Floorstanding loudspeakers — Tekton Design ENCORE

The Encore is a Tekton Design three-way tower priced at USD 6,499 per pair, reduced from USD 8,680. It was designed by company founder Eric Alexander and is built in Orem, Utah. The taller Symphony uses the same drivers in a vertically symmetrical layout, and Tekton also sells a stand-mount Encore Monitor at USD 3,000, down from USD 4,000.

Key specs that matter

The driver set consists of two 10-inch woofers, two 7-inch mid-bass drivers of European manufacture that Tekton labels overtone and harmonic drivers, and a proprietary high-frequency array of fifteen 30 mm domes in a hybrid MTM layout. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 50 kHz, with ±1 dB from 28 Hz to 20 kHz. Sensitivity is 96 dB, nominal impedance 4 ohms, and the 800 W rating is a peak figure. The cabinet measures about 1,575 x 330 x 381 mm and weighs about 65.8 kg.

Engineering and use context

MTM describes a midrange-tweeter-midrange arrangement, in which the high-frequency section sits between two mid drivers. In the Encore, the high-frequency section is a cluster of small domes instead of one tweeter, part of Tekton's patented approach, US Patent 9247339, and the two 7-inch drivers flank it. The midrange crossover section uses a minimum-phase design. Beryllium domes are available as an upgrade for the array, although orders may be delayed by supplier issues. The bi-wire and bi-amp options each cost USD 75, and there is also high gloss paint with a longer build time, grilles delivered separately and a choice of footers. Its width matches that of the Symphony. Each speaker is heavy enough to need two people to position. The tight tolerance covers nearly the whole audible range, and the rated lower limit is the same as that of the larger Symphony.

Pairing

The high sensitivity allows tube or solid-state amplifiers of moderate power to reach high levels, while the 4 ohm nominal load favours amplifiers with ample current. With its deep bass extension, the Encore does not need a subwoofer for most music. The tall cabinets suit rooms of 20 m2 and larger, with enough space between the speakers for the wide array. Tekton ships the pair free of charge within the continental US.

Alternatives

The Tekton Design Symphony uses the same 10-inch woofers, 7-inch mid-bass drivers and 15-dome array in a vertically symmetrical cabinet about 1.83 m tall at USD 8,530 per pair.