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.
All
Ulfberht 15
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Sensitivity: 98dB 2.83V@1m
- Impedance: 4 Ohm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-30kHz
- Power Handling: 1000 Watt
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 80.75" x 16.0" x 17.0" (205.1 cm x 40.64 cm x 43.18 cm)
The Ulfberht 15 is an evolution of our original Ulfberht design that incorporates two 15-inch drivers and a larger cabinet.
High-end loudspeaker manufacturers have become very good at making visually striking products that are undoubtedly works of visual art… but unfortunately, those looks don't necessarily translate to better sound. At Tekton Design, our emphasis has always been to create the highest-performing, yet cost-effective loudspeakers conceivable – all of which are solidly grounded in electro-acoustical physics.
We reject the notion that high-end hi-fi needs to be high-priced, and boldly ask: Do you want a pretty pair of museum pieces that put out "good enough" sound? Or are you ready for loudspeakers that produce a level of fidelity positively guaranteed to rival or often exceed the biggest and most expensive brands out there at a fraction of the cost?
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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Tekton
What if you spend more?
The Børresen X series loudspeakers are not only a new entry-level into the Børresen universe, but also represents a real revolution in quality and performance in its price range. These speakers are created based on all the knowledge collected in the process of the creation of the M, 0 and Z-series. You´ll find components from these exclusive series in this Børresen X series loudspeakers – for instance the brand new Spread-tow carbon membrane, the highly praised Børresen ribbon tweeter and the use of copper caps in the magnetic motor system.
The X-series membrane that consists of three skins laminated into a single unit: two layers of spread carbon fiber, with a layer of aramid honeycomb spacers in between. The combination of these materials gives this membrane its unique properties. The spread-tow carbon fiber was designed to provide a skin with optimal stiffness. This unique feature of the membrane reduces sound-disturbing vibrations and resonances to unprecedented levels.
In the X-series magnet motor system, we use double copper caps on the pole rings to achieve high flux and low inductance. The use of copper caps has been adopted from the Børresen Z-series. Copper produces a response to flux changes – the better the counter-effect of these copper rings, the flatter the inductance curve, and the lower the electro-magnetic resonance.
The tweeter chosen for the Børresen X-series has the same design used in all other Børresen loudspeaker series. However, there is a reduction in magnet and iron mass. This is possible due to the extremely high efficiency of the original tweeter design. As a result, the efficiency has dropped only slightly from the exceptional 94 dB to 90 dB, but this is still an amazing efficiency for a tweeter.
The Børresen X-series is equipped with a parallel crossover built with the same high-quality components from the Z Series. This makes for a very mechanically stable crossover that minimizes its self-resonance.
The surface of the cabinet is finished in black or white piano lacquer and reinforced with carbon fiber inserts. The cabinet is made of a heavily braced wood composite material that has the property of eliminating sound distortion. The material used for the cabinet also reduces mechanical influences, especially hysteresis. The sonic result is clearly audible. The X-series is equipped with bass reflex ports. The tweeter is vented to compensate for the air pressure that builds up. The bass section consists of tuned ports calibrated for musically relevant frequencies.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Tight and accurate bass.
- Elegant design and high-quality build.
- Good value for the price.
Product Considerations
- Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
- Sweet spot is narrow.
- Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
- Positioning requires careful attention.
- Speakers are only available in black or white.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
- Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
- Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.
Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.
Video review
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The Estelon AURA loudspeaker is designed and constructed by taking into consideration the environmental acoustics of real-life listening spaces. It provides an immersive and captivating audio experience like no other among speakers of this size. To achieve this, AURA has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technology and unique features that set it apart from other loudspeakers in the market. The AURA is more than just a loudspeaker; it's a work of art that combines form and function to provide an unparalleled audio experience. With its unique design and advanced technology, AURA is sure to be a game-changer in the audio world.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
- Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
- Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
- Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
- Connectivity options are solid
Product Considerations
- The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
- Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
- System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
- The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
- Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile
Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.
Video review
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A 3-way floor standing design, the Trapeze Reimagined features a proprietary 12-inch high-power mid/bass driver. A 5-inch-high speed midrange. And the only AMT-tweeter on the market that stays true to the original design from audio genius Dr. Oscar Heil. The three drivers combine to achieve an even power, flat frequency response to match the famous Brûel & Kjaer ideal room response.
A diffraction absorbing felt area around the treble and midrange drivers helps to create a rare and natural soundstage: prepare to be transported to the atmospheric heart of a live event. The low frequency tuning adds weight and drama to any music. The extremely low distortion of the bass driver allows unusually natural and dynamic vocals as well as a beautifully rich sound without boom or bloom that just sounds so right. No problems with bass, midrange, or treble. Just an open, rich, musical, and rhythmic reproduction of all kinds of music in all kinds of settings.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
- Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
- The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
- AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
- Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers
Product Considerations
- The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
- Stereo imaging could be more expansive
- The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase
Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass extension and higher dynamic range due to its larger size.
- The cabinet is designed to maximize bass performance using segmented inner chambers.
- A Beryllium tweeter is precisely positioned at the best height for listening, and the midrange is placed above the tweeter to time-align the drivers for coherency at the listening position.
- The midrange driver has Tuned Mass Damper technology, similar to what is employed in racecars and seismic building stabilization, allowing the driver to perform more consistently without losing performance.
Product Considerations
- A small apartment may not be the best destination for it, as it is a large speaker.
- Only a single pair of binding posts is included, so bi-amping or bi-wiring isn't an option.
- It may not be suited to very small rooms where the bottom end can be overpowering, and positioning is important to get the most out of the speaker.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Focal Sopra N°2: It betters it in terms of scale, presence, dynamics, and detail, resulting in a bolder presentation, greater subtlety, separation, texture, and brings more individual character to voices and instruments, a function of its far more sophisticated harmonic development.
- Vs. Wilson Audio's Sasha W/P: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a more enjoyable speaker to listen to and costs less; the Sopras are lush and wonderfully pleasant to listen to, as opposed to the Wilsons, which are more analytical and difficult to tune in properly.
- Vs. Focal Utopia Scala V2: The Sopra N°3 is a price and performance stepping-stone to the Utopia line.
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 speakers: Bowers & Wilkins speakers can often be a bit laid back and polite, making the Sopra N°3 a different alternative.
Takeaway: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a high-performing speaker that is able to play any type of music with subtle sounds and unbridled force. It brings the listener closer to the music, so they can feel all the energy of a live performance.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wall-to-wall soundscape that extends to the listening position(s).
- Able to go from a whisper to a rollicking roar and back again, in control at any decibel level without flinching, and the floor shook.
- Reproduction of an instrument's delicate overtones and harmonics is not dampened by the weight of a traditional midrange cone.
- Very revealing speakers nearing electrostatic performance, but with body weight and authority.
- The 15-dome hybrid MTM array is a patented design that is the latest generation from Eric Alexander, and a unique design in the sense that it uses tweeters acting as midrange drivers to achieve lower crossover frequencies and therefore playing some part of the midrange with low mass tweeters.
Product Considerations
- Depending on the recording, the speakers can project music with an enthusiasm and force that paints some instruments as larger than they are.
- Inner detail falls a bit short of absolute world class, tending towards big and meaty.
- Some listeners might prefer a more scrupulously objective truth, which would require speakers with less 'bigness' and a mite more restraint.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MartinLogan Odysseys: The Tekton Moab became the new reference speakers, edging out the MartinLogan Odysseys that had been the conduit to musical joy for years.
- Vs Wilson Audio and Magico: Some listeners have traded in five-figure Wilson Audio or Magico for a pair of Moabs.
- Vs Tekton Ulfberth: At less than half the price of the Tekton Ulfberth, the Moab can come close to its performance.
- Vs Focal Scala Utopia Evos: While the Moabs left none in the dust, neither did the Focal Scala Utopia Evos easily outclass the Moabs.
- Vs Tekton Encore: Compared to the Moab, the Encore is a bit more laidback with a smoother, warmer, richer bass sound.
Takeaway: The Tekton Moab are suitable for listeners who like their music to sound like a live performance with the ability to deliver solid sound. For listeners who want speakers that emit a wall-to-wall soundscape, these speakers could be the right choice.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sense of coherency, possibly excelling every previous Tekton model (excluding the Ulfberht) in terms of three-dimensionality, focus, and coherency
- Superior impact, dynamic expression, and incredible lack of distortion
- Voices offer a clarity that allows the music to pour out from a place that is both more emotionally rich and heartfelt
- Presents bass in a way that belies its size, producing exceptionally clean and deep bass
Product Considerations
- At first, some users may be disappointed in the bass output, and may need to consider room issues
- At $8,500, the Encore is relatively expensive compared to typical Tekton models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Encore has superior impact, dynamic expression, and incredible lack of distortion, compared to Double Impact SE's
- The Encores may excel every previous model (excluding the Ulfberht) in the terms of three-dimensionality, focus, and coherency
Takeaway: The Tekton Design Encore is a high-performing loudspeaker with exceptional clarity and dynamic expression, potentially standing up against speakers in a much higher price range. If set up properly, its sound quality can be breathtaking.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
- Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
- Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
- The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
- Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system
Product Considerations
- Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
- Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
- Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
- The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
- Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
- Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb design and build quality.
- Articulate sound, especially in the upper midrange and treble regions.
- Very good imaging, with strong definition and delineation between instruments and performers.
- Vivid and clear midrange, revealing subtle details in recordings.
- Transparency ensures more of the music is heard as it was intended.
Product Considerations
- A capable amplifier is needed due to impedance dips to 3.1 ohms.
- Not a bass-heavy speaker.
- The tweeter can become too much if listening to poorly recorded music or at very high volumes.
- The bass can sound a bit thin, depending on room size and personal preference.
- Can sound a little bit cool when playing certain types of music.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF R11 Meta—KEFs presented more physical scale with respect to soundstage, with even greater width.
- Vs Polk R700 and Klipsch RP8000F Mk2—Not better than the B&Ws, but aren't embarrassed by them either.
- Vs B&W 805 D IV—In one listening room, the 703 is nearly as good.
- Zoo sound a little bit warmer.
Takeaway: The 703 S3 makes listening engaging and fun, with dynamic sound suitable for both music and movies. It brings clarity to vocals, especially at lower volumes, making it great for late-night listening.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Trickle-down technology from the 800 series narrows the gap with higher-end models
- Improved clarity of details, accuracy, and soundstage width compared to previous 702 models
- Clean and articulate bass is often attributed to the downward-firing port and plinth arrangement
- Excellent imaging and soundfield, with impressive width and height
- Delivers high definition and low coloration, offering a taste of the 800 Series experience
Product Considerations
- Careful positioning is required to achieve optimal tonal balance and musicality
- A reasonably powerful amplifier (minimum 75W recommended) is needed to perform at its best
- May not be a great match for valve amplifiers, preferring solid-state options
- The satin black MDF plinths are integral and require additional floor space
- Difficult to move around due to their weight (over 40 kg each) and lack of handholds
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the 702 S2 and 702 Signature, the S3 has improved clarity, accuracy, and soundstage width
- Compared to the Focal Aria 936 K2, the reviewer prefers the aesthetics of the 702 S3
Takeaway: The 702 S3 is a well-built loudspeaker offering a significant upgrade in sound quality. Trickle-down technology gives a taste of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship series at a more affordable price.
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