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
- Highly efficient (96dB), making them easy to drive with virtually any amplifier, even low-wattage tube amps
- Significant sonic slam and a powerful, energetic sound despite their relatively small size
- Front-ported design makes them easier to place and tune in a room compared to rear-ported speakers
- Refined and airy high-frequency reproduction without harshness or sibilance
- Linear bass response without a mid-bass bump, resulting in a natural and controlled sound
Product Considerations
- Cabinets have a handmade feel and may lack the ultra-slick or polished finish found in some more expensive speakers
- Binding posts and other details are not ultra-fancy, reflecting the budget-conscious design
- May not be the best choice if one wants the multi-driver array found on some other Tekton models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monoprice Monolith Audition T5: The Lore Reference has a more heart-thumping effect
- Vs. PSB Alpha T20: The Lore Reference is easier to drive
- Vs. Tekton Design Pendragon: The Pendragon has a more powerful and impactful sound—with a fancy tweeter design
- Vs DeVORE FIDELITY O/96: The Tekton Lore Reference seems like the way to go if one can't afford the DeVORE FIDELITY O/96
Takeaway: These speakers offer a great value for their price, delivering high-end sound with a fun and engaging listening experience. The Tekton Lore Reference speaker is the right size, the right look, and the right sound to make any audiophile happy.
All
Lore Reference
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Frequency response: 37Hz-40kHz
- Sensitivity: 96dB 1W@1m
- Impedance: 8 Ohm
- Power handling: 400 watts
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 36" x 10.25" x 11.75"
- Weight: 44 lbs each
- Transducer: 8"
- HF transducer: Hybrid
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.
Select products
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.
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Used
Tekton
What if you spend more?
Redesign update! The Pendragon has now been updated and improved, incorporating key technology from our industry-changing US patent 9247339! Hear for yourself how an amazing system is now even better!​ Discover the magic of the Pendragon for yourself. Having now garnered a literal cult following, the mighty Tekton Pendragon rules and imitates no one. Discover the pure acoustical genius and forward-thinking, proprietary innovation contained within the Pendragon. Now with a recent voicing and X-over update to further its exacting resolution and detail, the mighty Pendragon is sounding better than ever!
Product Strengths
- Offers a big, room-filling sound, conveying a real sense of scale and slam to music
- Capable of very high output without distortion, can play at reference levels without fatigue
- Very efficient and easy to drive, making it suitable for various amplifiers, including Class D and tube amps
- Patented Tweeter Array provides low-distortion, high-impact midrange and treble
- A full-range loudspeaker with custom 10-inch woofers providing room-compressing, bottom-octave bass
Product Considerations
- Physically very large
- A very minor sonic ire in the upper midrange that some keen listeners might pick up on
- Sound quality is heavily reliant on source material, poor recordings sound bad through these speakers
- Sweet spot is a bit more narrow compared to some other speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Emotiva ERM-6.3, the ERM-6.3s are soft, expressive of very small nuances, and laid back
Takeaway: The Tekton Pendragon is a powerful and efficient speaker system that delivers a big, lifelike sound, making it a great choice for immersive home theater and enjoying music. It offers excellent value.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- The Double Impacts offer a full frequency spectrum, with good bass, midrange, and high-frequency extension
- Very good all-rounder speakers
- Efficient and easy to drive, making them compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, from low-powered tube amps to higher-powered solid-state amps
- Provides very clean, clear, and detailed sound
- Create an incredibly large, deep soundstage with clear and precise imaging, when set up carefully
Product Considerations
- Some may find the Double Impacts to be a little ugly
- High frequencies can be a little bit more brighter
- Placement near room boundaries can be problematic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Reviewers sold KEF Blade 2's and purchased Double Impacts
Takeaway: The Double Impacts are impressive speakers that provide a full and detailed sound. Because they are efficient and work well with many different kinds of amplifiers, they're a very good value for the price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Tekton Moab is a phenomenal speaker with a natural sound
- The low-end output is solid and firm, sounding like the real instrument and never being bloaty
- The midrange is smooth, full, and natural, making it easy to listen to, with amazing vocals for both male and female voices
- The top end is clear, and instruments are well-separated with amazing imaging
- The Moab is relatively forgiving in terms of setup, not requiring extreme finickiness with placement and toe-in
Product Considerations
- Outriggers are recommended for better stabilization due to the speaker's large size and feet, which can affect bass output
- The appearance of the speakers can be polarizing
- Comb filtering exists in the measurements from about 3.5kHz to about 11 kHz, it's minor and likely inaudible with music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Tekton Moab Be edged out the MartinLogan Odysseys that had been a conduit to musical joy for years, becoming the new reference speakers
Takeaway: The Tekton Moab is an enjoyable speaker that offers a natural sound and solid low-end output. It is also relatively forgiving in terms of setup, making it a good option for those looking for a high-quality speaker system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- 'Liveness' and 'presence' in the way music is produced
- High sensitivity allows for great dynamic nuance and 'closer to real' dynamic range
- Good balance in that the ratio of highs to lows trends towards a lighter, brighter perspective
Product Considerations
- Bass is not as full as the DI model
- Placement is very important
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Tekton Design Double Impact (DI): The DI is bigger, heavier, and has larger woofers and midrange drivers, resulting in a deeper, fuller, richer, and more relaxed sound with bigger images and soundstage
- Vs Tekton Design Double Impact (DI): The Electron may be a better choice for smaller rooms or when loudspeaker placement opportunities are limited
- Vs Tekton Design Double Impact (DI): The Electron has a more 'audiophile' balance, while the DI is considered more 'musical'
Takeaway: The Electron is a good speaker, especially for smaller rooms and when you want a lighter, brighter sound. Excellent sound can be achieved with flexible placement.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Ability to be furious with rock music and delicate with jazz, sounding extremely natural to the recording
- Presents a lifelike reproduction of live music events
- Delivers an immersive movie experience far better than any movie theater with a seamless transition through all of the speakers
- Conveys a real sense of scale and slam to music, especially symphonic, grand opera, and stadium rock
- Detail and overall resolution are very good, exemplified by the delicacy of instruments
Product Considerations
- Is a victim of the recording, poor quality music sounds poor through them
- The sweet spot is a bit more narrow, requiring careful positioning for optimal listening
- The size of the surrounds/center requires consideration during setup
- The reviewer questions the provided sensitivity rating
- May lack some of the organic woody character and body that some listeners prefer for string reproduction
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Emotiva ERM-6.3: Suits the reviewer better and adds a degree of sheer awesomeness, while the ERM-6.3s are more forgiving of poor quality music
- Vs B&W diamond speakers: Is just as good
- Vs Spendor BC1: Lacks the organic woody character and body that the BC1s lend to string reproduction
- Vs ATC SCM19: Seemed a tad slow and less resolving
- Vs Wilson Audio MAXX: The Wilson Audio MAXX speakers trump on scale of reproduction, resolution, and extension to subsonic frequencies
Takeaway: The Tekton Pendragon offers a listening experience for both music and movies. It delivers scale, slam, and panache.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Flat in-room frequency response, especially from 200 Hz upwards, contributes to accurate sound reproduction
- Amplifier and receiver friendly due to its high sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance, performing well with entry-level to flagship AV receivers and amplifiers
- The new, larger Tractrix horn waveguide design offers improved directivity control and high-frequency focus
- Excels in dynamics, delivering raw impact and presence that enhances the excitement of movies and gaming, as well as rock and electronica music
Product Considerations
- Treble might become fatiguing with lesser recordings or at higher volumes, and may not be agreeable with all genres for listeners seeking a very smooth top end
- The midrange, while linear, isn't completely neutral due to some cabinet resonance, adding extra energy that may or may not be desirable depending on listener preference
- For true full-range playback, a subwoofer is required to compensate for the lack of deep bass extension
- The vinyl finish may disappoint fans of natural materials
- Best listened at within a 5-degree angle, and listening at a height level with the tweeter is clearly the best choice
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Polk R700: R700 is a more versatile all-rounder, but preferred for rock and electronica
- Vs. Sonus Faber Lumina 5: The Sonus Faber is better built and looks nicer, but more refined
- Vs. Q Acoustics Concept 50s: The Concept 50s image a little better, disappear just a little bit better, and they are exceptional off-axis, but do not play as low
- Vs. Heco Aurora 1000: The Heco is more linear across the range
- Vs. SVS Prime Pinnacle: The SVS Prime Pinnacle has a tweeter that is lower in level, offering a warmer sound
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-8000F Mark II is a speaker that brings a dynamic sound to movies, gaming, and music. For speakers that are easy to set up, are amplifier-friendly and deliver punchy, clear audio, these could be a great option.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Creates a very open and transparent soundstage, which crosses the threshold of believability in a small to medium-sized room
- Low distortion, especially in the midrange and upper bass, making listeners realize how imperfectly transparent many speakers are
- Highly resolving, with impressive performance on acoustical instruments and vocal reproduction
- Offers a unique and remarkable experience due to the story and love behind the speaker's creation
- Presents a challenge, helping users understand speaker positions as the sound changes completely with movement
- Considered 'eminently affordable' and provides incredible sound for the price
Product Considerations
- Requires significant time to install, tweak, and dial in due to its dipole design, making positioning critical
- Bass is not powerful—it doesn't do pounding bass, and listeners won't feel the bass pounding on their chest, so a subwoofer might be needed, especially for rock, pop, dance, and electronic music
- Needs good power and high current to sound clean and not cause fatigue, it is not a powerful-sounding speaker
- The stand included is considered subpar and not very versatile
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs the original LRS, the LRS+ has ameliorated treble, has smoother upper mids, and has a reduced nosedive in the power range and midbass
Takeaway: The Magnepan LRS+ is a special speaker with an open soundstage, great details, and makes music sound real and enjoyable. Though not perfect, it is well worth buying because it offers an excellent way to experience a panel speaker without spending too much.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Emit 30 delivers a satisfying and full-bodied sound, particularly excelling in the midrange, making vocals, piano, strings, and horns sound 'right'
- Bass performance is impressive for its size, delivering clean, fast, and airy bass with low distortion
- Good clarity and detail, rendering a wide range of recordings
- Good dynamics and energy, making music lively and engaging
- Top-notch build quality
Product Considerations
- The Emit 30's presentation might favor sophistication over excitement, with rhythmic drive being somewhat muted
- High-frequency non-linearity
- Some reviewers found the upper frequencies 'off', sometimes a little too soft
- The vinyl finish may be a drawback for some, as it is not as luxurious as real wood veneers
- Speakers like a bit of power
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Triangle Comet: The Emit 30 is rich, warm, and sweet, whereas the Comet is fast, quick, hyper-detailed, and exciting
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The Emit 30 gives a more complete, full-bodied sound, while the LS50 offers clearer vocals and more air
Takeaway: The Dynaudio Emit 30 is a well-rounded speaker that offers a satisfying and engaging listening experience with impressive bass and midrange performance. It's a great value for those seeking a refined and capable floorstanding speaker without breaking the bank.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Well-rounded sound for the price
- Easy to drive with various amplifiers
- Easy to place in a room, even close to a wall, thanks to the rear slot port design
- Wide sound dispersion, making them suitable for enjoying with friends and family
- Smooth, warm, and non-fatiguing sound, suitable for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- Bass can sometimes muddy the midrange, especially with tone controls that increase bass
- Soundstage depth may fall a bit short compared to more expensive speakers
- The provided spikes attach directly to the base of the cabinet, which could affect side-to-side stability
- Accessories could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Magnepan LRS+—AE109² easier to own, less finicky with amp requirements and placement, and better for sharing due to wider sweet spot, though Magnepan sounds better
- Vs DALI Spektor 6—AE109² presents a genuine challenge, with better looks, though DALI has more 'fizz' of excitement
Takeaway: The AE109² is a budget-friendly floorstanding speaker that provides a balanced and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those prioritizing ease of placement and a wide soundstage. These speakers are a great option for creating a solid system.
Video review
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