Which tweeter - choices choices...

[Manimal]

I've managed to get hold of a pair of Peerless HDS134 drivers and will have a go at building this design from Troels' website

Peerless HDS 134 +

There are two tweeter options for these - the Vifa DX25TG-05-04 or the XT25TG30-04.

I'd appreciate some advice on the differences of the tweeters from any of you guys who've built designs using these units. On his site Troels says he probably couldn't tell them apart in a blind test so I assume the differences are audibly very subtle.

My initial leanings are towards the XT25 mainly because its seems to be used in lots of designs so could be very interchangeable and it looks more interesting with its 'pointy' bit.

[jerome69]

Two are good units. To my ears
-The XT25 is better in the high frequency, look like a metal dome.
-The DX25 have a better low end and a better dispersion. The new DX25 (DX25TG-09-04) has been improved and sound better.

In this setup the XT25 is a better choice.

[DrDyna]

+1 on XT25, I've had a pair of them for a couple of years now. I even had them crossed over dangerously low for a while by accident (don't recommend this) and they survived. Couldn't be happier with them.

[5th element]

I'm surprised that Troels said he couldn't hear any difference, different dispersion in my experience is quite audible and that top end peak with the DX25 I would easily hear, but then maybe Troels doesn't have hearing up that high any more. It seems that this peak might not be present in current versions of the tweeter though.

Out of the two I've only used the XT25 and for the money it's a very nice sounding tweeter. I don't think you'd go wrong with either of them, but as you say, the XT25 is the more used unit so would perhaps have better options for future builds.

If the HDS unit sounds anything like it's bigger, phase-plugged brother, the 850467, then you're onto a winner.

[Manimal]

Thanks for the replies - much appreciated. The XT25 it is then - excellent.

I've been messing around for a few weeks with with a pair of cheap 8 inch Peerless drivers I got off ebay from Willy's HiFi and I like what they do even for about £25 a pair and with my own crossover.

When some Peerless HDS appeared they had to be mine (paid £30) so I could see what their better drivers can do.

5th Element - if they cut the mustard then I may well invest in some bigger versions for a floorstander.

[5th element]

Well the 850467, like the HDS134 isn't available anymore. This being the sandwiched polymer style cone, now they do poly/nomex-paper/aluminium.

You could always keep the 134 on mid duties and add in a bass driver.

Edit - I thought I'd just add in that the 134 without phase plug is one of the easier drivers to work with, an extended, ruler flat frequency response with a very well controlled upper end roll off. So you're onto a winner if you want something to perhaps experiment with in the future.

[Tenson]

I'd go for the Dome Vifa as it has wider dispersion at the top.

[Manimal]

Originally Posted by 5th element

Well the 850467, like the HDS134 isn't available anymore. This being the sandwiched polymer style cone, now they do poly/nomex-paper/aluminium.

You could always keep the 134 on mid duties and add in a bass driver.

Edit - I thought I'd just add in that the 134 without phase plug is one of the easier drivers to work with, an extended, ruler flat frequency response with a very well controlled upper end roll off. So you're onto a winner if you want something to perhaps experiment with in the future.

Thanks for the info. I'm really looking forward to getting things sorted over the next few weeks. Time as always will be my biggest hindrance in getting things built.

Your idea of a 3 way is interesting and I hadn't considered this as an option. One to explore in the future...

Funny interest this - I haven't even got the drivers yet and already I'm now thinking of other builds to use them in.

[Manimal]

Originally Posted by Tenson

I'd go for the Dome Vifa as it has wider dispersion at the top.

Hi Tenson - good to hear from you. I remember you from CU & miss your contributions.

I'm an enthusiastic novice in these matters and although I think I understand the term dispersion - my lack of hands on (ears on) experience leaves me at a disadvantage. Will the dome version create a larger soundstage when listening?

I'm not sure as yet how these speakers will ultimately be used but I may end up using them off my PC. If this is so then they'll be very close to me so I presume differences in dispersion are minimised if used near field.

Of course I could be completely wrong...

[PeteMcK]

a good score, these are an excellent mid in a 3 way system (I combine them with a Peerless tweeter & 10" woofer from the same era, unfortunately no longer available)