INTIMATES DDR update

[carlspeak]

A friend of mine gave me the idea of trying a pair of Vifa XT25G30-04 Dual Ring Radiator tweeters after hearing some in a high end speaker at a hifi show.

So, I got a pair and came up with a whole new crossover to replace the original Sonus Faber Extrema topology. I browsed the web for similar designs and 'borrowed' a topology from Zaph that consisted of a 3rd order elec. (3.9 uF, 0.18mH parallel, 13uF series and 1.5 ohm resistor) on the tweeter and 1.5 mH 15 ga. air core coil in series with the SS Revelator 15W/8539K01 bass/mid and a 12 uF/1.5 ohm parallel.

Below are some polars with 3HD via HolmImpulse. They sound quite nice though I was somewhat surprised at the mediocre off axis response well beyond 15 deg. The AMT ribbons in my modded B652-AIR speakers have considerably better off axis response - as would be expected.

As a result of the Intimates rebuild, I'm selling some SS tweeters and high quality coils in the classified area here at PETT.

[jonasz]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

What do you like better about the xt25?

[Melby Audio]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

I am a fan of the XT25 as well. Nice project.

[craigk]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

I am a fan of the XT25 as well. Nice project.

probably more high end designs used the XT25 than any tweeter ever made. I like them too.

[carlspeak]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

What do you like better about the xt25?

The XT25's have more sparkle for lack of a better description. Soundstage now rivals ESL panels for clarity, but with more focus due to the smaller source.

I tend to sit in the sweet spot for most of my music listening so the off axis issue I noted is not a big deal for me. It might be for some builders though.

[kevintomb]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

So how is the Vifa tweeter sounding after some "Break in" and getting having it for a while?


Great thread, think you might convince me to try one!

[Navy Guy]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

Most of the ring radiator tweeters tend to have a pretty fast roll off when you start moving off-axis. I'm also a big fan of the Vifa XT line.

[carlspeak]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

So how is the Vifa tweeter sounding after some "Break in" and getting having it for a while?


Great thread, think you might convince me to try one!

I try to listen to them each day. They sound great and represent a very good value vs the original SS tweeter if someone were to build their own Intimates.

I have taken another step and plan to try a pair of Mundorf AMT tweeters to see if the 'magic' continues. Hopefully I'll have even better off axis response.

[[email protected]]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

I think you would like the new SB tweeter.

http://meniscusaudio.com/sb-sb19stc0004-p-1517.html

[kevintomb]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

A friend of mine gave me the idea of trying a pair of Vifa XT25G30-04 Dual Ring Radiator tweeters after hearing some in a high end speaker at a hifi show.

So, I got a pair and came up with a whole new crossover to replace the original Sonus Faber Extrema topology. I browsed the web for similar designs and 'borrowed' a topology from Zaph that consisted of a 3rd order elec. (3.9 uF, 0.18mH parallel, 13uF series and 1.5 ohm resistor) on the tweeter and 1.5 mH 15 ga. air core coil in series with the SS Revelator 15W/8539K01 bass/mid and a 12 uF/1.5 ohm parallel.

Below are some polars with 3HD via HolmImpulse. They sound quite nice though I was somewhat surprised at the mediocre off axis response well beyond 15 deg. The AMT ribbons in my modded B652-AIR speakers have considerably better off axis response - as would be expected.

As a result of the Intimates rebuild, I'm selling some SS tweeters and high quality coils in the classified area here at PETT.

What actual frequency did it end up crossing at?

Did you happen to do individual driver frequency response graphs also?

[carlspeak]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

What actual frequency did it end up crossing at?

Did you happen to do individual driver frequency response graphs also?

Yes I did. XO is around 2200 hz. 3rd order on the tweeter keeps 3HD very low.

Build one and let us know how you like it!

[kevintomb]

Re: INTIMATES DDR update

Yes I did. XO is around 2200 hz. 3rd order on the tweeter keeps 3HD very low.

Build one and let us know how you like it!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]56193[/ATTACH]

VERY tempting, but honestly the woofer is a bit out of my budget range (( according to wife at least...lol )) but have huge interest in the Vifa tweeter!