Seas 29TFFW, 27TBFCG, 27TDFC or 27TAFNCD

[curiousburke]

Wow, how does one decide when there are so many similar tweeters from the same company? Zaph Audio seems to favor the 27TBFCG , but I would never be able to predict that from the tweeter mismash frequency response plots . In fact, being a newbie, I discounted this speaker in favor of the 27TDFC because of that SPL spike at 26kHz, but he doesn't even mention this spike. Is it not a problem because the frequency is so high? Is there any reason to favor the 27TBFCG over the 29TFFW which appears to go lower and has a smoother top end? For that matter, what about the 27TAFNCD, which has about the same top end but goes lower?

-m

[noodle_snacks]

The answer is basically that there is more to tweeter performance than frequency response. Take a look at both harmonic distortion and cumulative spectral delay plots for the tweeters you are curious about.

I would personally ignore frequency response peaks etc above 20khz, they have very little (if any) effect, and if response above 20khz does have some psychoacoustical effect, what is going on below that is still more important.

[TomWaits]

Originally posted by curiousburke
Wow, how does one decide when there are so many similar tweeters from the same company?

From my experience the graphs tell part of the story and real listening is the other. I usually select my woofer(s) first and then I try to select a matching tweeter. Cross over frequency and the component selection is a major factor. Many manufacturers will suggest combinations so don't forget to check there too?

Also, keep in mind what you can actually hear. I can't hear above 18 kHz. Pure silence for me. If you like the Zaph audio site you should contact them direct with your query. I'd bet they would be more than happy to discuss.

I have not tried these exact models but some folks round here will share their experience.

Cheers,

Shawn.

[sdclc126]

All else being equal I would go with Zaph's bottom line - 27TBFC/G - he declares it the winner in the mishmash. 26khz is way beyond human hearing so is irrelevant.

But... what are you building? A lower bottom end doesn't make one tweeter better than another - but it will play a major role in overall design, which you should specify.

Don't place all the emphasis on frequency response - within limits an imperfect FR can be smoothed out - you need to look at the whole package, including distortion measurements - this is where the 27TBFC/G wins.

At the end of the day everyone has their own preferences, and what is measurable isn't necessarily AUDIBLE, but if you can please provide more details about what you want to build you will get a lot more help here.

[sdclc126]

Well rats I took so long to compose my response two other people beat me to it and said the same thing.

That's what I get for having a couple of beers on a Friday night before going online!

[TomWaits]

Originally posted by sdclc126
That's what I get for having a couple of beers on a Friday night before going online!

Cheers!

[sdclc126]

I'll drink to that - but we digress...

[owdi]

I'm listening to the 27TBFC/G right now, it is a very smooth tweeter. The 26khz peak is really not a problem, it is not audible.

The reasons I chose the 27TBFC/G are:

-can be crossed 2nd order at 2khz with great results
-very low harmonic distortion
-no energy problems between 2khz-20khz
-reasonably flat frequency response between 2khz-20khz


Dan

[curiousburke]

Thanks all for the responses. I dozed off after posting so this is the first I'm back. I'm building a pair of endtable with speakers built in, but this was more just a general question. that came up after reading one of Zaph projects then looking at the tweeter mishmash.

I guess my main criterion for this design is ease of implimentation. So, low order rolloff sounds good. However, so does low frequency XO such that it could be a 2.5-way design. I stil have not decided.

thanks again for the responses!
-m

[Salas]

Removing the grill from 27TBFC/G can lift the lacking final octave a bit and it looks better aesthetically. But for nil finger poking protection.

Also see 27TDC no ferro. Sounds faster than TDFC to my ears. Maybe 27TDC is the best overall Seas Prestige line subjectively. Just my opinion.