Jay, A giant thank you for taking on the Ulfberhts! Careful notes have been taken. Yes, we're planning the introduction of new summit performance-based loudspeakers soon - they will start at $35K pr. Also note, the quickest/easiest way to overcome the visuals of the Ulfberht is to add the CNC machined grille that conceals all driver's top-to-bottom. Best regards, Eric Alexander - audio designer
Thank you Eric. You are doing the right thing and you can only go up from here. It takes time to establish and gain more ground when going against the Wilsons and Magicos or focals of the world. They have limitless budgets and of course that's a huge advantage. That said, you can still keep gaining more and more recognition by doing what you're doing. A few tweaks there and a few tweaks here and you are on your way to even greater heights. Cheers !
One other thought... you've given me some valuable feedback about the bass response. I chose to use a very low tuning on the Ulfberht woofers - an extended bass shelf. Going with the extended shelf alignment was a very conservative route and I realize how the lower tuning could take a bit of the overall excitement out of the speaker. Tuning the Ulf up by 5-6Hz will increase the bass output in the 30-60Hz region by almost 3dB. I don't want anyone out there thinking a loudspeaker like this can't produce deep powerful bass, so I'll plan to make this adjustment immediately and I will also offer it as a retrofit to all prior Ulfberht owners.
Awesome dialog between you guys. It nice to see positive feedback going back and forth👍. I currently own the Mini Lore and owned the Lore. I want the Perfect SET, but the wife freaks about about the bug eye look of the tweeters. So I get what the reviewer was saying. However, as you said, putting grills on the speaker does help. But I hate black grills, which is why I can’t own the Perfect SET. If Tekton offered color options for grills, then I would beg you to take my money.
@@TektonDesign Mr. Eric. I have a pair of your amazing Ulfberts. I am extremely interested in that retrofit. How would I be able to tune the Ulf up? Regards, Joe
This review made me buy a pair of Ulfberhts! And it has been one of best investments in audio I've ever made if not thee best. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 😍
Mr. Jay is correct. I have a pair of Ulfberhts paired with an svs pb 13 ultra. The speakers need a sub paired with it to be top of the line. The sweet spot is indeed narrow, I agree with his observations. Mids and highs are exceptional and soul stirring. With a subwoofer, I don't believe you can do better for under 40k. Very honest and fair review, I trust Jay more after this review
Thanks Jays for your honest review and effort. I own the Tekton Encores and agree with all your observations for both pro and cons. I had many serious demo at dealers for Magico S1/2, Focal Sopra2/3, B&W 802d3 and Wilson Sabrina with my budget of 30kUSD but Tekton flagship speakers offers competitive sound for less money. With savings in speaker, I spent on better source and amplification like Chord Dave and Gryphon Diablo300. The Tekton’s are capable and deserve to be paired with better source and amps that cost more than 10k each. Looks wise, they are not at the same level as some of the speakers that you named. But looks vs sound, it is going to cost to have both and unless Tekton charges more for looks that will cost money to design and produce, there is no way to have the cake and eat it too. Ulfberht were 12k MSRP but I think that the nearly permanent sale at 9k is probably the reason why they are moving faster than before. It’s a lot of speaker for under 10k and no other speakers from any mainstream brand can match it.
Considering the Tekton only had a 100 hrs on it, and was nowhere near broken-in, I'd say it faired very well. Good thing it wasn't completely broken-in or it may have made it hard to justify the amount of money you spent on some of your Uber expensive speakers.
I can't agree more with your professional and tactful/respectful approach. Hat tip to ya. The ads however are obnoxious. You'll lose a huge fan base due to that aspect, myself included. Cheers and happy listening!
OK the round up is... The Tekton is an astonishing value. The Wilson looks a little better (it's not great). If you never heard the Wilson you'd think you had a home run with the Tekton. The Wilson has a better bass and overall soundstage presentation. The Wilson costs 10x the Tekton. We are in the world of diminishing returns. You spend more on footers for your amps than the Tekton.
I'm very late to this review but thanks for another comprehensive review. I would like to ad applicable possibly , i own Lores , they sound more open and better overall with my much lower powered Luxman integrated than with my 200/ side Pass designed power amp . To my experience high sensitivity speakers (can) sound at their best with lower power amplification . Low watts , high current .
Tekton now offers a $2k “ultimate” crossover upgrade. I have done something similar with my Moabs and the improvement is tremendous to say the least. Much more immersive and bigger soundstage. I wonder how the Ulfs with the XO upgrade would fair against giants like Wilson and Magico
I think you nailed it right on the head. Their Achilles heal is the look of their speakers. If they can address that issue, they will have a promising future. Thanks for the input.
LOL, they already can't keep up with demand. Most audiophiles don't care about the looks as it's the quality of the sound (and at the price) that's all that matters.
Those Galileos looks very shiny!!! I bet they make your system sound great 😃👍👍👍👍 btw I would give 41 days and not 21 to break in those footer, I can't believe you don't ear the difference with the boulder ? My boulders totally changed for the best.
Jay - The best part of this review was naming speakers that cost more but don't sound as good as the ULFs! Its because you buy your gear (either new or used) or its being loaned to you by a dealer or a friend - the point is IT'S NOT COMING FROM THE MANUFACTURER! The typical reviewer has to give a positive review because if they don't the manufactures will stop sending them equipment. With that said, if you want to expand your UA-cam channel, you must start buying and reviewing less costly gear. 99.9% of your audience can't afford what you are talking about!! - thats fun to listen to but after a while it gets old hearing about differences in mega-costly gear. If you named names and gave honest opinions on gear many of us can afford your channel would explode. Plus YOU could afford even more gear since your aren't paying as much to begin with plus your ad revenue would go up!
I actually like having a channel that exposes the ultra high end stuff. I will never buy any of this or the mid range of the uber expensive. I also will never part with my hard earned savings for current Ferrari but I watch the channels that show me the art of the possible. Then I go back to listening to the great sound coming from my DIY built at 10% and think how lucky I am.
@@user-od9iz9cv1w I know what you mean its fun to see whats possible and then try to build it yourself but Jay has the funds to be so much better than most audio reviewers on UA-cam or Stereophile/The Absolute Sound who won't give an opinion because they RELY on the manufacturers for equipment! Just bring it to the masses and give us some real advice/opinions on stuff we can buy!
Great review on the Ulfbert. Haven't heard them but I've heard many other Tekton speakers and there's no doubt that Tekton gives the best bang for the buck in all of high end audio. Now, as far as there being certain brands that no one questions the pedigree of, well, it took a long time for Wilson to go from basically the worlds prettiest studio monitor to a well rounded a and truly world class speaker. When I've heard Magico's they've usually been so analytical that they're nearly unlistenable. Not that they can't be great but it seems so many owners of such high end products equate hyper detail and hearing artifacts with great performance. I don't. But to date I have yet to experience a pair of Magico's set up in a way that has me in agreement with many reviewers. Maybe they love analytics more than actual musicality, who knows? What amazes me though is companies that display these high end products at shows or in their shops rarely pay much attention to making them sound their best. It's almost as if they just shrug their shoulders and say, eh, it'll sound better in your home. Seriously, if you want my $100,000 show me why your product is worth it.
Dear Jay, can you contemplate about checking Yamaha NS 5000? There isn't really anybody else who can do this expect of you and I asked reviewers. Yamaha pioneered Beryllium drivers. This speaker has another pioneering technology and is of brilliant craftsmanship. Also I am eagerly awaiting your video about comparison between Alexx and Utopia. Thank you
Hi Jay, you have been doing a valuable job, with your impartial competent and sincere reviews, helping many people to assemble the best system possible, by being able to compare as many hi end components as you do. Thanks! Have you rever considered evaluating the YG Hailey 2 or Sonjas, to know how they compare with WA Alexx?
Thanks Jay for taking the time to share great audio equipment! To me it’s alway’s very enjoyable to hear how great components truly sound playing real music. Some people who left negative remarks do not understand our hobby at all & so you wonder why they would be watching the videos in the first place. I appreciate hearing the Alexx even though I will probably never be able to buy them. I have heard them at shows & your demo was by far the best. I had no idea they sounded that good! It’s just great to hear great music on great equipment. Thx!
Tekton can never open like Magico or Wilson because of their conventional square wooden cabinet with their inherent box noise. That why most top of the line speakers usually got the special cabinet which cost a lot of money.
Which line source speakers have special cabinets? The Tekton is a narrower dispersion design and with this design the sound never completely leaves the speaker. It's good but it's not in the class of the Wilson. I was trashed by Tekton fanboys when I said the Wilson was much much better. It was easily heard even through UA-cam. Some people refuse to accept reality though.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt I had Apogee Diva, Infinity IRS Beta, Maggie 3.6 (no box ribbon driver speakers) and I have box speakers. First thing I notice was big open sound stage no box dipole speakers can deliver. And only expensive speakers with fancy big box one can deliver similar big sound stage, at least that's what I have heard at the show. Small speakers do get away with conventional box maybe because of their small box radiating area, but they usually sound like miniature like sound stage. They are wide and precise but everything seems small with their small driver. I have heard good review on open baffle speakers like Pure Audio Project, and I want to try.
@@jkim4712 You specifically said, " a special cabinet". The Master Line Source for instance doesn't use a cabinet ( the woofer side isn't a line source). Also aluminum as a cabinet isn't special. Radio shack used aluminum on their $300 speakers. Aluminum rings quite easily which is why some manufacturer have developed composite driver baskets rather than the common cast aluminum. Aluminum cabinets are therefore just as thick and heavy as or more so than wooden boxes. For example, the Krell Lat 1 was a rather slim column four and a half feet high weighing 250 lbs. Aluminum has certain advantages but its a case of trading your eyes for a tail.It's often used in line source ribbon panels because there is so little of the panel left after the driver holes are cut out. Most line source speakers are boxless and thus dipole which goes a long way toward explaining the open, spacious, boxless sound.
Really interested in if you think the midrange in the sweet spot is in fact ‘ultra high end’ level for lack of a better word. I think people are looking very hard at them due to the price and it would be illuminating for us to know if it gets a recommendation at its slightly over 10 k price. How would it compare to say a Bowers and Wilkins 801d which can be had on the second hand market for around the same value
Jay, I couldn't agree more with your observations and evaluation of the Ulfberht. Specially your advice given to Tekton. I will reiterate my comment regarding Tektons speakers. They are excellent value speaker with a high end level of sound quality, but a low-fi appearance. They either have to stick to the under $5k category, or far improve their aesthetics to compete with speakers in the $10K+. Jay, since you were so kind as to answer the request of those who requested the Tektons, I will put forth my request. I would love to hear a side by side comparison of Borresen 05 vs. WA's Alexx. As you probably know they are Danish speakers from the land of Gryphon. At asking price of $120k they retail at the level of the Alexx. There are probably only half a dozen of these speakers currently in the USA, likely they would have to be ordered and wait for them to be imported. Now there will be no mistaking the Borresen 05 for a wanna be high end speaker. Thanks Jay.
I heard the Borresen 01 bookshelf speakers at the RMAF 2019 and they sounded incredible to me. Probably my favorite speakers at the entire show and there were some very pricey behemoths there.
The problem with audio equipment is that there's a logical fallacy to it that can directly effect sales. If most audio gear is sold at haineously overpriced numbers, then legislate speakers like the tekton won't feel "right" at a lower price. The audio community needs better objective measurements for speaker reviews to level the playing field.
You would not be able to build those speakers for under $5k. I own a pair of Moabs and the value is tremendous. Also don’t mind the aesthetics. They aren’t gorgeous but they definitely command attention
Great review Jay, I was waiting eager for your personal considerations to knew IF for the money the Tektons would be on the same sound quality tier as the Sopras , B&W 802 D, Piega coax 711, Medium Magicos, and the Proac.. I got an honest and direct answer from you as always :), now the question for me is how to get a pair of Encores Be to Argentina for a reasonable amount !! :) .. thank you very much ! :).
They aren't bad looking to me. I like the industrial look. But those Alexx are ugly too. TAD has some nice looking one. Also, bamboo cabinets would be interesting.
Btw did you try to place the tweeters of Magnepan 20.7 outside? I watched your videos and Magnepan 20.7 was always placed with tweeters inside. It is so strange because i use them with tweeters outside, they sound much better in this case. You said in this video that Magnepan are more directional than spacious. But if you place tweeters outside the speakers will sound much more spacious and huge.
Thanks for your honest opinion. It will really help for Techton and its potential consumers. And can you tell me what is better between AQ Niagara 5000(or 7000) and SR Power cell SX? I really want to know your opinion. Thx Jay.
Without any doubt the tekton are ugly but considering how much the Wilson’s cost they are nothing special to look at. Yesterday I listened to the 360k dollar Wilson’s they do sound amazing but still noting special to look at Also listened to way cheaper sonus faber, yes they are not as good but they look amazing Just talking about looks here ! Also I know that there are speakers out there that sound as good or better than the Wilson for less money. Their name their legacy does not make them the best out there. Don’t shot me Wilson fans
Jay I believe you have mad a gross error in placing those proprietary footers under the centre of mass. By placing here , the bending stress on all the internal components has been reversed- That cannot be what the designers of the amplifier had in mind. I would recommend placing footers either under original feet , or at least very close.
In my opinion, lamenting the aesthetics of Renton misses the point. I suppose if they can beautify them for very little extra cost it might be worth it, but their big draw is performance per dollar. Maybe that applies in the double impact price range, but I suppose at 12k the clientele might be able to demand looks and performance. But I suspect at the 3k range for DE's if it went to 4k to make it look better, it would harm their sales. What do I know? Might be worth it for Eric to investigate.
I have a couple observations. It looks like you put your speakers out from the wall by about 8 to 10 feet which to me is not realistic unless you have a dedicated listening room. Also for the first five minutes of this video you were talking about cables burning in and the amplifier stand affecting the sound of the amplifier. It's really difficult to take the rest of this review seriously even if what you said about the speakers was true. I'm not saying I wouldn't love your system though. Nice setup.
It must be Hard to design speaker with 21 I drivers in it 🤪 , I have never heard of Tekton but I don’t think I would replace my Martin Logan ESl 15a with these , Even Focal Sopra 2 , I would take Sopra 2 any day over the Tekton. But kudos to you J for bringing those monsters in , setting them up for testing , that’s a lot of work and hassle for something you know you would not keep ...
How bout a review of cable lifters? With your awesome system you should be able to actually hear a difference Carpet is the worst from what I have read. Static
Looks like Tekton didn't take Jays advice. They have now came out with a Signature Series speaker that starts at $18,000 but have made absolutely no improvements in their crap cabinets. Who would spend almost $20K on a speaker with Cabinets like that? Honestly I don't understand that. For the 2K to 5K speakers with people on very limited budgets I get it but not for this speaker.
Regarding Center Stage Footers FWIW over the past 4 years I have sold over 2000 feet including some Boulder users Every one of them has had a positive outcome. The Boulder is very heavy and IME with clients to whom I have sold Center Stage their settle in time is about 4 weeks. Once the feet settle it hits you in the face as the sound is so good The key is not only to be patient but to understand they will settle but heavier components take longer Several months ago I sold a set of CS2 1.5’s to a client who uses the 560 lb per channel D’Agostino Relentless I can tell you that I spoke to him every few days. He did experience degradation of sound but that was it. Like you at two weeks he was prepared to give up. I encouraged him to hang in there as there was no doubt in my mind that they would settle. It literally took him about 30 days but when it happened he was gob smacked His email to Me in that day was “Bam.......and there it is.” He continues to use these with superb results under his Relentless. I have found that settle in is system dependent and no two are the same. However to make a statement that they don’t work under Boulder is just not my experience Feel free to contact me if you want some suggestions. These are the real deal and IMO are true system changers
I think you have to come to terms with the fact that most great sounding speakers are not an artful addition to your decorating scheme. I think that buying speakers for their aesthetic is limited to those who are forced to make their living room their listening room. It you are dedicating 2k feet of your home to a listening room with all the required sound treatment you should be happy to use old Altec theater horns if that is what sounds good. They will look the part, but not pretty to a non audiophile.
Speakers need way more than 100 hours on them before you can give them an honest review. +1 on improving the looks. Need to hire some expert cabinet makers
Not if it increases the price by double. That's the current problem with the audio industry. Gating sound quality because people add pointless shit to it.
More time on speaker placement and you may not need to coerce the sound with extra overrated gear. Your room looks off and cluttered. Nice for pictures though.
It is a lab...this is why it is cluttered. I don't want it to be neat because it is not meant for that. Have you looked at the rooms from other reviewers? .... Always a lot going on...
You had to click 4 times to skip the AD , imagine how much headache is to purchase bring in these monsters set up , take videos , sell , package speakers back and ship wile probably loosing some 💰 ,,, he is doing it for anyone how is interested in this kind of stuff and you still complain? So he can at least cover the music content fee, try doing something similar one day ,,,
Jay, A giant thank you for taking on the Ulfberhts! Careful notes have been taken. Yes, we're planning the introduction of new summit performance-based loudspeakers soon - they will start at $35K pr. Also note, the quickest/easiest way to overcome the visuals of the Ulfberht is to add the CNC machined grille that conceals all driver's top-to-bottom. Best regards, Eric Alexander - audio designer
Thank you Eric. You are doing the right thing and you can only go up from here. It takes time to establish and gain more ground when going against the Wilsons and Magicos or focals of the world. They have limitless budgets and of course that's a huge advantage. That said, you can still keep gaining more and more recognition by doing what you're doing. A few tweaks there and a few tweaks here and you are on your way to even greater heights. Cheers !
@@jaysaudiolab, Thank you!!
One other thought... you've given me some valuable feedback about the bass response. I chose to use a very low tuning on the Ulfberht woofers - an extended bass shelf. Going with the extended shelf alignment was a very conservative route and I realize how the lower tuning could take a bit of the overall excitement out of the speaker. Tuning the Ulf up by 5-6Hz will increase the bass output in the 30-60Hz region by almost 3dB. I don't want anyone out there thinking a loudspeaker like this can't produce deep powerful bass, so I'll plan to make this adjustment immediately and I will also offer it as a retrofit to all prior Ulfberht owners.
Awesome dialog between you guys. It nice to see positive feedback going back and forth👍. I currently own the Mini Lore and owned the Lore. I want the Perfect SET, but the wife freaks about about the bug eye look of the tweeters. So I get what the reviewer was saying. However, as you said, putting grills on the speaker does help. But I hate black grills, which is why I can’t own the Perfect SET. If Tekton offered color options for grills, then I would beg you to take my money.
@@TektonDesign Mr. Eric. I have a pair of your amazing Ulfberts. I am extremely interested in that retrofit. How would I be able to tune the Ulf up?
Regards,
Joe
This review made me buy a pair of Ulfberhts! And it has been one of best investments in audio I've ever made if not thee best.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 😍
Mr. Jay is correct. I have a pair of Ulfberhts paired with an svs pb 13 ultra. The speakers need a sub paired with it to be top of the line. The sweet spot is indeed narrow, I agree with his observations. Mids and highs are exceptional and soul stirring. With a subwoofer, I don't believe you can do better for under 40k. Very honest and fair review, I trust Jay more after this review
Thanks Jays for your honest review and effort. I own the Tekton Encores and agree with all your observations for both pro and cons. I had many serious demo at dealers for Magico S1/2, Focal Sopra2/3, B&W 802d3 and Wilson Sabrina with my budget of 30kUSD but Tekton flagship speakers offers competitive sound for less money. With savings in speaker, I spent on better source and amplification like Chord Dave and Gryphon Diablo300. The Tekton’s are capable and deserve to be paired with better source and amps that cost more than 10k each. Looks wise, they are not at the same level as some of the speakers that you named. But looks vs sound, it is going to cost to have both and unless Tekton charges more for looks that will cost money to design and produce, there is no way to have the cake and eat it too. Ulfberht were 12k MSRP but I think that the nearly permanent sale at 9k is probably the reason why they are moving faster than before. It’s a lot of speaker for under 10k and no other speakers from any mainstream brand can match it.
L
Considering the Tekton only had a 100 hrs on it, and was nowhere near broken-in, I'd say it faired very well. Good thing it wasn't completely broken-in or it may have made it hard to justify the amount of money you spent on some of your Uber expensive speakers.
As an Ulfberht owner I'd have to say that this assessment is quite fair and accurate.
Thanks Tom.
I can't agree more with your professional and tactful/respectful approach. Hat tip to ya. The ads however are obnoxious. You'll lose a huge fan base due to that aspect, myself included. Cheers and happy listening!
Sounds good
Same here. Couldn't get through it because of the ads.
I was really looking forward to your opinions regarding those speakers - Appreciate what you did, thanks.
OK the round up is... The Tekton is an astonishing value.
The Wilson looks a little better (it's not great). If you never heard the Wilson you'd think you had a home run with the Tekton. The Wilson has a better bass and overall soundstage presentation. The Wilson costs 10x the Tekton. We are in the world of diminishing returns.
You spend more on footers for your amps than the Tekton.
EXACTLY!!!
@@jimhelman8543 Exactly! How is this even a valid comparison?
@@markbourcier1317 nobody compared. It was simply conversation
I'm very late to this review but thanks for another comprehensive review. I would like to ad applicable possibly , i own Lores , they sound more open and better overall with my much lower powered Luxman integrated than with my 200/ side Pass designed power amp . To my experience high sensitivity speakers (can) sound at their best with lower power amplification . Low watts , high current .
It is amazing that I could hear the issues with the bass through my cheap work headphones
Tekton now offers a $2k “ultimate” crossover upgrade. I have done something similar with my Moabs and the improvement is tremendous to say the least. Much more immersive and bigger soundstage. I wonder how the Ulfs with the XO upgrade would fair against giants like Wilson and Magico
I really enjoyed the Tekon speakers. I thought they were Great!
I think you nailed it right on the head. Their Achilles heal is the look of their speakers. If they can address that issue, they will have a promising future. Thanks for the input.
LOL, they already can't keep up with demand. Most audiophiles don't care about the looks as it's the quality of the sound (and at the price) that's all that matters.
Those Galileos looks very shiny!!! I bet they make your system sound great 😃👍👍👍👍 btw I would give 41 days and not 21 to break in those footer, I can't believe you don't ear the difference with the boulder ? My boulders totally changed for the best.
I’m interested in a review of the Tekton 1812.
They look awesome, but I see like no reviews of them.
Jay - The best part of this review was naming speakers that cost more but don't sound as good as the ULFs! Its because you buy your gear (either new or used) or its being loaned to you by a dealer or a friend - the point is IT'S NOT COMING FROM THE MANUFACTURER! The typical reviewer has to give a positive review because if they don't the manufactures will stop sending them equipment. With that said, if you want to expand your UA-cam channel, you must start buying and reviewing less costly gear. 99.9% of your audience can't afford what you are talking about!! - thats fun to listen to but after a while it gets old hearing about differences in mega-costly gear. If you named names and gave honest opinions on gear many of us can afford your channel would explode. Plus YOU could afford even more gear since your aren't paying as much to begin with plus your ad revenue would go up!
I actually like having a channel that exposes the ultra high end stuff. I will never buy any of this or the mid range of the uber expensive. I also will never part with my hard earned savings for current Ferrari but I watch the channels that show me the art of the possible. Then I go back to listening to the great sound coming from my DIY built at 10% and think how lucky I am.
@@user-od9iz9cv1w I know what you mean its fun to see whats possible and then try to build it yourself but Jay has the funds to be so much better than most audio reviewers on UA-cam or Stereophile/The Absolute Sound who won't give an opinion because they RELY on the manufacturers for equipment! Just bring it to the masses and give us some real advice/opinions on stuff we can buy!
@@scottbayne5710 Agreed
@@scottbayne5710 don't worry...there will be a new speaker coming soon :)
Great review on the Ulfbert. Haven't heard them but I've heard many other Tekton speakers and there's no doubt that Tekton gives the best bang for the buck in all of high end audio. Now, as far as there being certain brands that no one questions the pedigree of, well, it took a long time for Wilson to go from basically the worlds prettiest studio monitor to a well rounded a and truly world class speaker. When I've heard Magico's they've usually been so analytical that they're nearly unlistenable. Not that they can't be great but it seems so many owners of such high end products equate hyper detail and hearing artifacts with great performance. I don't. But to date I have yet to experience a pair of Magico's set up in a way that has me in agreement with many reviewers. Maybe they love analytics more than actual musicality, who knows? What amazes me though is companies that display these high end products at shows or in their shops rarely pay much attention to making them sound their best. It's almost as if they just shrug their shoulders and say, eh, it'll sound better in your home. Seriously, if you want my $100,000 show me why your product is worth it.
Yeah the pile of wires in the corner of my room, I'm just uh, settling them in, makes them sound snappier 👌
Dear Jay, can you contemplate about checking Yamaha NS 5000? There isn't really anybody else who can do this expect of you and I asked reviewers. Yamaha pioneered Beryllium drivers. This speaker has another pioneering technology and is of brilliant craftsmanship. Also I am eagerly awaiting your video about comparison between Alexx and Utopia. Thank you
Hi Jay, you have been doing a valuable job, with your impartial competent and sincere reviews, helping many people to assemble the best system possible, by being able to compare as many hi end components as you do. Thanks! Have you rever considered evaluating the YG Hailey 2 or Sonjas, to know how they compare with WA Alexx?
No never Mauricio.
Thanks Jay for taking the time to share great audio equipment! To me it’s alway’s very enjoyable to hear how great components truly sound playing real music. Some people who left negative remarks do not understand our hobby at all & so you wonder why they would be watching the videos in the first place. I appreciate hearing the Alexx even though I will probably never be able to buy them. I have heard them at shows & your demo was by far the best. I had no idea they sounded that good! It’s just great to hear great music on great equipment. Thx!
Excellent review you hit it on the nails
Ty
Tekton can never open like Magico or Wilson because of their conventional square wooden cabinet with their inherent box noise. That why most top of the line speakers usually got the special cabinet which cost a lot of money.
Which line source speakers have special cabinets? The Tekton is a narrower dispersion design and with this design the sound never completely leaves the speaker. It's good but it's not in the class of the Wilson. I was trashed by Tekton fanboys when I said the Wilson was much much better. It was easily heard even through UA-cam. Some people refuse to accept reality though.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt I had Apogee Diva, Infinity IRS Beta, Maggie 3.6 (no box ribbon driver speakers) and I have box speakers. First thing I notice was big open sound stage no box dipole speakers can deliver. And only expensive speakers with fancy big box one can deliver similar big sound stage, at least that's what I have heard at the show. Small speakers do get away with conventional box maybe because of their small box radiating area, but they usually sound like miniature like sound stage. They are wide and precise but everything seems small with their small driver. I have heard good review on open baffle speakers like Pure Audio Project, and I want to try.
Piega use aluminum for not only ribbon side but also conventional woofer side. I think Gryphon also use aluminum. They are line source.
@@jkim4712 You specifically said, " a special cabinet". The Master Line Source for instance doesn't use a cabinet ( the woofer side isn't a line source). Also aluminum as a cabinet isn't special. Radio shack used aluminum on their $300 speakers. Aluminum rings quite easily which is why some manufacturer have developed composite driver baskets rather than the common cast aluminum. Aluminum cabinets are therefore just as thick and heavy as or more so than wooden boxes. For example, the Krell Lat 1 was a rather slim column four and a half feet high weighing 250 lbs. Aluminum has certain advantages but its a case of trading your eyes for a tail.It's often used in line source ribbon panels because there is so little of the panel left after the driver holes are cut out. Most line source speakers are boxless and thus dipole which goes a long way toward explaining the open, spacious, boxless sound.
Really interested in if you think the midrange in the sweet spot is in fact ‘ultra high end’ level for lack of a better word. I think people are looking very hard at them due to the price and it would be illuminating for us to know if it gets a recommendation at its slightly over 10 k price. How would it compare to say a Bowers and Wilkins 801d which can be had on the second hand market for around the same value
He said at the beginning of the video a looooooot of speaker for the money
Try Townshend Seismic Pods under your amps 😉
Jay, I couldn't agree more with your observations and evaluation of the Ulfberht. Specially your advice given to Tekton. I will reiterate my comment regarding Tektons speakers. They are excellent value speaker with a high end level of sound quality, but a low-fi appearance. They either have to stick to the under $5k category, or far improve their aesthetics to compete with speakers in the $10K+. Jay, since you were so kind as to answer the request of those who requested the Tektons, I will put forth my request. I would love to hear a side by side comparison of Borresen 05 vs. WA's Alexx. As you probably know they are Danish speakers from the land of Gryphon. At asking price of $120k they retail at the level of the Alexx. There are probably only half a dozen of these speakers currently in the USA, likely they would have to be ordered and wait for them to be imported. Now there will be no mistaking the Borresen 05 for a wanna be high end speaker. Thanks Jay.
I heard the Borresen 01 bookshelf speakers at the RMAF 2019 and they sounded incredible to me. Probably my favorite speakers at the entire show and there were some very pricey behemoths there.
The problem with audio equipment is that there's a logical fallacy to it that can directly effect sales.
If most audio gear is sold at haineously overpriced numbers, then legislate speakers like the tekton won't feel "right" at a lower price.
The audio community needs better objective measurements for speaker reviews to level the playing field.
You would not be able to build those speakers for under $5k. I own a pair of Moabs and the value is tremendous. Also don’t mind the aesthetics. They aren’t gorgeous but they definitely command attention
You right the looks of the tektons would not make in my house especially living room maybe dedicated listening room maybe
Yep.
these Tektons kinda look like Wilsons
Who makes those cables? I'm not sure if you mentioned the manufacturer.
Hi Jay,
Great videos, thanks for putting this videos. Have you’ve tested the Moon pre amp 740P ?
Also, what is your take on the Dali Epicon ?
Never
@@jaysaudiolab Hi Jay, Do you have any plans in testing the Dali Epicon in the future?
@@filipecunha4931 zero plans
Great review Jay, I was waiting eager for your personal considerations to knew IF for the money the Tektons would be on the same sound quality tier as the Sopras , B&W 802 D, Piega coax 711, Medium Magicos, and the Proac.. I got an honest and direct answer from you as always :), now the question for me is how to get a pair of Encores Be to Argentina for a reasonable amount !! :) .. thank you very much ! :).
My pleasure
Great 👍 video thanks 🙏
Congradulations with the SR,pretty good stuff isnt it,also like the Critical Mass footers,some say they are the best but give it some time!
They aren't bad looking to me. I like the industrial look. But those Alexx are ugly too. TAD has some nice looking one. Also, bamboo cabinets would be interesting.
Its a bit rich don't you think to be dissing Tekton looks while showing those Alexx monstrosities? Oh well, eye of the beholder I guess.
LOL! I was just thinking a few drop sheets would certainly help the Legoland-looking layout of that whole place.
@@r.griffin7941 WAF is not the point in real HighEnd audio. This doesn’t have to disappear optically in a living room to not „disturb“ anyone...
I agree... i was thinking the same thing as well... Tekton has carved out it niche and i bet they are doing just fine in that niche...
I just read three print reviews that disagree with you on comparisons. Heck each guy made them their new reference.
Btw did you try to place the tweeters of Magnepan 20.7 outside? I watched your videos and Magnepan 20.7 was always placed with tweeters inside. It is so strange because i use them with tweeters outside, they sound much better in this case. You said in this video that Magnepan are more directional than spacious. But if you place tweeters outside the speakers will sound much more spacious and huge.
Yes but they lose focus when placing tweeters outside
Jay..great video...thanks again. There seems to be ads every 2 minutes or so, very annoying. Why are they now chopping up your vids with these ads?
The only way for me to make a few cents is if you click on each message.
If you had them set up like the wilsons then you had them way too far from the rear walls which is why you didnt like the bass.
I'm sorry that you fell for audiophool cables.
Thanks for your honest opinion.
It will really help for Techton and its potential consumers.
And can you tell me what is better between AQ Niagara 5000(or 7000) and SR Power cell SX?
I really want to know your opinion.
Thx Jay.
Without any doubt the tekton are ugly but considering how much the Wilson’s cost they are nothing special to look at.
Yesterday I listened to the 360k dollar Wilson’s they do sound amazing but still noting special to look at
Also listened to way cheaper sonus faber, yes they are not as good but they look amazing
Just talking about looks here !
Also I know that there are speakers out there that sound as good or better than the Wilson for less money.
Their name their legacy does not make them the best out there.
Don’t shot me Wilson fans
I think Wilson Speakers are the ugliest on the market. The Tektons aren't beauty queens by any stretch, but I think they look better than the Wilsons.
Cables "broken in" 🤣🤣🤣you audiophiles make me LOL
Jay I believe you have mad a gross error in placing those proprietary footers under the centre of mass.
By placing here , the bending stress on all the internal components has been reversed- That cannot be what the designers of the amplifier had in mind.
I would recommend placing footers either under original feet , or at least very close.
11:02
Get to the point
In my opinion, lamenting the aesthetics of Renton misses the point. I suppose if they can beautify them for very little extra cost it might be worth it, but their big draw is performance per dollar.
Maybe that applies in the double impact price range, but I suppose at 12k the clientele might be able to demand looks and performance.
But I suspect at the 3k range for DE's if it went to 4k to make it look better, it would harm their sales. What do I know? Might be worth it for Eric to investigate.
I have a couple observations. It looks like you put your speakers out from the wall by about 8 to 10 feet which to me is not realistic unless you have a dedicated listening room. Also for the first five minutes of this video you were talking about cables burning in and the amplifier stand affecting the sound of the amplifier. It's really difficult to take the rest of this review seriously even if what you said about the speakers was true. I'm not saying I wouldn't love your system though. Nice setup.
Thanks
Alexx is $135,000 ...Tekton Ulfberht $9830.....hmm the comparison is kind of silly?
save your money and don’t buy into the hype of cables costing thousands of dollars.🤦🏻🤦🏻
Looks like 4 or 5 zeros worth. Whenever he says, crazy, right, I'm thinking, duh!
You can’t take someone seriously who thinks amp stands make a difference 🙄
For me, Tekton looks better than Wilson. For me
It must be Hard to design speaker with 21 I drivers in it 🤪 , I have never heard of Tekton but I don’t think I would replace my Martin Logan ESl 15a with these , Even Focal Sopra 2 , I would take Sopra 2 any day over the Tekton.
But kudos to you J for bringing those monsters in , setting them up for testing , that’s a lot of work and hassle for something you know you would not keep ...
Thanks David
Doesn't talk about ulfberhts until 11 mins in...
How bout a review of cable lifters? With your awesome system you should be able to actually hear a difference Carpet is the worst from what I have read. Static
Wow! What do you do , make money for a living:)
Looks like Tekton didn't take Jays advice. They have now came out with a Signature Series speaker that starts at $18,000 but have made absolutely no improvements in their crap cabinets. Who would spend almost $20K on a speaker with Cabinets like that? Honestly I don't understand that. For the 2K to 5K speakers with people on very limited budgets I get it but not for this speaker.
Depends. Do they sounds like 200k speakers?
They actually did come out with a $250k speaker with different aesthetics. I don’t see it on the website anymore. Must of not sold
Regarding Center Stage Footers FWIW over the past 4 years I have sold over 2000 feet including some Boulder users Every one of them has had a positive outcome. The Boulder is very heavy and IME with clients to whom I have sold Center Stage their settle in time is about 4 weeks. Once the feet settle it hits you in the face as the sound is so good The key is not only to be patient but to understand they will settle but heavier components take longer
Several months ago I sold a set of CS2 1.5’s to a client who uses the 560 lb per channel D’Agostino Relentless
I can tell you that I spoke to him every few days. He did experience degradation of sound but that was it. Like you at two weeks he was prepared to give up. I encouraged him to hang in there as there was no doubt in my mind that they would settle. It literally took him about 30 days but when it happened he was gob smacked His email to
Me in that day was “Bam.......and there it is.”
He continues to use these with superb results under his Relentless.
I have found that settle in is system dependent and no two are the same. However to make a statement that they don’t work under Boulder is just not my experience
Feel free to contact me if you want some suggestions. These are the real deal and IMO are true system changers
Be on the lookout for backlash from the owner of Tekton....Eric. He won’t like having his babies called ugly.
I think you have to come to terms with the fact that most great sounding speakers are not an artful addition to your decorating scheme. I think that buying speakers for their aesthetic is limited to those who are forced to make their living room their listening room. It you are dedicating 2k feet of your home to a listening room with all the required sound treatment you should be happy to use old Altec theater horns if that is what sounds good. They will look the part, but not pretty to a non audiophile.
@@user-od9iz9cv1w I don’t need to come to terms with anything... my speakers are ugly too
@@Phastm3 So are mine. But I love them the way a parent loves their child even if they are unlikely to win a beauty contest.
The Boulders have been engineered to stand on their own feet. It must put unintended pressure on the chassis. Not a fan
I couldn't get through it. Too many commercial interruptions.
Cool
Speakers need way more than 100 hours on them before you can give them an honest review. +1 on improving the looks. Need to hire some expert cabinet makers
Not if it increases the price by double. That's the current problem with the audio industry. Gating sound quality because people add pointless shit to it.
I'm sorry but the percentage of people that could afford a system like this video shows is embarrassing.
More time on speaker placement and you may not need to coerce the sound with extra overrated gear. Your room looks off and cluttered. Nice for pictures though.
It is a lab...this is why it is cluttered. I don't want it to be neat because it is not meant for that. Have you looked at the rooms from other reviewers? .... Always a lot going on...
Arguably the biggest eyesores in audio. Who cares how they sound.
People who want top sound quality with a budget.
Who would ever put looks over sound when it comes to audio? Probably someone with poor ears.
Man, you bought into ALL the snake oil didnt you?
A fool and his money... LOL!
Yes, that's you
Sorry.. But so much advertising really has to be.....
Need to get compensated for my time here buddy. Can't do this for free
@@jaysaudiolab 30 min.. 8 breaks... Sorry.. I'm out here.. Good luck for your Chanel.
@@amcoregood luck on your journey
You had to click 4 times to skip the AD , imagine how much headache is to purchase bring in these monsters set up , take videos , sell , package speakers back and ship wile probably loosing some 💰 ,,, he is doing it for anyone how is interested in this kind of stuff and you still complain? So he can at least cover the music content fee, try doing something similar one day ,,,
@@datka3 thank you David. I appreciate it
What a waste of cooper
Alex look much worse to this visual artist.
I'm sorry but, if you keep smacking your lips. I will not be listening to your channel .
You need an EQ