Description

One pair of Lore speakers in standard black finish, upgraded with Cardas billet copper inputs, Jantzen coils, mil-spec silver-coated copper wiring with PTFE dielectric, and Mundorf capacitors. Optional grilles are available.

The Lore is one of Tekton Design’s best-selling loudspeaker models for a reason. With a dedicated cult following, it has been in continuous production for 19 years, a testament to its enduring appeal. Amazingly powerful with huge solid-state and digital amplification, the Lore is one of the best loudspeakers ever designed for tubes. This speaker is perfect for analog lovers as well, but the dynamic, energetic and punchy Lore is great for anyone who enjoys loud, high power listening.

The Lore is a Positive Feedback Writers’ Choice Award Winner.

“I still maintain that the Tekton Design Lore is the best $1000 of speakers I’ve ever heard.” – Steve Lefkowicz (positive-feedback.com)

The Lore is an exercise in high sensitivity, high output, direct radiating transducers (no horns allowed), with roots firmly grounded in pro audio and cross-platformed to dovetail perfectly into the world of hi-fi.

• Perfect impulse time-alignment
• 10″ Lore transducer
• Audax Gold dome tweeter
• 94dB 1W@1m
• 8 Ohm impedance
• 30Hz-30kHz frequency response
• 200 Watts power handling
• Height 39″(99.60cm) x Width 12″(30.48cm) x Depth 13″(33.02cm)
• Weight 60 lbs
• Manufactured in the USA

Tekton Design Lore: The Enduring Legend – Sonic Purity Meets Raw Power

An Audiophile Icon, Proven by Time

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-fidelity audio, few loudspeakers achieve the status of a true icon. The Tekton Design Lore is one such legend. As one of Tekton Design’s most revered and consistently best-selling models, the Lore stands apart, boasting a remarkable 19-year continuous production run.1 This extraordinary longevity is not merely a historical footnote; it serves as a powerful testament to a fundamentally sound design that has consistently captivated listeners and garnered a dedicated “cult following” year after year.1 In an industry often characterized by fleeting trends, the Lore’s enduring appeal speaks volumes about its proven performance, reliability, and the deep connection it fosters with music lovers.

At its core, the Lore embodies a unique duality. It is described as “Amazingly powerful” when driven by substantial solid-state or modern digital amplification, capable of delivering room-filling sound with authority.1 Yet, it has also earned a reputation as “one of the best loudspeakers ever designed for tubes,” making it a darling among enthusiasts of low-power amplification.1 This versatility extends its appeal, making it perfect for analog lovers seeking warmth and texture, as well as listeners who crave a “dynamic, energetic, and punchy” experience, especially when enjoying music at loud, high-power levels.1 This ability to excel across different amplifier types stems from a design philosophy that prioritizes both high sensitivity and robust power handling, broadening its compatibility and making it a cornerstone for diverse audio systems.1

The Lore’s critical acclaim further solidifies its standing. It is a proud recipient of the Positive Feedback Writers’ Choice Award, a significant recognition from respected audio journalists.1 This accolade is powerfully underscored by reviewer Steve Lefkowicz’s definitive statement: “I still maintain that the Tekton Design Lore is the best $1000 of speakers I’ve ever heard.”.1 This early validation sets the stage for a loudspeaker that consistently punches above its weight class.

The Lore Sound: Experience Music Authentically

The captivating sound of the Tekton Lore is born from a design philosophy centered on high sensitivity and high output, utilizing direct radiating transducers (shunning horns for this model line).1 Its engineering has roots “firmly grounded in pro audio,” principles which are then expertly cross-platformed and refined “to dovetail perfectly into the world of hi-fi”.1 This pro-audio heritage directly informs key sonic attributes often demanded in professional settings: efficiency to work with various power levels, the ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distress, and inherent robustness. These characteristics translate seamlessly into the hi-fi realm, resulting in the Lore’s renowned dynamic capabilities, ease of drive, and consistently engaging performance.3 The design also incorporates “perfect impulse time-alignment,” contributing to a coherent and focused sonic image where the drivers work seamlessly together.1

Listeners consistently praise the Lore’s “dynamic, energetic, and punchy” nature.1 Reviews describe “startling dynamics” 3 and an ability to deliver musical transients that can “jolt you out of your seat”.4 This dynamic prowess isn’t just about brute force; it encompasses the ability to convey both large-scale musical swings and subtle micro-dynamic shifts with expressiveness.3 As Steve Lefkowicz noted, “Real music is dynamic… Few inexpensive speakers have the capability to either play loudly enough, or to portray the speed and gradations of lifelike dynamics. The Tekton Lore… exceeds both… without any sense of strain”.3 This lifelike energy stems from the efficient design and the substantial 10-inch Lore transducer at its heart.1

The Lore’s bass performance is equally impressive, reaching down to a deep 30Hz.1 Reviewers celebrate bass that is “remarkably extended and pure,” noting that even demanding low-frequency test tones are rendered as “powerful, clear, and well defined”.3 Tim Smith of Wall of Sound describes bass that is “literally floor-shaking but it doesn’t boom. It’s tight and fine-toothed”.6 Jay Lee adds that the “bottom end is very full sounding, warm, luscious, yet perfectly paced”.7 For many owners, this potent and controlled low-frequency response eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer, simplifying the system while delivering full-range satisfaction.6

Through the critical midrange, the Lore maintains coherence and naturalness, avoiding the artificial peaks or colorations that can plague lesser designs.9 Vocal reproduction is a particular strength, with voices taking on “an almost eerie sense of aliveness”.3 User reviews concur, describing vocals as “incredibly full, smooth, and sweet”.1 The midrange conveys not just melody but texture and emotion, allowing listeners to “feel that type of vibrato in the body. You feel certain instruments with your body, not just hear them”.7

High frequencies are handled by the respected Audax Gold dome tweeter, delivering treble that is “soaring–but never searing”.1 Reviewers praise its performance as “extended, smooth, fast, and finely detailed,” maintaining these qualities even at high volumes without inducing listener fatigue.3 Tim Smith calls it a “fabulous tweeter,” while Jay Lee declares the high frequencies “so damn refined for the price range it is almost insane”.6 This careful balance ensures detail and air without harshness, contributing significantly to the Lore’s long-term listenability.4

The Lore presents music within a large, believable soundstage, “getting the scale and size right, while not sacrificing fairly precise imaging (width, height, and depth)”.3 While wide-baffle designs can sometimes compromise pinpoint imaging, users find the Lore’s imaging “good” and, crucially, remarkably easy to achieve.1 It is described as “Incredibly not picky about placement. You have to work harder to place these wrong than you do to place them right,” a significant practical advantage for real-world listening rooms.1

Ultimately, the Lore’s individual strengths coalesce into a deeply musical and engaging whole. It “makes music of all kinds sound beautiful” 6, consistently rewarding the listener with a playback that “drew me in and kept me there”.7 It delivers “pure music making of the highest order” 3, resulting in “foot tapping engaging speakers”.10 Its versatility across genres is repeatedly highlighted, handling rock, jazz, classical, and more with equal aplomb.1 This consistent naturalness and coherence across the frequency spectrum suggest a design focused on holistic musical presentation, ensuring long-term satisfaction rather than short-lived sonic fireworks.

Engineered by Eric Alexander: A Passion for Performance

The driving force behind the Tekton Design Lore and its enduring success is Eric Alexander.11 His journey into loudspeaker design began not in a corporate lab, but with a “moth-to-the-flame moment” at age 14 upon hearing a neighborhood DJ’s powerful system.12 This spark ignited a lifelong passion, leading him from tinkering with electronics and learning woodworking from his grandfather to confidently building and selling hand-built loudspeakers by age 18.12 His professional background includes designing early, well-regarded models for Aperion Audio and work with Sound Tube Entertainment, gaining experience in both hi-fi and pro audio sectors.5

Alexander’s design philosophy permeates the Lore. He defines high-end audio as “the pursuit of musical perfection through art and science,” pushing the “fidelity/realism envelope”.12 Key tenets relevant to the Lore include:

• High Sensitivity & High Output: A foundational principle aimed at achieving lifelike dynamics and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers, from flea-watt tubes to high-power solid-state.1
• Direct Radiating Transducers: For the Lore line, a preference for traditional cone and dome drivers over horns, likely pursuing a specific natural tonal balance and dispersion characteristic.1
• Pro-Audio Influence: Intelligently leveraging robust, efficient, and often cost-effective driver technology developed for the demanding pro world and refining it for optimal home hi-fi performance.1
• Performance First: Alexander identifies as a “form-following-function audio designer”.13 While acknowledging Tekton’s “conservative visual look,” the emphasis is squarely on sonic performance and value, rather than elaborate, expensive cabinetry.12 This focus is crucial to understanding the Lore’s exceptional performance-to-price ratio; resources are allocated where they most impact the sound. It’s a deliberate choice that prioritizes auditory experience over superfluous visual embellishments, allowing the company to deliver more sound quality per dollar, often facilitated by a direct-sales model that eliminates traditional dealer markups.1
• Holistic Design: Alexander emphasizes the “sum total of its parts”.11 The Lore’s magic isn’t attributed to a single revolutionary component but to the careful selection, integration, and tuning of all elements working in synergy.

These principles are embodied in the Lore’s specific components: the purpose-built 10-inch Tekton Design Lore transducer and the carefully matched Audax Gold dome tweeter.1 The implementation of “Perfect impulse time-alignment” further reflects the meticulous engineering aimed at achieving seamless driver integration and sonic coherence.1 Alexander’s inspiration often comes directly from his customers: “We all love music—that’s what this is about. It’s always inspiring for us to hear from our clients… Hearing how much they love their new speakers makes all of the hard work meaningful and rewarding”.12

Unleash the Power: Effortless Amplification, Limitless Potential

One of the Lore’s most celebrated attributes is its remarkable ease of amplification, stemming directly from its electrical characteristics. Its high sensitivity rating of 94dB @ 1W/1m is significantly above average.1 In practical terms, this means the Lore can generate substantial volume levels with very little power from the amplifier. This makes it an ideal partner for low-power amplifiers, particularly tube amplifiers, including Single-Ended Triode (SET) designs often prized for their sonic purity but limited in output.1 As noted by Wall of Sound, “Virtually any amp can drive this speaker”.4 This high efficiency democratizes high-end sound, allowing listeners to achieve stunning results without investing in costly, high-wattage amplification.

However, the Lore’s efficiency doesn’t imply fragility. It boasts a robust power handling capability of 200 Watts and presents a stable, easy-to-drive 8 Ohm nominal impedance.1 This means that while it sings with low-power tubes, it can also confidently handle the output of large solid-state and powerful digital amplifiers without strain.1 The stable impedance ensures that the amplifier isn’t unduly stressed, allowing it to perform optimally and consistently. Reviews confirm it “responds well to tubes and to solid state alike”.4

This combination of high sensitivity and robust power handling grants the Lore exceptional versatility. It allows owners the freedom to choose amplification based on sonic preference rather than necessity, accommodating everything from delicate flea-watt tube amps to muscular solid-state powerhouses. The Lore not only performs admirably with diverse partners but scales beautifully, revealing the nuances and capabilities of the upstream components, offering flexibility for current systems and future upgrades.

Technical Excellence: The Foundation of Performance

The Tekton Design Lore’s captivating sonic performance is built upon a foundation of solid engineering principles and carefully selected components. More than just a collection of parts, it represents a cohesive design where each element contributes to the final, musically satisfying result. Proudly designed and manufactured in the USA, the Lore embodies a commitment to quality craftsmanship.1 The clear, well-defined specifications below provide the objective basis for the Lore’s widely praised capabilities, allowing technically minded listeners to understand its performance potential and practical integration requirements. Including “Manufactured in the USA” is not just a detail, but reinforces a key brand attribute valued by many consumers seeking domestic products.1

Tekton Design Lore Specifications

 

Feature	Specification	Snippet Reference
Design	2-way Vented Floorstanding Loudspeaker	General
Drivers	1 x 10″ Tekton Design Lore Transducer, 1 x Audax Gold Dome Tweeter	1
Sensitivity	94dB 1W@1m	1
Impedance	8 Ohm (Nominal)	1
Frequency Response	30Hz – 30kHz	1
Recommended Power	5 – 200 Watts (Estimated based on sensitivity & power handling)	Inferred
Power Handling	200 Watts	1
Design Feature	Perfect Impulse Time-Alignment	1
Dimensions (H x W x D)	39″ (99.60cm) x 12″ (30.48cm) x 13″ (33.02cm)	1
Weight	60 lbs (27.2 kg) each	1
Country of Manufacture	Manufactured in the USA	1

Critical Acclaim: Hear What the Experts Say

The Tekton Design Lore hasn’t just quietly satisfied owners for nearly two decades; it has consistently earned high praise from discerning professional audio critics. Its ability to deliver exceptional performance at an accessible price point has made it a benchmark in its category, recognized formally with the Positive Feedback Writers’ Choice Award.1 The consistency of themes across multiple independent reviews is striking, validating the Lore’s core strengths: remarkable value, dynamic prowess, deep yet controlled bass, refined treble, amplifier versatility, and sheer musical engagement. This chorus of critical approval provides strong third-party validation for potential buyers.

Here’s a selection of what the experts have said:

Steve Lefkowicz, Positive Feedback: “Whatever style, genre, and level of complexity or musically challenging selection I played, I was constantly rewarded with a remarkable playback that drew me in and kept me there for as long as I had time to listen.” 7

Steve Lefkowicz, Positive Feedback: “Real music is dynamic… Few inexpensive speakers have the capability to either play loudly enough, or to portray the speed and gradations of lifelike dynamics. The Tekton Lore… exceeds both…” 3

Tim Smith, Wall of Sound: “The Tekton Lore is a versatile speaker. There’s nothing it cannot do very well. It digs deep and it soars to the heavens with its fabulous tweeter.” 7

Tim Smith, Wall of Sound: “The Lore commits no sins. It is either excellent or very good in every category.” 6

Jay Lee (Soulsik), The Next Best Thing Studio: “The bottom end is very full sounding, warm, luscious, yet perfectly paced… Then you have the lower mid range frequency which is a tad bit warm and when someone plucks a guitar, you feel that type of vibrato in the body… The high frequencies are so damn refined for the price range it is almost insane.” 7

Andrew Robinson, Home Theater Review (on the related Lore Be, highlighting a core Tekton trait): “The top-to-bottom coherence to the Lore Be’s sound across its entire frequency range is something that has to be experienced to be understood. The naturalness and ease the Lore Be’s sound possesses is its defining characteristic…” 7

Randy Messman, Cheap Audio Man: “Special speaker… Do I think they’re worth it? At $1000, yes, because they have characteristics of other speakers I like and they’re significantly lower priced. They also have some magic to them.” 7

Steve Guttenberg, CNET (on the related M-Lore, emphasizing tower benefits): “Big speakers sound, well, bigger, and more like live music.” 5

Community Voices: Real-World Raves from Lore Owners

Beyond critical acclaim, the true measure of a loudspeaker’s success lies in the satisfaction of its owners. The Tekton Lore boasts an impressive average customer rating (e.g., Rated 4.86 out of 5 based on 22 customer ratings on the product page 1) and inspires the “dedicated cult following” mentioned earlier.1 This enthusiastic user base provides powerful social proof, echoing the sentiments of professional reviewers and highlighting the Lore’s real-world performance and value.

Common themes emerge consistently from owner testimonials:

• Astounding Value: Owners frequently express amazement at the sound quality relative to the price, often stating the Lore competes favorably with speakers costing many times more.9
• Engaging Sound Quality: Descriptions often include terms like “dynamic,” “natural,” “detailed,” praising the powerful bass, smooth vocals, and overall engaging character that makes listening sessions exciting and reveals new details in familiar music.1 Good performance at lower volumes is also noted.14
• Ease of Use: Owners appreciate how easy the Lore is to drive with various amplifiers and its forgiving nature regarding room placement, making it simple to integrate into different systems and environments.1
• Aesthetics and Build: While acknowledging the simple, purposeful design, many owners find the look appealing and have received compliments even from non-audiophiles. The “Made in USA” aspect often contributes to owner pride.1

Here are just a few voices from the community:

“These are astoundingly good speakers for the money – as in, at $1,000 a pair, perhaps the best value in audiophile speakers I can think of.” (Adapted from Audiogon User Review 9)

“Highly dynamic and natural sound, capturing a level of detail that instantly elevates any listening session… handles everything from rock to jazz with such ease that it feels like I’m rediscovering my music collection.” (Adapted from Verified Owner Review 1)

“All hail Eric Alexander the Great! He has brought affordable speakers of high end quality to the public.” (Verified Owner Review 1)

Tailor Your Sound & Style: Options & Upgrades

Tekton Design understands that personalization matters. The Lore is offered with several options allowing owners to tailor the speaker’s appearance and even enhance its performance to better suit individual tastes and room aesthetics. This flexibility increases the Lore’s appeal beyond its inherent sonic merits.

Standard Options:

• Finishes: Choose from a range of standard satin finishes to match your decor, including Black, White, Light Gray, Charcoal, Orange, Blue, and Red.1 For truly unique personalization, Custom colors are available for a modest additional charge.1
• Grilles: Optional magnetic cloth grilles ($80/pair) are available for those who prefer a more concealed look or require driver protection. Please note that grilles ship separately from the main loudspeaker order.1
• Footers: Select the appropriate footing for your flooring at no extra cost. Choose between Speaker Spikes for carpeted surfaces or Hardwood Floor Footers for solid surfaces.1

Performance Upgrade Path:

• Beryllium Tweeter Upgrade: For the ultimate in high-frequency resolution, detail, and air, consider the optional Beryllium (Be) tweeter upgrade ($500).1 This upgrade replaces the standard Audax Gold dome with a high-performance Satori Beryllium tweeter, similar to that used in the elevated Lore Be model.2 This provides a clear path for enthusiasts seeking the maximum sonic refinement possible from the Lore platform. (Note: Due to the specialized nature of Beryllium components, orders including this upgrade may occasionally experience delays based on supplier availability 1).

These customization choices, from aesthetic finishes to a significant performance upgrade, allow the Lore to be more than just a loudspeaker; it can be tailored to become a more integrated part of your listening environment and audio journey.

Unbeatable Value & American Craftsmanship

The Tekton Design Lore represents a powerful statement in the world of high-fidelity audio: exceptional performance does not require an exorbitant price tag. The core message, echoed by reviewers and owners alike, is that the Lore delivers a level of sonic realism, dynamic impact, and musical engagement that genuinely competes with loudspeakers costing significantly more.1 This remarkable value equation is achieved not by cutting corners on sound quality, but through intelligent, performance-focused engineering by Eric Alexander and a business model that often includes direct sales, bypassing traditional dealer markups that can inflate final costs.6 It’s an investment in pure musical enjoyment, prioritizing substance over superficiality.

Adding to its appeal, every Tekton Design Lore loudspeaker is proudly Manufactured in the USA at the Tekton facility in Utah.1 This commitment to domestic production resonates with customers who value American craftsmanship, quality control, and supporting local manufacturing.14 It’s a mark of quality and dedication that further enhances the Lore’s already compelling proposition.

Order Your Legend Today

For nearly two decades, the Tekton Design Lore has provided a gateway to authentic high-fidelity sound for countless music lovers. Its blend of dynamic power, musical nuance, amplifier flexibility, and outstanding value has cemented its legendary status. Now is the time to experience the difference for yourself.

Current Price: $1050 / pair (Reflects current sale price from $1200 1)

Bring the legend home and rediscover your music collection.

Have questions? [Link: Contact Us] or visit our [Link: FAQ Page].

Your purchase is backed by the Tekton Design warranty and may be eligible for a home trial period (please refer to current policy details 10), allowing you to audition the Lore in your own system with confidence.

Works cited

1. Lore Hi-Fi Tower Speakers | Tekton Design, https://tektondesign.com/product/full-range-speakers/full-towers/lore/
2. 1 pr. Beryllium Lore w/upgrades in Black Finish – $1760 Delivered – Tekton Design, https://tektondesign.com/product/specials/1-pr-lore-be-w-upgrade-in-black-finish-1840-delivered/
3. Tekton Lore Loudspeakers – Positive Feedback, https://positive-feedback.com/nos/tekton-lore-loudspeakers/
4. Tekton Design M-Lore floorstanding loudspeaker | Wall of Sound, https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/tekton-design-m-lore-floorstanding-loudspeaker/
5. Big speaker sound: The Tekton M-Lore – CNET, https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/big-speaker-sound-the-tekton-m-lore/
6. Tim Returns to review the Tekton Design Lore loudspeaker, a $1000 …, https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/tekton-design-lore-2-0-loudspeaker/
7. Professional Reviews | Tekton Design, https://tektondesign.com/professional-reviews/
8. Tekton Lore. Or “I got new speakers and can’t stop playing my favorite songs again”. – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile/comments/hivq6v/tekton_lore_or_i_got_new_speakers_and_cant_stop/
9. Tekton Design Lore – Audiogon Discussion Forum, https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tekton-design-lore
10. New speaker day: Tekton Lore Reference review : r/audiophile – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/gpungn/new_speaker_day_tekton_lore_reference_review/
11. Tekton Design Lore Reference Loudspeakers – Stereo Times, https://www.stereotimes.com/post/tekton-design-lore-reference-loudspeakers/
12. Q&A with Eric Alexander of Tekton Design – The Absolute Sound, https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/qa-with-eric-alexander-of-tekton-design/
13. Tekton Moab Be loudspeaker 250 Models and Counting: an Interview with Tekton’s Eric Alexander | Stereophile.com, https://www.stereophile.com/content/tekton-moab-be-loudspeaker-sidebar-1-250-models-and-counting-interview-tektons-eric
14. Customer Reviews – Tekton Design, https://tektondesign.com/customer-reviews/