replacement tweeters for TDL Electronics RTL3 Loudspeakers!

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CliffR52

CliffR52

Member
Joined 2018
#1
Hi Everyone.

Just wanting to resurrect a project to restore a pair of TDL Electronics TRL3 Loudspeakers which stalled.
Everything was going well. I rebuilt the crossovers with a tweaked design involving quality inductors, poly caps, new resistors, and re foamed the mid/bass drivers.

I blew it as I didn't properly test the tweeters only finding out later that they are both dead.
Original tweeters are probably rare and well worn/expensive if available.

Are there any recommendations for similar new tweeters offering similar physical size and similar characteristics?

Here are specs:
Type: 2 way, 3 driver loudspeaker system
Frequency Response: 35Hz to 20kHz
Recommended Amplifier: 20 to 120W
Crossover Frequency: 3000Hz
Impedance: 8Ω
Sensitivity: 90dB
Bass: 2 x 172mm loaded polypropylene cone
Tweeter: 1 x 19mm soft dome
Enclosure: reflex transmission line
Dimensions: 900 x 200 x 375mm
Weight: 21kg

thanks
 
#2
CliffR52 said:
Just wanting to resurrect a project to restore a pair of TDL Electronics TRL3 Loudspeakers which stalled.
Everything was going well. I rebuilt the crossovers with a tweaked design involving quality inductors, poly caps, new resistors, and re foamed the mid/bass drivers.
I blew it as I didn't properly test the tweeters only finding out later that they are both dead.
Click to expand...

Here's a tip for future reference: Place one end of the cardboard tube from a toilet roll over the tweeter and place your ear over the other end. This will help you distinguish the sound of the tweeter from that of the other drivers.

I read that the TRL3 tweeter is a version of the apparently unavailable Vifa D20TD-05-06. Specs here: https://madisound.com/pdf/vifa/d20td-05-06e.pdf

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If the above is true, here's a possible replacement: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0809/2387/files/D27TG35-06.pdf?842573435585941800

EDIT: That replacement my not fit as it has a larger face plate diameter so measure carefully.
 
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#4
Galu said:
I read that the TRL3 tweeter is a version of the apparently unavailable Vifa D20TD-05-06. Specs here: https://madisound.com/pdf/vifa/d20td-05-06e.pdf
If the above is true, here's a possible replacement: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0809/2387/files/D27TG35-06.pdf?842573435585941800
EDIT: That replacement my not fit as it has a larger face plate diameter so measure carefully.
Click to expand...
Hi Galu.
You don't know how much I rely on your expertise. 👍
The baffle space between the larger drivers is 99mm.
I could lop 3 mm off the top and bottom edges of the Vifa's.

On the negative side they won't be flush baffle mounted which could have an affect on sound.
I'll also need to pull out an existing tweeter to measure internal diameter compatibility.

Thanks for the lead.
Quality tweeter replacements for the "RTL 3's". 😉

PS: Is DigiKey reputable?
https://www.digikey.com.au/en/products/detail/peerless-by-tymphany/D27TG35-06/6557411
 
#5
Could the dome and coil be moved from D27TG to the D20DT? If lucky you can maybe find some 19mm repair kits on AliExpress for a couple of pounds. Maybe even some with the same gloss as the original. I have some Technics tweeters, that are of. First ill see if there's dry oil in them. Next I'll logo for replacement diaphragms.
Cheers!
 
#6
The existing tweeter baffle hole is approx 63mm diam.
The Vifa has a 72mm diam magnet body diam.
Will need to extend baffle hole diam by approx 11-12mm.
Terminals can be accommodated with small cutouts.

Maybe some wood filler over the remaining rebated area to ensure air seal and strength.
 
#9
Guerilla said:
Could the dome and coil be moved from D27TG to the D20DT? If lucky you can maybe find some 19mm repair kits on AliExpress for a couple of pounds. Maybe even some with the same gloss as the original. I have some Technics tweeters, that are of. First ill see if there's dry oil in them. Next I'll logo for replacement diaphragms.
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Thanks G.
Can you give me an aliexpress link to one of these kits?
I'm not sure of the key words to search for them.
 
#13
Guerilla said:
I suggest you write them an email. I imagine they will send abroad. They are a very old respected company.
Click to expand...

Thanks, but I can't seem to find an email address on that CAD AUDIO WEBSHOP site. Can you help?

EDIT: I got it!

postmaster@cad-audio.dk

@CliffR52 Just click on 'Kontaktoplysninger' located at the bottom left of the site's screen (scroll down) and you'll open a box in which to write an email.
 
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#16
If the cad-audio link doesn't pan out. You might be able to use a Scanspeak D2010 19mm dome. The OD of the faceplate is 3mm wider, so you need to widen the rabate a little. Otherwise, the mounting hole is the same, the sensitivity is the same. The Scanspeak has a lower resonance frequency, so I'm unsure if you need to modify the filter, depending on the TDL design using the acoustic rolloff in the design.
 
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