High efficiency = Increased dynamics ?!

[cotdt]

Originally Posted by soundaatma

Could you please tell me what is so special about the Peerless HDS tweeter compared to the similar but lower priced Dayton Audio RS28A-4 . Thanks.

These happen to be the 2 tweeters that I've used the most. I will give my subjective impressions. Compared to the Dayton RS28A4, the HDS tweeter is more airy (reproduction of artificial harmonics on a guitar) and has better dispersion off-axis. The soundstage on the HDS is wider (seems like the sound is coming from behind the speakers). The HDS tweeter just seems to disappear. Please note that the Peerless HDS has a rising frequency response whereas the Dayton dips down past 13kHz.

The HDS is also better than the Seas 27TDFC in terms of subjective detail and quickness. There seems to be more treble extension. It's a closer comparison as the material and frequency response is more similar between these two than the HDS vs Dayton.

Some of the difference is that the HDS is 25mm diameter so it is smaller than the other tweeters. The datasheet lists it as having lighter moving mass. Whatever the case, it just sounds great.

[sreten]

Hi, Zaph|Audio , rgds, sreten.

[soundaatma]

Originally Posted by cotdt

These happen to be the 2 tweeters that I've used the most. I will give my subjective impressions. Compared to the Dayton RS28A4, the HDS tweeter is more airy (reproduction of artificial harmonics on a guitar) and has better dispersion off-axis.
.

Thanks for the comparison. How low can these tweeters be crossed with a 2nd order crossover, before distortion starts.

[soundaatma]

Speaking of high efficiency designs for home use, I wonder what is the reason for the rising popularity of the HE designs from Zu audio and Tekton ?? Did anybody listen to any of their HE designs.

I have not heard their speakers but have experimented with the same drivers they have used: Eminence BP102, 208 EZ, Fostex FE series etc.

[cotdt]

Originally Posted by soundaatma

Thanks for the comparison. How low can these tweeters be crossed with a 2nd order crossover, before distortion starts.

Sreten's link to Zaphaudio will give you an idea. It depends on how much power you need. You can even use it without a crossover as it naturally starts rolling off at 2kHz.

[Squeak]

Originally Posted by cotdt

Sreten's link to Zaphaudio will give you an idea. It depends on how much power you need. You can even use it without a crossover as it naturally starts rolling off at 2kHz.

Wouldn't it get damaged by lower frequencies, let alone sound terrible?

[cotdt]

Originally Posted by Squeak

Wouldn't it get damaged by lower frequencies, let alone sound terrible?

No, it won't distort or get damaged at normal listening volumes without a crossover. I've tested this. Distortion was measured to be lower than other tweeters WITH a filter.

[sreten]

Hi,

Using any tweeter without any high pass filter at all is a complete no-no.

Distortion will be very poor, the 12dB/octave roll-off = constant excursion
per octave, so it it will excursion limit due to bass, meanwhile producing
buckets of unnecessary intermodulation distortion, and is almost certain
to fry for any decent overall power level applied, a complete non-starter.

Flea power you might get away with it, but still pretty pointless.
A series capacitor is the minimum for any sensible design.

rgds, sreten.

[cotdt]

All I will say is that I've done distortion measurements on the HDS tweeter and it worked fine even without a filter. In fact, distortion was very low. Now, at higher levels, sreten may be right. Who knows. I don't like to waste my time theorycrafting either way. I used a filter and crossed at 2.5 kHz in the final speaker. But the peace of mind I get from doing distortion measurements, that's something.

[sreten]

Originally Posted by cotdt

All I will say is that I've done distortion measurements on
the HDS tweeter and it worked fine even without a filter.

Hi,

Not at 100W programme with mild clipping, or any sort of intermodulation
distortion testing. Your the person wasting peoples time saying something
works when it doesn't and wasting peoples time with "theorycrafting ".

rgds, sreten.