BIG SOUND in SMALL Rooms for Hi-Fi Home Audio ! Tekton Troubadour Loudspeakers !

Hands down, Best speakers in 2021 for audiophile sound quality in home audio with small spaces like condos/apartments is the tekton troubadour without a doubt in my opinion !
Tekton Troubadour speakers: tektondesign.com/product/full-range-speakers/monitors-loudspeakers/troubadour/#color
Isoacoustic gaia 2 feet: shop-links.co/cfx2oAFI2WF
amzn.to/3jE1jF1
Wharfedale Speaker Stands: shop-links.co/cfx2p2H2wXx
(walnut) amzn.to/3xT2fsT
(Red Mahogany) amzn.to/3iVZWAU
Boyurang tube amp: amzn.to/3t7nk1Y
NAD C298: shop-links.co/cfx2qJJCDHo
amzn.to/2WSLbXo
IOTAVX Stack: SA3:www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/products/iotavx-audiophile-stereo-amplifier-sa3
PA3: www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/products/iotavx-audiophile-power-amplifier
related videos:
IOTAVX Stack review:kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWLOp6uGhMlsY9U
NAD C298 review:kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHavaYeqetalrpY
Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jaysoulsik
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Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzbin.info/aero/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0
Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1
amzn.to/30bsUCH
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
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[@Jayiyagi]

Happy Thursday ! So here are some extra points I forgot to mention in the video: 1.Tweeters are supposed to be on the outside - allows for more separation between the two speakers in a smaller room ! And they sound better this way due to the time alignment design 2. Stands are actually $300 USD and not $500 USD which makes it a better choice than I thought ! 3. I've actually had these measured over at the NRC. These measure pretty flat and neutral on-axis. Off-axis it not that great as I indicated on the video; If you move around in the room or don't have them in a triangle , they don't sound too good. Official measurements will be posted here via Soundstage magazine as soon as they have the link up. *all the comments made in this video was "before" I saw any measurements" to remove measurement-bias. Kinda cool how the off-axis response corresponded with what I found* related video: IOTAVX Stack review:kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWLOp6uGhMlsY9U NAD C298 review:kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHavaYeqetalrpY Tekton Troubadour speakers: tektondesign.com/product/full-range-speakers/monitors-loudspeakers/troubadour/#color Isoacoustic gaia 2 feet: amzn.to/3jE1jF1 Wharfedale Speaker Stands: (walnut) amzn.to/3xT2fsT (Red Mahogany) amzn.to/3iVZWAU Boyurang tube amp: amzn.to/3t7nk1Y NAD C298:amzn.to/2WSLbXo IOTAVX Stack: SA3:www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/products/iotavx-audiophile-stereo-amplifier-sa3 PA3: www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/products/iotavx-audiophile-power-amplifier

[@Unicorn-ST]

I like the "industrial design" with different driveres attached to the cabinet, they remind me of some vintage speakers. I am wondering how about to pair these speakers with a subwoofer, what do you think about?, Has you tested it? I see you have REL subwoofers. What do you prefer between REL and KEF KC62 for pairing with speakers like the KEF LS50 Meta or Tannoy REvolution XT6?

[@harnoorsingh2866]

Review Swan d300 and M500

[@gg.6967]

Jay your reviews are enjoyable, but all loudspeakers for residential should be voiced with there grills on. So that home aesthetics/ an option for everyone. Keep up the great work very entertaining.

[@jimmypang8111]

I had a Tekton Perfect SET for nearly six months now, I can relate to the comments made in video about the monitors: poor off axis listening, one sweet spot, sounds great with tube amps, smooth mids and textured but not the tightest bass. No speakers are perfect, like music, speakers choice really is a personal one. Many companies are selling direct and we based on reviews and comments to make our informed decision. Like Jay mentioned in the video, I have a nearly square listening (but treated) room....I need speakers that doesn't interact so much with the room, so very large and very expensive speakers are out of scope for me. My choice of music, is mainly vocals, Jazz, classical, pop...also watched movies with it (with an active subwoofer). I need a versatile, easy going and not too fussy with placement speakers. Also, I had two tube amps...the Perfect SET clearly loved the 8 wpc Class A SET 300B tube amp to the 100 wpc class AB tube amp! It sounds so musical, so rich in mids and texture. But the big power class AB tube amp just excels in both the extremes: highs are textured and extended, bass are cleaned, textured and extended. Sound was so much more dynamic and livelier, speakers disappear and just the live music in the room. Different good, but all good. So the Perfect SET is still quite versatile. But imaging, deep tight bass and off-axis listening are the compromise. Would there be better speakers i desire? Yes, but they are bigger, heavier and more expensive. For now, I like to keep my both feet down.

[@vtkz]

Neumann KH120 (or Abacus Cbox 4) for small rooms. Perfect choice (for me) - and you have the chance to use the Neumann DSP Sub for room correction and when you need more Lowend

[@rotorfix]

I’ve been intrigued by Tekton speakers many times but I’m put off by how often he revises models. Makes me wonder how much time and effort he actually devotes to each model.

[@The_Orphanizer]

I've had two sets of Tekton speakers. My advice (if you're in the market) is to call Eric directly, then discuss your budget and listening habits (environment, size/placement constraints, genres, channels, music vs. movies, etc.), and see what Eric recommends. He is very busy but also very accommodating. My first pair of Tekton's were Pendragons. I eventually sold them due to the size, but wanted something similar and smaller. I told Eric my situation, and he recommended a fully customized model for me. My current pair is roughly the size of the Lores, with a single 10" Pendragon woofer, a 1.25" Peerless corundum tweeter (not used in any other production models), includes the full upgrade package, with custom paint and custom grille color. They were shipped to me for a total of $1200. I am constantly astounded by the quality of them and the fact that he went to such lengths to develop a product I would so strongly approve of. The company is not perfect, and they have a long lead time (3-4 month wait for my speakers), but I cannot recommend then enough.

[@jayorick2077]

Love my Tekton 2-10s. Thanks for that advice. These are a chin scratcher. Maybe perfect for a secondary system where you can get your audiophile-listen on. Good review

[@reptilejesus829]

Was kinda excited for this one Enjoyed the review and the comfy vibe with the handheld camera and all that... good stuff as always

[@bstatmeister]

What would you rather live with in the same price range. This or the lores?

[@dougg1075]

A near field set up like that usually results in “ headphone” like sound regardless of the speaker as long as they are decent. I had a nearfield setup like that in a spare room ( apartment) using focal 716 floorstanders ( among others) and it was the best I’ve had since. When you go from nearfield to big room listening, the problems begin again. It spoils you. Or at least it did me.

[@vtkz]

yea ive the same opinion. i also changed my Listening setup from the classic ,, couch,, to ,,nearfield pc desk,, and i dont want to go back. You have the Depth of the music directly in front of you. And you hear less acoustic problems.

[@midmodaudio6576]

I love the look of those speakers

[@johnmarkzimm]

Great video. Thanks. I am looking for speakers for a 10x10 room😢 Would you still recommend these for a small room? Update: I don’t see the Troubadour on their website.

[@tcc5750]

I’m a fan of my Pendragons.

[@renatocresio]

Jay, I'm sorry about one thing wue maybe you don't like it anymore, but I don't think the domes don't reproduce good acute peak anymore

[@jjsc3334]

The 30 years old speakers still can compete modern speakers.

[@brydon10]

I think they look great, and the colour is very nice.

[@MOOeymania]

Any interest in the Decware amps?

[@mattyjlove7157]

Hi Jay, Thank you for your review. Are these better than the Quad S2's? If you reckon they are then I will buy them. As I love the Quads.

[@FlyGuy457]

So Eric has no solution for the stand? Curious that they made them this way versus the Mini Lore.

[@Frequincy100]

Been waiting for this review

[@fletchermunson6225]

Ir appears that you could mount all the speakers vertically on the narrow side of that speaker box. I wonder about the difference in sound? So, buy the speakers, make a duplicate box and mount the components in the narrow side of the new box? Not likely.

[@chinmeysway]

Sure wish their other speakers looked like this one more regarding the driver frame being so proud ground the baffle/front !

[@robmaxwell3678]

Jay, would you consider the upper mid and treble to be non-fatiguing or more on the fatiguing side after an hour or so of listening? Oh, yeah, and do you know if grilles are an option at Tekton?

[@christurner4882]

Hello Jay have you had the opportunity yet to listen to any of the Tekton Subwoofers? If so can you please share? I'm interested in getting a pair of 4 The Ten Inch Subwoofers.

[@lucacorso_audiosystem]

Great work components ! I wonder if a Dappolito setup with a narrower speaker front would not have been more effective on the stereo image.

[@ggc7318]

I love the look ! It is as if it was designed by some brutalist architects.

[@PetraKann]

Designed and hand made in Utah. Where are the drivers and crossover components made?

[@simonecominato5561]

Very interesting review. I was wondering: did you try swapping the speakers so the tweeters were on the inner side of the room? Does it make any difference?

[@motorradmike]

Thanks for your thoughtful and thorough review!

[@monrosj]

Those Wharfedale stands appear to be only 17" tall if I'm reading the specs. correctly. My Tekton Impact Monitors sit on 24" stands and that just puts the tweeter at ear level. Granted my chair might be higher than average.

[@TNPFan]

If you had to pick just one, for a small room… these Tekton’s, Kef LS50 Meta or Elac Debut Ref bookshelf?

[@Jayiyagi]

These. For a small room.

[@delvalle9256]

@@Jayiyagi wait.. the troubadours are better the meta and Elac Debut Reference?

[@quilnty]

How do you think about Norh speaker Jay

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Mr. Miyagi could have caught those flies with chopsticks.

[@Jayiyagi]

I've failed him...

[@seanb3303]

Link to diffusion panel on front wall? Thanks

[@Jayiyagi]

always linked in the descriptions but here you go: ua-acoustics.com/

[@hiresaudiocosta873]

It may be a good idea to refer to the three smaller drivers properly. One tweeter and two midranges. ( Not three tweeters). Less confusing that way. Thanks 😎

[@prsjackal]

How do you find importing Tekton? Any funnies with Customs, GST/HST.. fees, etc….. ? I’m really interested in these (even this blue is actually pretty cool), but I don’t want to get screwed over fees. I ordered a US made tablet holder a couple months ago which was about US$80, but as it was getting ready to ship, there was a US$100 surcharge for shipping, brokerage, etc… I ask because I’m in Ottawa and would likely see the same fees, etc…

[@hoboKinngg]

Hey brother appreciate the vids and reviews. Been watching your channel for awhile! I’ve got a question. So if I buy the tekton troubadour and iota sa3 and iota pa3 what else do I need to get it hooked up to my turntable and tv? do they come with cables and all that? And if they don’t what are some good cables on the cheaper end I should get? Thanks man!

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

" Tilted " =)

[@supabayes3284]

Enjoyed this review. Interesting that you compared it to the Pendragon. This reminds me of the Pen but in a huge monitor body. How do these compared to the Buchardt S400?

[@Jayiyagi]

Hmmm. Id say the S400 is way more bass-ier But the tektons have more smoothness in the midrange, more texture and refinement in the highs. - given they are set for correct applications

[@juliangst]

The blue color gives me JBL vibes. Too bad you can’t get them in the EU

[@rowmac]

Hi Jay where did you get your chair

[@stopthefomo]

Since small rooms have the worst wall boundary interaction, I’d say any GLM equipped Genelec active speakers.

[@kevin-zd4po]

Are these speakers $1k for the pair or each?

[@Jayiyagi]

pair

[@kevin-zd4po]

@@Jayiyagi what other speakers out there in ur opinion within the 5k price range compare to these thanks.

[@jonuiuc]

Was there any video of any of those speakers Jay sent to get measured the anehoic chamber? I think it was the KLH and another one.

[@Jayiyagi]

it was this one. You can look at the pinned post.

[@jonuiuc]

@@Jayiyagi ah cool must have missed it.

[@meshplates]

What are the sensitivity and impedance specs?

[@Jayiyagi]

I believe listed by tekton will be 90db at 8 ohms but I have measured it over at the NRC so we shall wait for future postings of an anechoic response

[@mmelimotsepe6192]

Interesting speakers

[@metatron-007]

There a nearfield monitor, that's what they are. They also look almost the same as there Studio Monitor.

[@BetterISupposeYeah]

Jay you are a genius. Thank God you removed yourself from that other channel.

[@AlexGallacher]

Thanks

[@deeplyclosetedindividual]

But are they as good as a Mickey D's double Filet o' Fish?

[@FairZack234]

I'll be waiting for the review of the SA-Z1!

[@alanmcivor2916]

I don't know why Tekton doesn't make the most popular speaker configuration, a tweeter (or more) with two 6.5' woofers in a floorstander. It makes for a sleek space saving design. These speakers wouldn't fit it my room, so the sound is irrelevant. (I have Wharfedale evo 4.2's)

[@MrTgrewell]

SN: 0001 nice!

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

damn they sound goood good!!

[@philbarone4603]

You can tell by listening on here? I don't thinks so.

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

@@philbarone4603 yes

[@fletchermunson6225]

Color is a personal thing, and I understand they will do custom colors, but I can't help but think how much more attractive their speaker would be if they used some nice metallic automotive color finishes. I'm always pleased at how many beautiful colors are being used on cars now. I think it would be an improvement. I did see a pair of their speakers finished in "Coin Silver metallic" and they were very nice.

[@kru420m]

That's an option if you just give Eric a call!

[@bobb.9917]

OK…Flies are annoying…and I found this review to be the same. Jay…sounds like you spent the whole review kind of making excuses for these speakers. It was annoying. Unlike you, I LOVE the odd look and cool blue color and I have been looking forward to this review, but with the geometry and those small base drivers my expectations were guarded…. With the stand issues/expense and the iffy-at-best sound quality (just say it! 😀). I want to get an efficient set for my low-power tube amp…. I am sure that a set of Lores would be a waaaaaay better choice and a lot less expensive than The Troubadours when you consider the stand issue. In the end…I think they would sound way better, be less finicky and take up less space, too! I do agree with you that Tekton should provide affordable stands…I think ones where the base stays put and the top swivels, as to make that elusive sweet spot easier to dial in!

[@Jayiyagi]

Theres a clear difference between an “excuse” and actually explaining the correct “applications” These are better than the lores in the application I explained.

[@bobb.9917]

@@Jayiyagi Point taken!…but that is a very narrow application in my book….. Tujen: "Car Audio" 🤭 😁

[@MrWslindsay]

@@bobb.9917 The car audio comment stopped me in my tracks 😳. That being said, I purchased the Lore Reference last October and they arrived at the end of January. The Lores were purchased June 1st and will arrive tomorrow September 3rd. That at least gives some time windows one might experience in delivery. I had one pair. I had to go back for seconds. For me I've found my endgame for a while now. So thanks Jay 👍👍👍

[@bobb.9917]

@@MrWslindsay hey Shane….I would love to hear about your experience with the Lores! Set-up etc. I am really looking for an efficient set of speakers for a 20wpc 300B tube amp that I have. I keep coming back to the Lores.

[@MrWslindsay]

@@bobb.9917 Can do. That's cool you wanted to pair up with tubes. Same here. Gonna be a bit for break-in but I want to try them in a couple of systems (Solid State and Tubes). Really want them to pair up with my Rogue Audio. We'll see. You never know what you're going to end up with

[@MrShaggy789]

For your pest problem, flies hate peppermint, lavender, cinnamon, pine & eucolpus.

[@neilaltschuler6064]

Early Bose look

[@Unker_Spunkanathan]

looks like what Ikea will make. so where is that Indian friend of yours? I thought the presentation was much better when there were 2 of you. BTW, your face is on a few channels. What's the difference? Same stuff, different name?

[@erikalexander6602]

Single seat only setup compatible speaker???! I’m out

[@Jayiyagi]

Yeap. Not for everyone

[@erikalexander6602]

@@Jayiyagi The speaker would need to be otherwise exceptional sounding! .. be super dynamic, transparent, refined , etc , and such

[@mikedambrosio1578]

Every new sku just confuses me more about what a Tekton speaker is. Every idea must be tested built and sold. Tekton Design is a prototype factory. But I bet they all sound pretty darn good...

[@deankim6687]

No offense, but the aesthetics of your speakers would prevent me from buying them.

[@seanb3303]

Eric should have made it a tower. It’s too big for desk or shelf. And doesn’t fit on stands. It’s basically a chode.

[@Jayiyagi]

yea... I asked him about that and he meant this for really the niche within a niche of people I guess... "dedicated stereo in a confined space" Only if this fit on my desk.. I wish !

[@deeplyclosetedindividual]

I think this speaker may work for quite a few people in small, crowded condos etc. Placed on a dresser or sideboard, up against the wall.

[@seanb3303]

@@deeplyclosetedindividual as long as they are single 😀

[@deeplyclosetedindividual]

@@seanb3303 why? Do you let your gf tell you what you can and cannot do? Jokes aside, I think they look cool.

[@seanb3303]

@@deeplyclosetedindividual I just say the door is that way and wink. Oddly enough it builds attraction

[@laowho]

I think Thujan is the Chewbacca of your channel.. does he jump in the boxes after you unbox equipment?

[@kevin-zd4po]

Why do u have front firing subs for 2 ch listening. Those who listen to 2 ch. down firing subs are best!

[@Audfile]

Too bad you can't get Beryllium on this.

[@jon4715]

Probably the coolest looking speaker besides Magnepans.

[@Djskdhsjq]

Great job polishing a turd

[@laowho]

jay vs the English Language. English.. has gone undefeated.

[@laowho]

Jay doesn't realize more showers = less flies

[@nnaaeee]

Hey Jay, I'm a fan so I hope you take my comments constructively. I used to like your cool looks and quiet persona to reviews but recently see the change in the style of your videos to a more lifestyle vibe. I have nothing against that but I find that many times, it becomes pretty cringy and I don't know whether to take you seriously. For instance, the fly swat at the start of the video.. I get it. But it is cringy. I suppose you are targeting the younger audience that prefers such a lifestyle presentation, but right now, maybe you are still trying to find your way into making such a lifestyle vibe works. I feel that theo and harris is a channel that gives off the casual, humorous vibe while still being very serious about their discussion. I also feel that having so many camera angles and props (like the fly swat) in your video isn't really bringing much value to the video, but perhaps it is only just me. Anyhow, keep it up, and I look forward to more vids from you.

[@philbarone4603]

Tektons are the biggest farce put upon by the audio world ever. Cheap drivers, poor quality case, mediocre sound, very poor service and 3 1/2 month wait. Don't pull the trigger on anything Tekton.

[@Jayiyagi]

I agree that their wait time is ridiculous but I guess it’s cuz so many people order them. I hope they expand or something. I don’t agree on the sound being poor or mediocre but each to their own on that one

[@philbarone4603]

@@Jayiyagi Take an ear training course then. I'm a professional musician (local 802), I have perfect pitch and have done thousands of gigs. I bought a pair Double Impacts and they were garbage.

[@Jayiyagi]

@@philbarone4603 Phil. Thats very respectable but that doesn't make your preference any right than anyone else's. As a professional musician you should know that right? I'm a human hearing researcher and worked in studios but I don't think my findings are everything ! I just report my experiences and share them through these videos so I think you should be a little more respectful and not wave someone off as if they are deaf for liking what you dislike. Cheers

[@Scottlp2]

@@philbarone4603 what is your favorite speaker? People’s tastes vary (I prefer Omni/bipoles/dipole/open baffles/wide dispersion) and just because a speaker is not optimal in one parameter that you like doesn’t make them bad. I have never heard this brand.

[@Jayiyagi]

@@welshrarebit9238 I agree on the cheap parts used to construct the cabinet of the speakers but the drivers are anything but cheap for a sub $1000 speaker. You can look em up, they are far more expensive tweeters than the ones used in most sub $1000 speakers or even above. Also, you can purchase them for something like 90 days home trial with Tektons... so not sure theres any risk to anyone trying it out... of course, outside of the ridiculous waiting times

[@iputinkayo7795]

Nice intro