Floorstanding loudspeakers — Tekton Design PENDRAGON

The Pendragon is a two-woofer tower from Tekton Design, now priced at USD 2,000 per pair, down from USD 2,300, in the Full Towers group. Tekton has updated it with technology from its US Patent 9247339 and a recent revision of the voicing and crossover. Like other Tekton models, it is manufactured in the United States and shipped free within the continental US.

Key specs that matter

Two 10-inch woofers are combined with a triple-ring radiator high-frequency array. The standard array can be replaced by a three-tweeter or seven-tweeter version when ordering. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 30 kHz, sensitivity is 95 dB at 1 W and 1 m, average impedance is 8 ohms with a 4 ohm version available, and power handling is 400 W. The cabinet measures about 1,372 x 305 x 406 mm and weighs about 39.9 kg.

Engineering and use context

The triple-ring radiator array arranges several small tweeters in concentric rings, part of the polygon-oriented principle in Tekton's patent, so that the high frequencies come from a group of light domes rather than a single tweeter. Offering the array with three or seven tweeters lets the buyer choose the configuration. Tekton describes the latest version as an update to both voicing and crossover. The standard impedance suits tube amplifiers, and the low-impedance option is aimed at solid-state amplifiers that deliver more power into lower loads. Order options include standard or high gloss paint, where high gloss adds lead time, a capacitor upgrade package, custom colours, bi-wire or bi-amp terminals at USD 75 and several footer styles. Grilles ship separately. The Pendragon weighs about 13.6 kg less than the Double Impact, which adds 6-inch mid-bass drivers to a cabinet of similar height. The Pendragon name also appears on the woofers used in the Double Impact and 2-10 Perfect Set, and on a 2 ohm version and a stand-mount Pendragon Monitor.

Pairing

Low-power tube amplifiers can drive the Pendragon thanks to its efficiency and benign load, while the power handling covers larger solid-state designs. For rooms of about 20 m2 and larger the tall cabinet fits well, and a subwoofer is optional for music. Bi-amping lets a separate amplifier power the woofers while another feeds the tweeter array.

Alternatives

The Tekton Design Double Impact, a similarly tall four-way model, that adds two 6-inch mid-bass drivers to the twin 10-inch woofers and sells at USD 3,000 per pair.