Floorstanding loudspeakers — Tekton Design PENDRAGON (2 OHM)

The Pendragon (2 Ohm) is a low-impedance variant of the Pendragon tower from Tekton Design, sold at USD 2,440 per pair among the Full Towers. It shares the cabinet and 10-inch woofers of the standard Pendragon, but pairs them with a five-tweeter array and a very low average impedance. The maker gives no explanation for the choice of impedance.

Key specs that matter

Two 10-inch drivers look after bass and midrange, and a proprietary array of five tweeters handles the high frequencies. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 30 kHz, sensitivity is 98 dB at 1 W and 1 m, and power handling is 400 W. Average impedance is 2 ohms. The cabinet measures about 1,372 x 305 x 406 mm, and each speaker weighs about 39.9 kg.

Engineering and use context

Such a load draws twice the current of a 4 ohm load at the same voltage, and the sensitivity is three decibels above that of the 8 ohm Pendragon. The five-tweeter array incorporates technology from US Patent 9247339, under which Tekton groups several light domes in place of one tweeter. The standard Pendragon offers three- and seven-tweeter versions, while this model uses its own five-tweeter layout. Order options are bi-wire or bi-amp terminals for USD 75 each, paint colours with high gloss at a longer lead time, an upgrade package, footer choices and grilles sent separately. Its production takes place in America, with shipping at no cost inside the continental US. A low-impedance version of the Double Impact, using four outer tweeters around one central dome, is also offered. The weight is identical to that of the 8 ohm model. For scale, an amplifier delivering 100 W into this load must supply about 7 A of current, against 3.5 A into 8 ohms. It costs USD 440 more per pair than the standard Pendragon.

Pairing

Only amplifiers specified for stable operation into 2 ohms should be used, typically large solid-state designs with high current capacity and substantial power supplies. Many integrated amplifiers and tube designs are not rated for this load. With a capable amplifier, the high sensitivity and power handling give very high output levels. Rooms of 20 m2 and more suit this tall cabinet, which needs no subwoofer for bass.

Alternatives

A step up is the Tekton Design Double Impact, a four-way tower that adds two 6-inch mid-bass drivers to twin 10-inch woofers, at USD 3,000 per pair.