, however, been around the audio block a time or two, and along the way I've formed some strong opinions on how to do high sensitivity speakers. My opinions diverge from what I see employed by Tekton, that's all. That doesn't mean that Lores wouldn't please you, and considering your frame of reference they might blow you away. Their dynamics alone would make many objectively better speakers sound kind of anemic in comparison. They'll be finished beautifully. You'll be helping Eric put food on the table, and he's a pretty nice fellow.

It's your call, there is no right or wrong to this. I just want to help you take a look from all angles, and not just base you decision on the glowing reviews.

I just want to make the best decision. Do you have any opinions on the Polks? Such as the RTI A7?

 

[MindEraser]

Okay folks...I pulled the trigger. Not on the Tekton's though. I went with a safer choice. And i think it is the best value.

RBH R55ti's in Red Burl. BIC F12 Subwoofer. Onkyo A-9050 Integrated Amp. Overshot my budget by quite a bit, but i think is was necessary. I still have an ability to type so obviously my wife wasn't too upset. She was actually rooting for the HTD's.

Hopefully in a week I can get you guys some high res pics and listening impressions as the brand spanking new setup goes head to head with over 30 year old speakers and a 15 year old receiver. Who will win? The new setup should be able to out do the old in every aspect( I hope) Frankenstereo might have it on soundstage though, we will see. Going to be different though, to hear the difference between old bright lively speakers and neutral ones with a detached bass driver. Iv'e read that the BIC F12 is a fantastic value so long as you don't run it above 80hz. I think cutting off its response somewhere around there will blend nicely with the R55ti's. So what do you guys think?

 

[MindEraser]

Curious if you guys have an answer to this. The Onkyo Amp specs says it can output 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms. It can also support speakers down to 4 ohms. Wouldn't the wattage be higher on 6 ohm speakers? Such as 100 watts or so. And even higher on 4 ohms?

I'm also going to put the Optimus STA-3500 up against the new Onkyo on both speakers. Should be interesting. I can also do some temperature readings on each receiver pushing the 6 ohm speakers just to see who get's the hottest if it would interest you guys.

 

[marksas]

Wow those are a really beautiful set of speakers, congrats!
It will be tempting to A/B compare these to your old speakers right away but try to refrain, or at least refrain from any quick judgement. Speakers always need time to break in, most manufacturers suggest up to 70hrs before critical listening.
Looking forward to your review!

 

[MindEraser]

Already got the new Onkyo receiver and the BIC F12. Did some comparisons on my current speakers with the two amps/receivers. Definitely an audible difference between the Optimus and the Onkyo.

The Onkyo is a bit colder, and cleaner sounding. The Optimus is warm and possibly more distorted. Not a massive difference, but a prefer the Onkyo. I think it pairs better with my reflective/warm listening room. The biggest difference is the vocals especially on female voices. Very fluid sounding, much less harsh than the Optimus.

The most awesome feature of the Onkyo is the "Phase matching bass" button. It is amazing with metal!! I never thought bass from sub/speakers could produce such good, tight, tactile double bass in metal songs. It thumps fast and hard! It really tightens the bass i guess by matching the phasing perfectly with the main speakers while preserving mids. Not sure how it does it. But it is awesome. Do other amps/receivers have this ability?? If they don't it would be worth choose an Onkyo over any other brand if you like metal. Weird how it keeps the sound of the guitars "a rifting and a wailing" while keeping a powerful percussive sound as the drummer goes to town on the bass pedals.

About the BIC F12 sub. Epic bass! It goes so low. Having trouble getting it to "disappear" though. The sub is perfect up to about 90 hz or so. After that its a bit messy. It will go up to 200 hz but i wouldn't imagine it would sound very good at all up there. So i keep it crossed over at 75 hz.

Very happy with everything so far. The speakers should be in this weekend and I will take some pics, as well as give my impressions as the 30 year old speakers butt heads with the new ones.

 

[MindEraser]

Wow those are a really beautiful set of speakers, congrats!
It will be tempting to A/B compare these to your old speakers right away but try to refrain, or at least refrain from any quick judgement. Speakers always need time to break in, most manufacturers suggest up to 70hrs before critical listening.
Looking forward to your review!

It's going to be too hard to resist comparing the two immediately. I'm just going to have to. I'll let the new ones break in for several hours or so before giving my impressions..