The merits of the various tweeter types

[buggsson]

I would like to know more about the differences between the various tweeter types out there, and their influence on the sound, as there are quite a few of them, such as for example:

dome (metal etc)
inverted dome
compression
ribbon tweeters

I've heard a few opinions about different tweeter types, but I would like to see a more structured comparison.

[pkm]

Should be something here
http://ldsg.snippets.org/

Just a few things to note

The compression driver requires the horn to be designed for it - see jblpro.com tech library notes.Ie dont just buy a random Comp driver and a random horn,you could get discontinuities.

As for dome vs non dome tweeters personally I think thats a less important discussion.

http://www.xlrtechs.com/dbkeele.com/papers.htm
15. "Improvements in Monitor Loudspeaker Systems," J. Audio Eng. Soc., (June 1983).horn + 15"

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbullet...ad.php?t=12126
Diy oblate spheroid in solid oak.this guy has a good technical idea of what hes doing and why.

[sdclc126]

Driver type is, IMO, less important than overall measured performance, namely distortion. Suggested reading:

http://www.zaphaudio.com/tweetermishmash/

http://www.zaphaudio.com/nondomes/

[buggsson]

If I understood Zaph correctly, he was not very impressed with ribbon tweeters. I've been told that with a ribbon you would be able to cross quite low, but he did not recommend crossing below 2500 Hz with the ribbons under test. I wonder if these results are general for most ribbons, as my plans is to cross rather low?

[sdclc126]

Actually ribbons for the most part cannot be crossed as low as many high quality domes - good domes can be crossed well below 2500 Hz. 2500 may be low for a ribbon, but I've seen domes crossed as low as 1400 Hz (with very carefully designed crossovers).

So "low" is a relative term I suppose, but if you want to cross below the 2k - 2.5k range you may want to consider domes.

[planet10]

Originally posted by sdclc126
but I've seen domes crossed as low as 1400 Hz (with very carefully designed crossovers).

I'm playing with an unconventional dome that can be XOed <500 Hz.

The covential 1" dome in the PEARL PR2 was XOed at 1.2k 2nd order

dave

[Andersonix]

Before you resign yourself to those slow, heavy technologies, try an ESL.

[bigwill]

A true tweeter isn't exactly "slow"

[auplater]

I prefer planar tweeters for clarity, speed, dispersion control, and overall ease of use, contrary to Zaph's opinion.

But then, I'm a planar junkie anyway, due to the "full package" of minimal mass, controlled dispersion, and pinpoint imaging.

John L.

[buggsson]

auplater
Have you had experiences with planars that have really good distortion properties below 2000 Hz? I think that was what Zaphs main objection were, high distortion at "lower" frequencies"?

Whas is the general opinion about manufacturers recommended crossing over frequencies, are they usually good, or at least close?