Results 1 to 20 of 20
Thread: What is the Best Tweeter?
-
November 21, 2018, 03:56 AM #1
What is the Best Tweeter?
There are so many types out there, from soft domes to metal, gold, diamond, aluminum, beryllium, ribbon, cones, ceramic, cotton, silk, AMT (Air Motion Transfer), planar magnetic (electrostatic), Film (CDT), tra-la-la ...
Which type is the best sounding; smooth, non-fatiguing, velvet, high power handling, no ringing, ...?
I checked, but nobody agree between Dynaudio Esotar and the other five-six top ones.
Some swear by soft domes, other prefer ribbons, and so on.
If you were to design a loudspeaker, say for $100,000/pair, what type of tweeter design would you consider first?
Alright, beam me up Scotty.~ Bob ~
"And it Stoned me to my Soul" • Van Morrison
Click ♪ Audiophile Audition
Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)
-
November 21, 2018, 06:37 AM #2
- Join Date
- Jan 2017
- Location
- Leyden
- Posts
- 596
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
The best tweeter I have ever heard was a 30mm Accuton diamond tweeter either that or a ribbon tweeter.
Pre amp: Ocatve Phono Module Power amps: Octave MRE130 Turntable: SAC Girati Grande. Tonearm: Dynavector 507mkII Cartridge: Dynavector Ikeda 9TT Streamer: Aurender A10 Power Distributor: Anzus Mains D8 Speakers: Raidho X-3 Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 XLR Interlink: Ansuz A2, [B]XLR Interlink: [B]Phono interlink: Cammino Serie 1.0 - PH 1.0s Power cables: Anzus Mains Ceramic, two Pom, Aluminium, X series Audio Rack: Rack of Silence 4 and 2.
-
November 21, 2018, 08:49 AM #3
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
I have always preferred the high frequencies coming from the MBL tweeter.
Jim
D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
Digital: dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC, Clock & Upsampler
Analog: SME 20/3 with Esoteric E-03 Phono
Transparent Opus Speaker Cable & Interconnects & Opus Power Cords
Power Cords on Digital: Shunyata
Power Conditioner - Shunyata Everest
-
November 21, 2018, 08:52 AM #4
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
I always have loved the tweeters on the MBL speakers.
The 7 foot high ribbons on the large genesis speakers are also awesome as the sound is the same standing up and sitting down.
I always liked the Relevator tweeter that used to be on my Strads - great " air"
not a great fan of plain ole boring soft dome like the Dynaudio's or the new Wilson's.Source: Technics SP10mk3 - Thales Simplicity II, TW Raven AC-3 - Graham Phantom, SME 3012-R, Exclusive P3,,Linn LP12 - Naim ARO
Cartridges: Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Lyra Etna SL, Lyra Delos, Dynavector XV-1s,Technics EPC100mk4, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika
Phono Stage: Phasemation EA-1200, Accuphase C-37,TW Acustik phono
EQ: DEQX HDP-4
Preamp: D'Agostino HD, conrad johnson GAT,
Amps: conrad johnson teflon premier 8a's, D'Agostino Momentum S250
Speakers: Wilson Maxx3
-
November 21, 2018, 09:32 AM #5
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
Have to say the MBL tweeter and the diamond tweeters are tops to my ears.
The Magico M3 (diamond coated beryllium) and the beryllium in the Salon 2 (with a massive wave guide on the tweeter) are also superb.
I also find Electrostats like Quad ESL to reproduce highs so beautifully and naturally with no ringing. Technically not a separate tweeter I guess, so not sure we can include it in this list??
With the right amp (300b or SET equivalent), the horn tweeter on my AG’s reproduces highs, without ringing or any “rolling off”.
But the best tweeter in the world isn’t always the easiest to integrate with the rest of the speaker. With a ribbon tweeter for example, it can often stand out from a cone driver. They’re made from different materials, often different shapes and have different sounds. So at the end of the day, “X” tweeter might be the best, but it doesn’t integrate well with the rest of the speaker.
The MBL integration is seemless. I find the tweeter on the M3’s seemless. Ditto for the AG’s.
The knock against the diamond tweeter by designers is that its too “heavy” and sounds slow. I’m not sure I agree. Maybe they’re just too expensive.My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
November 21, 2018, 09:53 AM #6
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
Favorite tweeter sections;
- Legacy Audio in-house designed ribbon tweeters and super-tweeters on Aeris, Whisper and the new Valor's unique tweeter with Waveguide
- TAD R1 concentric driver
- MBL 101 and above tweeter
- TIDAL Agoria and Akira tweeters
- Gauder Acoustic RC9 tweeterLegacy Audio Valor+Wavelet v2, Esoteric S-02 Amps HDPlex 300W, RevAudio Labs DC Umbilical, Esoteric Grandioso P1, P1PSU & dual D1 DACs, Cybershaft Prem Ltd OP21A 10 MHz Clock, Esoteric C-02X, Shunyata Everest 8000 & Altaira SG-NR hubs, Sigma SGC/CGC ground cables, VTX-Ag ground tails, AfterBurner8 duplexes, CSP Inc Q4B, S2B IEC plates, Shunyata Omega CLOCK-50 cables, Tubulus Concentus HDMI, Elrod Master Series Diamond SE & Masters Series Gold Power cords and Statement Gold XLRs, Diamond XLRs & Master Series Diamond XLRs, Shunyata OMEGA QR-s power cable, Anaconda Z-tron XLR, Elrod Statement Gold speaker cables, Adona Zero GX3, GX2, GX racks, Composite Audio CF-2010, Townshend Audio Podiums, HRS DPX Damping Plates, Stillpoints Ultra SS w/Ultra Bases, pArtScience 64-well, 2D QRD 3-inch SpaceArray Diffusors
Travel/Rip: Apple MacBook Pro 16” 2023 M2 Max, 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD for Audirvana+ v3, iTunes, REW Audio Analyzer, dbPowerAmp, DVD Audio Extractor
-
November 21, 2018, 09:54 AM #7
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
I’ll make a shameless plug for the carbon-balsa-carbon sandwich dome tweeter on my Vandersteen 7 Mk2 speakers. The tweeter is ultra smooth, low distortion and provides outstanding detail. It also integrates seamlessly with the carbon-balsa-carbon sandwich upper and lower midrange drivers.
Other tweeters I like:
MBL 101E Mk2
Raidho D-5.1
Revel Salon 2
Magnepan 20.7
Ken"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
--------------------------------------------
Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords
-
November 21, 2018, 10:16 AM #8
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
There is a lot of good Tweeters out there, but it always comes down to implementation and matching to the other components of the speaker cabinet. MBL just seems to get it right.
Oh here is a past thread on the same topic. The best sounding tweeters in the world2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
-
November 21, 2018, 10:19 AM #9
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
I’ve heard people harp on about the plasma tweeter, but I’ve never really liked it.
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
November 21, 2018, 11:49 AM #10
What is the Best Tweeter?
The Corona plasma tweeter used by Lansche and Accapella is really exquisite. Very high resolution with zero hardness.
The only problem is, as it using a string of light to create the sound, it is practically weightless. That makes it literally lightning fast, which is nice, but it is really hard to align with the other drivers, as those will always lag behind in time. Therefore coherence is a problem.
And it is kind of mesmerizing to stare into the violet light when listening to music.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
-
November 21, 2018, 01:40 PM #11
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
I agree the plasma tweeters sound amazing. These were at RMAF and were amazing sounding although a little off on the WAF. Don't forget about the ozone that could kill you if you sit for one of those marathon listening sessions in your closed up room!
Marty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
-
November 21, 2018, 03:44 PM #12
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
Yesterday I did a search first before starting this thread. I should have tried harder with different word's combinations, but I used the two words: Best Tweeter and couple more combinations with the word Audio and Speaker Driver. I even checked the Speaker Forum section, and the General Audio Forum section. I ended up empty, after roughly twenty minutes of search.
And right now I was googling some more, and I found this:
• https://www.audioshark.org/showthrea...l=1#post186557
That was a Google entry, yesterday I used different combinations and that entry did not appear.
So I don't mind @ all if my thread is simply added/joined together to the main thread. The last post from Norman was on April 17 of this year.
I trust Mike's best judgement.
_____
Yesterday I checked several places on the internet, for a good hour or so.
I already knew that some soft dome tweeters were expensive, $1,000-2,000 each. In this thread from Audiogon one of them costs $2,800 each!
• Accuton D20-6.
• https://forum.audiogon.com/discussio...eter-available
I am not a tweeter expert (I don't even tweet) because I didn't listen to them all and for extended periods. The ones I'm mainly using in my own systems are soft domes type; cotton, silk, and others made of Linaeum ribbon (plastic film).
But I am definitively a soft dome type...90%.
_____
* Those are inexpensive, about the same price as mine, the same shape and type, and are mentioned as good value and smooth sound.
HIQUPHON 3/4" (20mm) soft dome tweeter.~ Bob ~
"And it Stoned me to my Soul" • Van Morrison
Click ♪ Audiophile Audition
Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)
-
November 21, 2018, 06:01 PM #13
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
You seek Heil!
Another to consider is the Rowen LMT...Linear motion technology.NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
-
November 21, 2018, 06:16 PM #14
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
But I am French, Canadian. ...Soft and smooth.
LMT, is that a German patent?~ Bob ~
"And it Stoned me to my Soul" • Van Morrison
Click ♪ Audiophile Audition
Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)
-
November 21, 2018, 06:26 PM #15
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
-
March 21, 2022, 05:23 AM #16
- Join Date
- Mar 2022
- Location
- UK
- Posts
- 2
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
Okay it's a bit of an old thread, but if anyone is more interested in plasma tweeters there's a lot of better info on massless.info
-
March 21, 2022, 05:43 AM #17
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
I had Lansche 4.2 with the Plasma tweeter in my system for a couple of years in case you have questions.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
-
March 21, 2022, 12:56 PM #18
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
A mildly frightening blast from the past. AFAIK the first plasma tweeter.
Ionovac Plasma Tweeter 14A435A Speaker-P DuKane Corporation;Tom
Audio:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Video:
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
-
March 21, 2022, 07:52 PM #19
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
The question got me thinking. A couple speakers I owned the quality of the tweeter stood out, but now I have a pair of speakers I don't notice the tweeter and i'm starting to think that's better.
KEF Blade, Mc-611's, C49 rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner. Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller VA Beethoven's, Hegel h360.
-
March 22, 2022, 09:46 AM #20
Re: What is the Best Tweeter?
The best tweeter is the one that suits your ears.
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
Thank you for making me feel less tech challenged.:whew: FYI, The 866 works great as a straight, no nonsense integrated with DAC.
Boulder 866 app