Design flaw and tradeoff, it's really just semantics. People tend to label certain tradeoffs as flaws when accuracy is compromised. I can't comment on what the designer was going for because I haven't read it nor have I heard any of the speakers in question. From what you describe I'd call it more of a flaw. That being said, just because I call it a flaw and you call it a design consideration doesn't mean that you shouldn't enjoy the sound or that I wouldn't for certain applications. I've grown to appreciate accuracy and at this point wouldn't spend money on something that wasn't pretty accurate, but that doesn't I haven't and don't enjoy certain speakers or systems that are "non-audiophile".
My main point about the Tektons isn't that no one should buy them, or that they sound horrific (at least I'm told they don't), it's that if you wanted a high sensitivity speaker there are much more accurate ones that will deliver all that the Tektons do for less money and question marks. Tack on the other baggage and it seems like an unnecessary risk from my POV. What it looks like from someone else's POV is for them to decide and it's their money to spend. If they choose to take the leap and are satisfied with the purchase I give them a big virtual pat on back (no sarcasm intended) and say good for you. I'm happy with what I've got, you're happy with what you've got, the end. I'm not here to bash Tekton, only to make sure it's an informed buying decision. These are the known and suspected issues. These are the problems people have had. The pro-reviews are a little suspect in some cases and purely subjective in others. These are your other options.
I don't have a problem with a dissenting opinion. Your critique actually lists some good points. It also is done in a way thats not putting down my choice and others to purchase what we did. I wish others would frame their argument like you do. Now to disagree with you a bit
I hear this term accurate.I know what it means. I know that it can be measured. When I look for "the sound" a speaker gives I am looking for a feeling, a sensation, a smile. I have gone to several Rush, AcDc, Tom Petty, Lenny Kravitz, and GnR concerts. I have heard songs like Back in Black, Limelight, and Civil War hundreds of times. In each of these tracks
their are guitar riffs that I love. In Tom Petty's A face in the crowd the background sounds, Lenny Kravitz's voice in Stand by your Woman. Like many I made a demo cd which I took to AV stores in my area and listened to every speaker in the 1k price tag. I know it will sound different at my home but I don't have the time or money to listen to 20 sets of speakers at home. Probably the best av store near where I am is the Hifi Centre. They have their gear broken down into six rooms, each at a different price point. I listened to several types including a few at around 1500-2000k. I also have a demo movie disc with a few scenes I love, like the opening of Gladiator with the arrows reigning down, etc.
For me accurate is hearing these moments and just feeling the music/movie. Even though I am over forty when it feels right it takes you back to when you were 18 and heard it for the first time. I can't physically measure this with anything other then a smile and the goose bumps on my neck. When I auditioned the speakers I made sure the sound level was consistant. WHen I researched online speakers in my price range 1k the tekton oriels/lore were noted for this alive feeling, like at a concert. Not just the concert loudness, but that feeling. If my price point was 2-3k I wouldn't have bought tekton because the pendragon is too huge for my living room and their are so many more options at that price point. I knew I was taking a bit of a risk with my oriels with the production times. Using paypal took the financial risk ( I could simply get my money back) but the time I invested waiting could be annoying. I ordered mine before many of the huge problems popped up on the forums.
After my speakers were broken in I played my demo disc. One could say that the goose bumps on my neck were induced by buyers confirmation or the need to feel good about what you bought. All that I can say is that if you knew me you would laugh. I am often called the most difficult guy to make happy and to rave about something is rare ; as my family and the over 5000 students I have taught in my career would know. I am very stubborn and hard to convince. I am the guy at the concert who is sitting down, not smoking weed (maybe I should) and only stands up to cheer maybe during one or two songs in the set. We bought a dog a year ago and i said that I will never clean up the poop. People said good luck with that, A year later and my kids have picked up every piece. Yeah I am a crusty old guy.
When I played the demo discs for music and movies I was happy. My wife asked if we were sending them back, and i said no. Six months later and I am still happy about my purchase but pissed off at Eric for screwing up and lying about his orders. I don't drink the tekton kool aid and when I look at the tekton threads I think its pretty evident of the possible downsides of this choice. For those who have received their speakers, most seem to be very happy. If Eric doesn't clean up his company he will go out of business.
I just bought a used parasound amp and next I need to get a pre-amp. Fuzz I appreciate the virtual pat on the back and I give one back for your thoughtful input
. I read your other thread about using REW with Umik-1 mic (learned a lot) and next I am getting the EMotiva umc-200 so I can play around with the PEQ.
