Just bought pair of W22EX-001, tweeter recommendations?

[architect7]

Lots of W22EX swap meet threads on here but not many in the way of build threads so here goes!

I owned a pair of W18's way back in the day and I have regretted ever selling them. I've been admiring the many OB projects on here and it is finally time for me to bite off one of my own. My plans are to actively crossover and amplify the drivers so filltering should not be an issue. I am trying to keep costs down and because of this I would like to avoid spending ~$500+ on a pair of Milleniums (or Illuminators, etc.).

What tweeters are people liking these days? I listen to all sorts of music and these will also be used for TV/theater duty. I have always been a fan of silk/soft domes; metal domes have usually been too "bright" for my taste. I have been looking at the Dayton RS28 and the performance and price are both great. Are there others that I should consider?

Thanks!

[StigErik]

What about B&G Neo3 ?
I've used them with W22's myself with very good results, even though XO needs to be placed a little higher than optimum for the W22 - around 2.5 kHz.

[gornir]

Originally Posted by architect7

Lots of W22EX swap meet threads on here but not many in the way of build threads so here goes!

I owned a pair of W18's way back in the day and I have regretted ever selling them. I've been admiring the many OB projects on here and it is finally time for me to bite off one of my own. My plans are to actively crossover and amplify the drivers so filltering should not be an issue. I am trying to keep costs down and because of this I would like to avoid spending ~$500+ on a pair of Milleniums (or Illuminators, etc.).

What tweeters are people liking these days? I listen to all sorts of music and these will also be used for TV/theater duty. I have always been a fan of silk/soft domes; metal domes have usually been too "bright" for my taste. I have been looking at the Dayton RS28 and the performance and price are both great. Are there others that I should consider?

Thanks!

I would consider the Dayton RS28F-4 which I think would be a good match, both sonically and technically.

You would need a tweeter capable of a low cross-over in the range of 1.2-1.5kHz, if you consider the distortion and off-axis (beaming) behavior of the 8” Excel driver.

The RS28F-4 has an outstanding price/performance ratio if you ask me.

Another option could be the ScanSpeak Illuminator D3004/602010. It would fit the design with its small faceplate and great distortion figures, but the price would bump up a couple of notches.

Regards

/Göran

[architect7]

Thanks for the replies. The more I read about about the RS28F, the more it looks like the clear winner. I have always been a big fan of the Vifa XT25 but it doesn't look like it crosses over below 2khz very well.

As for the W22, how low are people using them? Living in a high-rise condo with thin walls I am okay with not having a ton of bass...is it unrealistic to expect much output below 100hz? Wondering if I should match these with a pair of Peerless 10's or Eminence 15's, also OB. Thoughts?

[ScottG]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the BG Neo 3 PDR open baffle..

[gainphile]

One needs to match the directivity of OB W22 with the tweeter. Any dome tweeters are no good (tweeters would radiate as omni at 1.5khz).

Currently I use XT25 loaded with waveguide. Best compromise so far.

[architect7]

Originally Posted by StigErik

What about B&G Neo3 ?
I've used them with W22's myself with very good results, even though XO needs to be placed a little higher than optimum for the W22 - around 2.5 kHz.

Originally Posted by ScottG

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the BG Neo 3 PDR open baffle..

I'd like to avoid crossing over that high if possible. StigErik, what do you do about the W22 peak in that range?

Originally Posted by gainphile

One needs to match the directivity of OB W22 with the tweeter. Any dome tweeters are no good (tweeters would radiate as omni at 1.5khz).

Currently I use XT25 loaded with waveguide. Best compromise so far.

Now we're talking! I was considering the XT25 and trying something around 2khz. Do you have pictures of the waveguide you are using? Where did you get the waveguide?

I'd also like to educate myself more about the W22 directivity that you are referring to, I think it is something I have overlooked. Happen to have any links/documentation that I can review?

Thanks in advance!

[ScottG]

Originally Posted by architect7

I'd like to avoid crossing over that high if possible.

Open Baffle with a moderately large baffle - not a problem as long as you have a steep crossover. See page 2 Figure 1.

http://www.gr-research.com/pdf/NEO3pdr.pdf

..even BG mentions "dipole" use down to 1200 Hz.

[architect7]

Originally Posted by ScottG

Open Baffle with a moderately large baffle - not a problem as long as you have a steep crossover. See page 2 Figure 1.

http://www.gr-research.com/pdf/NEO3pdr.pdf

..even BG mentions "dipole" use down to 1200 Hz.

Great read! I think this definitely seals the deal for me, I'm excited to try something that is a little out of the ordinary. Thank you!

[ScottG]

Originally Posted by architect7

Great read! I think this definitely seals the deal for me, I'm excited to try something that is a little out of the ordinary. Thank you!

You're Welcome!

Note: use the Edge for modeling both drivers on the intended baffle to get an idea of where you'll have diffraction problems (and a resulting null in response). Be sure to check the "dipole" box for your model!

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