I have been looking for a good quality tweeter to replace the T27 in a pair of old Kef's. At first I was quite settled on picking up either the D2905/9500 - 9700. But after reading more and looking at what speakers are using the XT25 I began to wonder if I was wasting my money. For example a pair of $11000 Krell's. Also some other very well reviewed kits.
Ultimately I want a tweeter that is able to have a low crossover frequency. High power handling. Very high detail and poor off axis performance. I will always be sitting in the listening position and want to minimize problems with reflections and so on. I already have a great pair non dome speakers so I would like a dome for a change of tone.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Ultimately I want a tweeter that is able to have a low crossover frequency. High power handling. Very high detail and poor off axis performance. I will always be sitting in the listening position and want to minimize problems with reflections and so on. I already have a great pair non dome speakers so I would like a dome for a change of tone.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Member
Joined 2003
The XT25 does not fit your criteria very well. While it is a very good tweeter, it is unable to crossover very low, 2kHz LR4, 2.5kHz LR2 at best. The XT25 also has excellent off-axis performance, something that you don't seem to want for whatever reason.
See Zaph's tweeter tests here, and off-axis tests here.
For poor off-axis performance, you'll want to look at ribbon tweeters which have poor off-axis performance, but in the vertical plane only. Unfortunately, most affordable ribbon tweeters also don't work very well with low crossover points.
See Zaph's tweeter tests here, and off-axis tests here.
For poor off-axis performance, you'll want to look at ribbon tweeters which have poor off-axis performance, but in the vertical plane only. Unfortunately, most affordable ribbon tweeters also don't work very well with low crossover points.
Hi DcibeL
You are right about the crossover point. I would prefer if it did go a little lower. But everything that I am reading says the same thing. Keep it high. As for off axis performance performance, I am listening from one fixed position at all times. The less spraying around the room is better for me as it helps to keep problems with unwanted reflections at bay. This is why my other pair of speakers use a ribbon. I want a dome for a change. Actualy got me to think of building a three way : - | umm on second thought, no I think my head would melt.
So I guess what I should say is that off axis performance is of no importance to me. Also the off axis performance of the XT25 is not so good as you get higher. It is about as flat as it can get but according to a couple of other articles the off axis performance is not as good as some others in it's class. I don't have the links handy or I would post them. This being said I think that was VERY high. over 10,000k To be honest I can't hear over about 12-13k anymore anyhow 🙁
The other tweeter I have started to look at is the 104DT2608 from Peerless. There are way to many to choose from, and it has become clear that more expensive is not always a better sounding product.
You are right about the crossover point. I would prefer if it did go a little lower. But everything that I am reading says the same thing. Keep it high. As for off axis performance performance, I am listening from one fixed position at all times. The less spraying around the room is better for me as it helps to keep problems with unwanted reflections at bay. This is why my other pair of speakers use a ribbon. I want a dome for a change. Actualy got me to think of building a three way : - | umm on second thought, no I think my head would melt.
So I guess what I should say is that off axis performance is of no importance to me. Also the off axis performance of the XT25 is not so good as you get higher. It is about as flat as it can get but according to a couple of other articles the off axis performance is not as good as some others in it's class. I don't have the links handy or I would post them. This being said I think that was VERY high. over 10,000k To be honest I can't hear over about 12-13k anymore anyhow 🙁
The other tweeter I have started to look at is the 104DT2608 from Peerless. There are way to many to choose from, and it has become clear that more expensive is not always a better sounding product.
Member
Joined 2003
I use the 810921 (104DT2608) in my own speakers and it is an EXCELLENT tweeter. It's absolutely the best I've heard, however it is a fair bit more costly than the XT25. It has a hump in the response above 10kHz which can be worked out it the crossover, or left alone if it doesn't bother you. It's faceplate is metal, not plastic like most tweeters, which is a definite plus in my books.
Unlike the XT25, the 810921 is able to crossover at a low frequency. I cross mine over at 1.5kHz. If you're at all interested, my speaker project is here.
Unlike the XT25, the 810921 is able to crossover at a low frequency. I cross mine over at 1.5kHz. If you're at all interested, my speaker project is here.
Nice job!
You have helped me decide. I think I am leaning in that direction now due to the lower frequency capabilities. The extra cost is OK with me. I am willing to spend a bit more to get what will work. I just don't like spending needlessly. I am using them with an 8" woofer that I want to take some strain off. I love the woofer but I think it is best left working on the low end. I don't want to get into a three way mostly due to cost. But as well it would get rather complicated for me being a total nube at this.
I am also thinking about doing a split baffle. I love the idea of being able to move things when your needs change. Great idea. Seeing yours in place sealed the deal!
Well I am going to see if I can get speakerworkshop working on my other computer so I can take a basic look at what is going on.
You have helped me decide. I think I am leaning in that direction now due to the lower frequency capabilities. The extra cost is OK with me. I am willing to spend a bit more to get what will work. I just don't like spending needlessly. I am using them with an 8" woofer that I want to take some strain off. I love the woofer but I think it is best left working on the low end. I don't want to get into a three way mostly due to cost. But as well it would get rather complicated for me being a total nube at this.
I am also thinking about doing a split baffle. I love the idea of being able to move things when your needs change. Great idea. Seeing yours in place sealed the deal!
Well I am going to see if I can get speakerworkshop working on my other computer so I can take a basic look at what is going on.
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