Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Tonally rich and natural sounding
  • Amazing detail that rivals the best electrostatics in terms of the pure level of detail and resolution
  • They create an incredibly large, deep soundstage that will fill the room and place within that soundstage images as clear and precise as any speaker
  • They handle pretty much every other aspect of what a speaker should do in an exemplary fashion
  • Very easy to drive

Product Considerations

  • These proved to be the most time consuming speakers to position that one has ever had in one's rooms
  • Toe-in angle was critical, distance from the wall behind them was super critical, and all totally room dependent
  • These are very directional speakers
  • The bass response has to be looked at in conjunction with the room one is using them in
  • They also require a relatively long 100 hour "break-in" period before they really start to loosen up a little and really shine

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Tekton Lore, they do everything better than the Lores

Takeaway: The Double Impact is a stunning achievement in speaker design that offers an immersive and detailed listening experience. If one appreciates natural sound, exceptional detail, and a wide soundstage, these speakers are definitely worth considering for an audio setup.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Double Impact Full Tower In-Wall

reviews

[{"title":"Tekton Double Impact Loudspeakers","link":"https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/tekton-double-impact-loudspeakers","source":"positive-feedback.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-30kHz (±1dB from 70Hz-20kHz)
  • Sensitivity: 98.82dB 2.83V@1m
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm
  • Power Handling: 400 Watt
  • Dimensions (outer): 99" x 17.5" x 5.375" (Height x Width x Depth)
  • Rear Dimensions: 96" x 14.5" (Height x Width)
  • Weight: 168 lbs
  • Drivers: 2x Pendragon 10" transducers, Dual 6" mid-bass transducers
Made under U.S. Patent 9247339

Proprietary 4-way loudspeaker design

Proprietary controlled directivity – acoustically superior proprietary wide dispersion, triple-ring radiator high frequency array. This array disperses a precisely focused acoustical power pattern of that of a horn or waveguide without the audible ringing influence of horn flare walls constraining the soundwave for acoustically superior mid-range high frequency performance
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Tekton Design's speaker designs incorporate a patented tweeter array, utilizing multiple tweeters to function as a low-mass midrange driver and enhance clarity and dynamic capabilities.
  • They offer a highly customizable experience, allowing customers to select from a wide array of colors and optional upgrades to tailor the speakers to their specific tastes and system needs.
  • Tekton speakers are known for their high sensitivity and easy-to-drive nature, making them compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, including low-powered tube amps.
  • They provide a full-range sound with extended bass response, eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer in many listening environments, resulting in a coherent and immersive audio experience.

Pendragon (2 Ohm)

  • Positioning: A mid-range full tower speaker designed for high efficiency and dynamic sound.
  • Description: Offers a powerful and immersive audio experience with its dual 10" transducers and proprietary 5-tweeter array. Compared to the Double Impact, the 2 Ohm design provides a unique impedance option that can enhance performance with specific amplifiers, offering flexibility for audiophiles with diverse setups.

Double Impact

  • Positioning: A versatile full tower speaker known for its exceptional clarity and detail.
  • Description: Features a proprietary 4-way design and tweeter array, delivering a focused sound without distortion, making it suitable for both music and home theater applications. While it shares some design elements with the Pendragon, the higher sensitivity and broader impedance options make it more adaptable to various audio environments and equipment.

Matrix LS

  • Positioning: A premium signature series speaker offering advanced acoustic performance.
  • Description: Stands out with its all-Beryllium tweeter array and adjustable rear-firing ambiance depth source, providing a nuanced and immersive listening experience. Unlike the 1812 Model V12, the Matrix LS focuses on delivering ultra-linear frequency response.

1812 Model V12

  • Positioning: A flagship model representing the pinnacle of Tekton Design's loudspeaker engineering.
  • Description: Features a unique 3-way design with a single 18" subwoofer capsule and multiple mid and high-frequency transducers. It offers a lifelike soundstage and exceptional clarity.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
10
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
114
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
62
Founding Year
2006

Our take on the brand

Tekton Design is known for its patented tweeter array technology, which uses multiple tweeters in a concentric arrangement to act as a midrange driver, delivering high-impact sound with exceptional clarity. The brand's speakers, which are particularly well-suited for tube amplifiers due to their high efficiency, deliver high-end performance at significantly lower prices through their direct-to-consumer sales model.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Dali
Phantom S-280
7000
7000
/
1
Reviews
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Immersive sound quality
  • Can handle a lot of dynamics
  • Impressive shallow installation depth (approximately 10cm) despite its size
  • Solid construction using high-quality aluminum, steel, and MDF to counteract resonances
  • Easy to install with clamps and a supplied Allen key

Product Considerations

  • Standard white covers may need repainting to match specific wall colors
  • Some users may desire a little deeper bass for movies

Takeaway: The DALI Phantom 280S offers immersive sound and dynamic performance while being relatively easy to install within a wall. Its solid construction and good finish make it a worthwhile consideration for a home theater or high-end audio setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Focal
1000 IWLCR Utopia
7999
7999
/
1
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • True audiophile performance with pinpoint imaging and a huge soundstage from an in-wall footprint rivaling free standing speakers
  • Reference-grade materials such as inverted beryllium dome tweeter and W Cone sandwich drivers
  • Utopia models feature a slick, modular, expandable design to fit a variety of installations
  • LFE signals can be sent to the IWLCR Utopia when used in conjunction with the IWSUB-Utopia

Product Considerations

  • Dog ears are finicky and may have issues when installing multiple sheetrock layers near max thickness rating
  • Connection plates adhering to the joints and ends of the grilles don't always sit completely flat
  • An equally capable processor with advanced EQ and amplifier stable into low impedance loads is required to maximize performance potential
  • IWSUB Utopia models lack a vibration damping suspension system

Takeaway: The Focal Utopia offers audiophile-grade sound with flexible installation, making it a great choice for those who want top-notch performance without taking up floor space. With its advanced features and high-quality components, it delivers an immersive audio experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Fonica
Flag M
7766
7766
/
2
Reviews

FLAG COLLECTION FLAG M FLAG M speakers guarantee excellent acoustic performance in medium-large rooms. The isodynamic technology allows to obtain a very uniform sound diffusion in the listening room. In the active digital version, equipped with remote control and digital inputs, the speakers become a complete audio system and you just need to connect a music source to enjoy your music.

Fonica International uses isodynamic technology in their speakers, which involves a thin Mylar membrane vibrating with neodymium magnets to create an ultra-slim design without internal resonance issues. Their handcrafted speakers are known for creating a large, dynamic soundstage with excellent sound diffusion, and they offer customization options to match various aesthetic preferences.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Very slim, making them convenient to place in a room
  • With no acoustic enclosure, they are free from colouration caused by internal resonances
  • High and mid frequencies are clean, detailed, yet not fatiguing
  • They can handle a variety of music genres, including Western Classical, Modern Pop, Hard Rock, Jazz, and Vocal based Music
  • They create a large picturesque sound stage with placement of musicians across the stage

Product Considerations

  • The aesthetic may not be for everyone
  • Care is required when handling the speakers, especially with regard to children and animals
  • The lower frequencies may take some time getting adjusted to, compared to the coloration of cabinet speakers
  • The instruction manual is not so helpful, due to literal translation

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Traditional Box Speakers–the Flag Ms offer a non-traditional approach to high-end quality listening
  • Vs Traditional Box Speakers–the Flag Ms at the price point may be a worthy option when considering traditional box speaker competition

Takeaway: The Fonica International Flag M loudspeakers offer a unique listening experience with a sleek design and impressive soundstage. For those looking for a different approach to high-end audio, the Flag Ms are worth a listen.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Fonica International uses isodynamic technology in their speakers, which involves a thin Mylar membrane vibrating with neodymium magnets to create an ultra-slim design without internal resonance issues. Their handcrafted speakers are known for creating a large, dynamic soundstage with excellent sound diffusion, and they offer customization options to match various aesthetic preferences.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Monitor
Cinergy 300
6500
6500
/
2
Reviews
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Huge soundstage that expands beyond the confines of the room
  • Incredible flexibility regarding placement and orientation, including in-wall, on-wall, and floor-standing options
  • Speakers reveal a level of detail that few other systems can match
  • THX Ultra certified and built to achieve true cinema reference volume levels

Product Considerations

  • System should be installed by a professional
  • The HFT drivers that make the sound so revealing could appear a little bright if not correctly tuned

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Monitor Audio Cinergy comes dangerously close to dethroning Perlisten in terms of movie sound

Takeaway: The Cinergy series is a fantastic option for home cinema fans, giving the best possible sound quality with a design tailored to home theater needs. A well-planned and executed Cinergy system can rival many commercial cinemas, offering a truly immersive sound experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

M&K Sound
IW500
4999
/
Released
2024
The first THX® Certified Dominus in-wall loudspeaker for very large home cinemas with both vertical and horizontal installation flexibility. M&K Sound has combined a high-performance one-inch soft dome tweeter with a precision-crafted aluminum waveguide to ensure accurate and focused vertical and horizontal dispersion characteristics. The design marks the first time M&K Sound has developed a horn-loaded loudspeaker which guarantees real and natural delivery, whether placed vertically or horizontally.
Check Amazon
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • THX Certified Dominus means it is optimized for room volumes of up to 6,500 cubic feet
  • Can be used as a left, center, or right speaker and is the most powerful reference loudspeaker produced to date by M&K Sound
  • Can be mounted either vertically or horizontally as a center channel
  • Designed for use in high-end home theaters or hifi systems, it boasts an 80 Hz – 20 kHz (+/-1.5 dB) frequency response and a maximum SPL of greater than 117 dB
  • Combines a high-performance one-inch soft dome tweeter with a precision-crafted aluminum waveguide to ensure accurate and focused vertical and horizontal dispersion

Product Considerations

  • Should ideally be paired with one or more subwoofers, such as M&K Sound's THX Certified Dominus X15+ subwoofer
  • Requires an amplifier with 100-500 watts of power

Takeaway: The IW500 is designed for large home theater installations, bringing sonic precision, neutrality, and articulation. Its THX Dominus certification ensures high performance and makes it a great choice for those looking for unrivaled audio in large environments.

Video review

Our take on the brand

M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Wisdom Audio
Insight Series P4i
2760
/
Released
Compact in size, the Insight Series P4i defies traditional categorization. Sharing the design elements of its larger Insight Series sibling, it is hard to believe the musical and cinematic performance and dynamic quality of this small in-wall loudspeaker. The Insight Series P4i includes a planar magnetic driver – and four robust 3"x5" woofers for low distortion, high-resolution sound, and a superior dynamic range.
Check Amazon
Wisdom Audio specializes in planar magnetic drivers and line source speaker technology, which provides consistent sound coverage throughout a room and minimizes sound distortion compared to traditional point source speakers. Their speakers are designed to be integrated into walls or ceilings without compromising sound quality.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Truly outstanding sound quality, delivering a near-electrostatic, audiophile listening experience in a disappearing, in-wall package
  • Uses planar magnetic thin-film drivers (PMD) which can be highly detailed with excellent transient response
  • PMDs are quite reliable because the spread-out "voice grid" is great at dissipating heat
  • PMDs are super-easy for an amplifier to drive, as they are "an almost perfectly resistive load"

Product Considerations

  • Horizontal center channel use of the Insight P4i requires stud modifications due to its size

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Insight series squeezes most of the sound quality of the Wisdom Audio Sage Series into a less imposing, less costly package

Takeaway: The Wisdom Audio Insight P4i speakers provide excellent sound quality in an in-wall design, and are a great way to get high-end audio without large, free-standing speakers. They could be worth buying for those who want the best possible sound without compromising on interior design.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wisdom Audio specializes in planar magnetic drivers and line source speaker technology, which provides consistent sound coverage throughout a room and minimizes sound distortion compared to traditional point source speakers. Their speakers are designed to be integrated into walls or ceilings without compromising sound quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Dali
Phantom S-180
4000
/
Released
The DALI PHANTOM S-180 is a full-size in-wall speaker. Combining an 8" wood fibre driver, 10" passive carbon fibre radiator and a rotatable hybrid tweeter module, the PHANTOM S-180 delivers coherent, clean and detailed sound in a cabinet that fits into almost any standard wall.
Check Amazon
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers full, rich, and detailed sound with a hybrid tweeter module, an 8" wood fiber driver, and a 10" passive carbon fiber radiator
  • Offers a significant level of adjustability and customization to suit individual audio preferences and spatial requirements, and can be installed vertically or horizontally
  • Features a slim design and dogleg mounting system for easy installation on any standard wall
  • Meticulously designed and crafted with high-quality materials and rigorous testing processes

Product Considerations

  • Its high price point might make it less accessible for some customers
  • To achieve optimal sound, the speaker should be installed with the tweeter at ear height, which may require additional consideration during installation
  • The manufacturing origin of the speaker is not mentioned

Takeaway: The DALI Phantom S-180 is an excellent in-wall speaker that provides great sound and can be adjusted to fit individual needs. It's a worthwhile investment for a top-notch audio experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Dali
Phantom S-80
3000
/
Released
The DALI PHANTOM S-80 in-wall speaker delivers a clear and well-defined audio performance. With its combined 8" bass/midrange woofer and rotatable hybrid tweeter module, the PHANTOM S-80 is a flexible speaker with impressive bass response.
Check Amazon
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers high-quality audiophile sound.
  • Runs cleanly even at extremely high volumes.
  • Treble dispersion creates a surprisingly wide sweet spot.
  • Provides excellent precision in sound location, even when placed against a wall.
  • First class clarity

Product Considerations

  • Bass extension is fairly limited without a subwoofer
  • Mounting depth is 104mm
  • High frequency dispersion can be problematic if used horizontally without rotating the tweeter module

Takeaway: The Dali Phantom S-80 is a superb installation loudspeaker that delivers high-quality sound and runs cleanly at high volumes, perfect for someone looking for great audio in a discreet package. Its clarity and precision make it a worthwhile addition to any audio setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Focal
1000 IWLCR6
2999
/
Released
2021
The IWLCR6 closed-back 1000 speaker can be integrated into your walls for an exceptional, discreet Home Cinema configuration. It is equipped with the best drivers and tweeters that Focal engineers have developed for uncompromising acoustics. Thanks to its sophisticated design and rotatable, directional mid-high plate, the listening point is perfectly targeted.
Check Amazon
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • High sensitivity (91dB)
  • Speaker bandwidth (+/-3dB): 48Hz – 40kHz
  • Low-frequency cut-off (-6dB): 43Hz

Product Considerations

  • Sibilance can be noticeable
  • A resonance exists at 200Hz due to the speaker itself
  • Data shows a +10dB high-Q peak around 100Hz relative to the midrange, so it can be very boomy
  • Horizontal sound quality suffers beyond about 30 degrees
  • Midrange sounds recessed

Takeaway: The Focal 1000 IWLCR6 has a wide bandwidth and high sensitivity, making it a potentially good choice for in-wall speaker systems. The -3dB switch may help with the sibilance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

How to buy

Speakers

Search all hifi products

Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.