Floorstanding loudspeakers — Tekton Design PENDRAGON MONITOR

The Pendragon Monitor is a three-way loudspeaker from Tekton Design, listed in the Monitors category at USD 2,270 per pair. Tekton describes it as a stand-mount design. It brings the dual 10-inch Pendragon woofers of the Pendragon tower into a shorter cabinet, and Tekton makes it in the USA.

Key specs that matter

Tekton equips it with two 10-inch Pendragon transducers and a seven-element ring radiator poly-cell array for the high frequencies. Frequency response is 60 Hz to 30 kHz, sensitivity is 95 dB at 1 W and 1 m, and power handling is 200 W. The monitor is offered at 4 or 8 ohms. It measures about 800 x 305 x 356 mm and weighs about 27.2 kg.

Engineering and use context

Tekton describes the high-frequency section as a controlled-directivity, polygon-oriented, triple-ring radiator array, made under US Patent 9247339. In the Pendragon Monitor, seven ring radiators make up this array. The three-way layout divides the range between the two woofers and the array, with no crossover points given. Compared with the full-height Pendragon tower, bass extension and power handling are both lower. The 4 ohm version suits solid-state amplifiers, and the 8 ohm version tube designs. Options include bi-amp terminals at USD 75, custom paint, a capacitor upgrade, grilles that ship separately and a choice of footer styles.

Pairing

The high sensitivity lets low-power tube amplifiers power the Pendragon Monitor to high levels, and the higher-impedance version is the natural choice for them. Because the bass is limited, a subwoofer completes the system, and Tekton recommends a crossover of 60 to 80 Hz for its own 2-10 Sub, which matches the lower limit of the monitor. That sub is a sealed design with two 10-inch drivers and a 300 W amplifier, priced at USD 640 each. The heavy cabinet needs rigid, stable stands, and it can also be placed low on a sturdy base. It suits rooms of about 20 m2. The monitor weighs about 12.7 kg less than the Pendragon tower, and Tekton does not charge for shipping to the continental states.

Alternatives

The Tekton Design Encore Monitor is another model in the Monitors category, priced at USD 3,000 per pair.