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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
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Message started by Redstar on 08/15/20 at 03:41:37

Title: Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
Post by Redstar on 08/15/20 at 03:41:37

Hi all, I have been reading through a lot of the threads on here and really want to take the plunge and get a Decware amp. I wish I would have been hip to Decware prior to getting the speakers that I currently have and at least considered some of the options for speakers for sale by Decware. However, my Double Impacts are engaging speakers and I would sort of like to hang on to them for a bit anyway. They are 4 Ohm speakers and rated at 99dB 2.83V@1m sensitivity. I would love to hear from you all what you would consider a good match for them. I was surprised to learn that (for instance) the Super Zen Triode can actually drive large speakers. Do you think they could drive my Tektons, or would I be better served with something stronger? Eric Alexander (Tekton Designer) recommended a minimum of . . . I think it was 30 watts for a tube amp, but it seems Decware amps are deceptively powerful so I am REALLY confused.

Title: Re: Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
Post by Geno on 08/15/20 at 04:59:51

My drivers are 99dB sensitive, and my Zen drives them louder than I need. Below is the link to a guide found on the Decware website that rates their amps volume based on speaker sensitivity.

https://www.decware.com/newsite/buyingguide.html

Title: Re: Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
Post by CAJames on 08/15/20 at 05:31:27

Hard to imagine a much better speaker for a 2 watt Zen amp then a 99 dB, 4 ohm speaker. Note that in general large speakers are easier to drive "loud" then small ones, everything else being equal.

Title: Re: Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
Post by Nick324 on 08/15/20 at 13:15:59

Those Tekton speakers are sensitive yes BUT they also have a complicated crossover and multiple drivers. Take this into consideration when choosing your amplifier, yes 1 or 2 watts is perfect for some speaker configurations not necessarily all despite the high sensitivity design. This has been my personal experience, I cannot speak to your exact situation and was just trying to give you some more advice to consider.

Title: Re: Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 08/15/20 at 15:49:38

I agree with Nick. My Tannoy Westminsters are 99dB efficient but the crossover network in those speakers is rather restrictive. While I have powered them with my 2-watt Super Zen, they sounded much better when powered by my 40-watt ZMA.

I feel the 2-watt Zen amps are best matched with crossover-less speakers systems.

Title: Re: Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
Post by Geno on 08/15/20 at 17:53:07

Good input and advice. My 99dB sensitive speakers have single 10" full range drivers, and are crossover less, so a crossover and multiple drivers would be more of a power take away.

Title: Re: Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
Post by CAJames on 08/16/20 at 00:01:42

That makes sense. There is a difference between playing loud enough and playing well.

Title: Re: Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
Post by Redstar on 08/16/20 at 01:52:06

Thank you everyone for your input. It is much appreciated!

Title: Re: Correct amp for a Tekton Design Double Impact SE?
Post by hdrider on 08/16/20 at 02:14:27

CAJames - Great input from everyone here, and I agree with Jeff, Nick and Geno. I started with a 2 watt Zen and bought it and built the kit to prove the concept. For me, the concept worked but when I went to order my gear I ordered a Rachael because I felt that a 6 watt single ended amp would be the best choice. It drives our Omega (single driver, no crossover) plenty loud and very well. I am not up to speed with your speakers, so my suggestion if you are going to keep your Tekton I would shoot for a little more powerful of an amp. If you're going to go single driver/no crossover the one of the might Zen's will be magical. I guess all I can really tell you is that all the Decware products that I have create a magical musical event daily. Please keep us posted on your travels here and this forum is a WEALTH of info and opinions ( and actually a heck of a lot of humor). Happy listening, Chris.