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Best Tweeter UNDER $30, 3way, under 3k XO?

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  • Best Tweeter UNDER $30, 3way, under 3k XO?

    Hey everyone,

    I'm working on a new design for a friend. I'm constrained by a price point. It's a 3way, and the mid has a nice smooth upper end, capable of going higher. I'm more concerned with dispersion/radiation pattern than only targeting a flat FR on axis, so I would prefer to cross over as low as I can (ultimately going to be driven by XO design). These will be used in a large family/great room, so would like to have stronger wide dispersion and a more even power response. While there are number of cheap tweeters that could work with this mid at 4kHz, I'm hoping for better off-axis performance and blending.

    I understand that without an measurements or XO design made, cost of the XO could vary greatly and offset the $30 limit. To avoid debate, let's just say the $30 cost cap on the tweeter is an arbitrary one - it is what it is. For the sake of this discussion, the woofer and mid are selected. And the Reference Series tweeters are priced out.

    I've used the original D28F silkie before, and found it quite pleasing for the price. The DC28F looks great on paper.
    I'm struggling a bit to differentiate between the smaller Dayton neo variants (aside from their obvious physical differences)... DSN25F, NHP25F, ND25FW, ND25FA
    I see the DSN25F has some copper in the motor, with a slightly lower inductance. I assume/hope also lower THD. I tried searching for THD comparisons, but didn't find any. Would be interested if someone has a link. With the higher Fs on these at 1300-1500, I'm concerned trying to hit 2500 or lower XO.
    The DSN25F ("better" motor?) and ND25FA seem to be the best options.

    The off-axis on the DC28F extends a stronger than the Dayton neos, despite it's larger dome. And the lower Fs certainly helps to be able to use a lower XO point without stress.

    The Peerless / Vifa DX25BG currently on sale is a strong contender, in my view. I've used and have been impressed with the non-chambered version

    The SB26ST-C000-5 was a recent find that is quite intriguing. I've used it's neo variant with copper cap (SB26STCN) with some success. On paper, it also looks impressive.

    I've heard some of the neo Daytons at various DIY events, and have the general impression <shrug/humph, that's not bad for the price>, but haven't heard one in my room on my system.
    I've considered the XT25, but prefer the FR and off-axis of the DX25.
    I do not like the sound/timbre of the BC25s, not sure why, so they're out
    I have some historic good experience with the old Vifa D27TG35, but I like the sound of DX25 better
    I'm a fan of the sonic character and performance of the Vifa D26NC series, but can't seem to find them anywhere stateside

    If anyone else has another UNDER $30 option to recommend for my application and preferences above, feel free to shoot a suggestion and if you have any explanation of why you like one over another.

    Thanks in advance!
    SEC DIY 2014 Speaker Show is on! *November 8th*
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  • #2
    I would use the Peerless DX25BG60-04 which is on sale in Madison Wisconsin. The SB26STCN is a very nice sounding tweeter but exceeds your $30 budget.
    Craig

    I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.

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    • #3
      .
      Last edited by TroyH; 01-17-2023, 04:58 PM. Reason: Links to competitors are prohibited

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      • #4
        Nice, thanks! Back in the running
        SEC DIY 2014 Speaker Show is on! *November 8th*
        Wanna win a set of Newform Research R30 ribbons?!?!
        SEC DIY 2014 Thread

        SEC DIY 2012 Speaker Show
        SEC DIY 2011 Speaker Show

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        • #5
          That SB tweeter looks interesting, is it new? I've used and like DX25, as well as the not readily available Peerless DA25BG08-06. the Dayton TD25f-4 is well under $30
          Dayton Audio TD25F-4 1" Soft Dome Tweeter 4 OhmWith a 1” silk dome the TD25F-4 from Dayton Audio produces smooth and natural high frequency output. The semi-horn loaded faceplate helps to control the off-axis response while recessing the dome for extra protection. An Fs of 900 Hz makes this tweeter suitable for use with a crossover as low as 2,000 Hz for an easy transition to most 6-1/2” woofers. The TD25F-4 is an excellent choice for use in cost effective, but high performance, 2-way speaker systems.

          ​

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          • #6
            The SB19ST-C000-4 has excellent off axis response and goes for $24. I used it in my 2018 Iron Driver contest entry and came in first. The data sheet is attached.

            Ron
            Attached Files
            C-Note Iron Driver Build
            The Cherry π's

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            • #7
              Another vote for SB19ST.

              I use it in a tiny 2way with Purifi PTT4.0X…

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              • #8
                If reproducibility is not a concern, the DX25BG60 for $26 in Wisconsin cannot be beat. Legend has it that Peerless is headed out of the DIY market, however.

                It will cross at 1500 all day, sounds just fine, and has build quality that would shame some $100 tweeters out there. Cannot go wrong with it.
                Don't listen to me - I have not sold any $150,000 speakers.

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                • #9
                  Another vote for the large frame DX25; either the cast face or polymer face will work. I likes them. I likes them a lot.

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Ron_E View Post
                    The SB19ST-C000-4 has excellent off axis response and goes for $24. I used it in my 2018 Iron Driver contest entry and came in first. The data sheet is attached.

                    Ron
                    Thanks Ron, that one got past me somehow. Very intriguing. I see you used 42db/8va slope @ 3kHz from your build thread post.
                    I'm not sure I'd want to invest in the components for the mid to make the XO point, but I'm still really intrigued. As you said, the off-axis is very impressive.

                    Thanks, I'll dig into this one more this weekend!
                    SEC DIY 2014 Speaker Show is on! *November 8th*
                    Wanna win a set of Newform Research R30 ribbons?!?!
                    SEC DIY 2014 Thread

                    SEC DIY 2012 Speaker Show
                    SEC DIY 2011 Speaker Show

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by johnnyrichards View Post
                      If reproducibility is not a concern, the DX25BG60 for $26 in Wisconsin cannot be beat. Legend has it that Peerless is headed out of the DIY market, however.

                      It will cross at 1500 all day, sounds just fine, and has build quality that would shame some $100 tweeters out there. Cannot go wrong with it.
                      Hey Johnny, yes, this one on sale, in particular is very tempting. It's a top contender.
                      SEC DIY 2014 Speaker Show is on! *November 8th*
                      Wanna win a set of Newform Research R30 ribbons?!?!
                      SEC DIY 2014 Thread

                      SEC DIY 2012 Speaker Show
                      SEC DIY 2011 Speaker Show

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by scottq View Post

                        Thanks Ron, that one got past me somehow. Very intriguing. I see you used 42db/8va slope @ 3kHz from your build thread post.
                        I'm not sure I'd want to invest in the components for the mid to make the XO point, but I'm still really intrigued. As you said, the off-axis is very impressive.

                        Thanks, I'll dig into this one more this weekend!
                        The crossover I used was essentially a pair of notch filters. It used 4 components per filter plus any padding resistors. I believe parts costs for drivers and crossover parts were under $225 for the pair of speakers which were basically 2-ways with integrated bandpass woofer. So cost wouldn't necessarily a road block. It's very hard to design the filters without a crossover optimizer and not every driver will work.

                        Ron
                        C-Note Iron Driver Build
                        The Cherry π's

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Ron_E View Post
                          The SB19ST-C000-4 has excellent off axis response and goes for $24. I used it in my 2018 Iron Driver contest entry and came in first. The data sheet is attached.

                          Ron
                          Originally posted by tktran View Post
                          Another vote for SB19ST. I use it in a tiny 2way with Purifi PTT4.0X…
                          Do either of you recall what the lowest xo frequency could have been with the SB19ST? I know the FS is 980Hz and the rule-of-thumb would be about 2Khz, but I also know that the rule-of-thumb fails in many cases...just because it "can" xo that low doesn't mean it will sound okay doing so.

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by a4eaudio View Post



                            Do either of you recall what the lowest xo frequency could have been with the SB19ST? I know the FS is 980Hz and the rule-of-thumb would be about 2Khz, but I also know that the rule-of-thumb fails in many cases...just because it "can" xo that low doesn't mean it will sound okay doing so.
                            I crossed it at 3Khz so I don't really know how low it will go. I asked Google and came up with this. https://techtalk.parts-express.com/f...-c000-4-tested The FR curves look very similar to what I measured and and distortion looks good above 1500Hz.

                            Ron
                            C-Note Iron Driver Build
                            The Cherry π's

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