I believe Acoustic Research originally used 0.75" paper dome tweeters in their AR-3, AR-2a, & AR-2ax models.
Strictly speaking, they were 'phenolic' domes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenolic_paper
Strictly speaking, they were 'phenolic' domes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenolic_paper
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Because it's used for all other types of drivers - fullranges, midranges , woofers
Bliesma just came out with a paper version of the M74 dome, so... why not tweeters too?
The difficulty may be in making a paper dome which is light enough to undergo rapid accelerations while remaining rigid enough not to change shape.
Why go to the bother of coating a paper dome when you could simply use a more suitable material?
Besides, a coating would increase the mass to be accelerated.
Besides, a coating would increase the mass to be accelerated.
A textile material has a more open weave than paper, and it is into the openings in the weave that the stiffening substance permeates.
The result is a combination of lightness and stiffness that likely cannot be achieved with paper and an external coating.
The result is a combination of lightness and stiffness that likely cannot be achieved with paper and an external coating.
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Maybe SBACOUSTIC should try their wood pulp theey use in somme audiance or the other material in the Satori woofers...
And as we are here, why not cone paper tweeter...
And as we are here, why not cone paper tweeter...
Yes, definitely.
Why can't that Egyptian papyrus dust cap like on a MR16P be used as a tweeter dome?
Why can't that Egyptian papyrus dust cap like on a MR16P be used as a tweeter dome?
Early Acoustic Research tweeter domes were phenolic-treated cotton fabric, which transitioned to paper with the AR-3a. The AR-4x used a paper cone.
https://audioxpress.com/article/speakers-parts-is-parts-tweeter-history-cones-and-domes
That article reminded me that in the 1970s, the paper cone CTS tweeter was ubiquitous, used in countless two-way designs from Acoustic Research, Altec, Marantz, RadioShack, Rectilinear, and most of us DIY types around back then, arguably the most used tweeter of all time:
There are still tons of new and used cabinets using similar paper cone tweeters.
There are a few of those around which can come in quite handy for vintage loudspeaker renovations.
For example: https://www.monacor.com/products/components/speaker-technology/hi-fi-tweeters-/ht-22-8/
And: https://www.visaton.de/en/products/drivers-accessories/cone-tweeters
Here's a recent discussion on cone tweeters: https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/why-arent-there-any-great-cone-tweeters.393952/
Thanks, I too discovered that article after making my initial post.
This phenolic tweeter were indeed a popular tweeter which clearly satisfied consumers for decades.
I've used them as replacements, and new builds, and I can honestly say that even today I'm amazed at their clarity and smooth response.
The only thing I have to say is that the hollow rivet you see between the terminals needs to be sealed with a drop of epoxy - to keep from whistling, particularly if used in an closed/air-supension system.
Parts Express has these at a very reasonable price.
Those phenolic ring tweeters were ubiquitous in the 70s and 80s because they were cheap and they did the job. Most had small voice coils limiting power handling and a very high Fs limiting frequency range on the low end. Most had crappy 6db single cap cross overs too. The reason paper is not popular for dome tweeters are many. Weight for needed stiffness, ease of permanent damage from being poked, etc.. Once the Peerless KO10DT appeared they went out of style.
If it would be "obvious" the entire industry would stick to it.
I don't find paper domes "obvious" at all, in fact quite the opposite.
There are plenty of other materials that are MUCH easier to form and/or are lighter and have better production consistency.
I don't find paper domes "obvious" at all, in fact quite the opposite.
There are plenty of other materials that are MUCH easier to form and/or are lighter and have better production consistency.