I'm looking to supplement the higher frequencies of my existing speakers (Leak Sandwich 15 ohm) by seating a tweeter on top of the speaker, similar to what is offered by off the shelf super tweeters.
The plan is to buy (for each speaker) a tweeter (Dayton Audio PT2C-8), a variable L-pad so I can play with the SPL, and capacitors ranging between 2 and 5 ohms to try different first order high pass filter points. Clearly this isn't very scientific - as you may have guessed from this assortment of parts, I haven't done any measurements to get an idea of where I'd want it to crossover or how loud. Furthermore I don't really know what to do about lobing issues at this point - lobing issues seem kind of messy, so I think I'll just try different tweeter placements until I find one that sounds "less lumpy" - perhaps even rear firing.
My question is, should I be low passing the existing tweeter in the Leak Sandwich, so as to help mitigate lobing issues? This seems like the sensible thing to do, but then I wonder what users of super tweeters do? My understanding is that they just plop the super tweeter on top of their speaker without any further modification to the existing crossover network. Do they just 'put up' with the peaks and dips?
The plan is to buy (for each speaker) a tweeter (Dayton Audio PT2C-8), a variable L-pad so I can play with the SPL, and capacitors ranging between 2 and 5 ohms to try different first order high pass filter points. Clearly this isn't very scientific - as you may have guessed from this assortment of parts, I haven't done any measurements to get an idea of where I'd want it to crossover or how loud. Furthermore I don't really know what to do about lobing issues at this point - lobing issues seem kind of messy, so I think I'll just try different tweeter placements until I find one that sounds "less lumpy" - perhaps even rear firing.
My question is, should I be low passing the existing tweeter in the Leak Sandwich, so as to help mitigate lobing issues? This seems like the sensible thing to do, but then I wonder what users of super tweeters do? My understanding is that they just plop the super tweeter on top of their speaker without any further modification to the existing crossover network. Do they just 'put up' with the peaks and dips?
There shouldn't be a need to cross it low. Keep the frequency high and you won't have to worry as much about all these things.
Well the capacitors I'm planning on getting should let me cross as high as 10KHz (the Dayton tweeter starts to naturally roll off from around 10KHz), and as low as 4KHz.
I think a measurement mic would probably help a lot to clear up the guesswork, but as it stands the Leak Sandwich speakers don't go very high, and already sounds notably subdued by around 7KHz. I've even heard others online describe its tweeter as more of a mid range driver, so I'm hoping for the new tweeter to play HF in the musical/definitely-audible region, rather than just add some airiness over 10KHz.
I think a measurement mic would probably help a lot to clear up the guesswork, but as it stands the Leak Sandwich speakers don't go very high, and already sounds notably subdued by around 7KHz. I've even heard others online describe its tweeter as more of a mid range driver, so I'm hoping for the new tweeter to play HF in the musical/definitely-audible region, rather than just add some airiness over 10KHz.
The first thing I'd try is equalising the existing tweeter. What is wrong with it apart from that? What kind is it?
Putting a tweeter in an above box pod can be a big move, you might find if you do it randomly.
Putting a tweeter in an above box pod can be a big move, you might find if you do it randomly.
I've used these tweeters with great results.
https://www.parts-express.com/Fostex-025H27-4-1-4-x-4-1-4-Horn-Loaded-Bullet-Tweeter-8-Ohms-299-107
https://www.parts-express.com/Fostex-025H27-4-1-4-x-4-1-4-Horn-Loaded-Bullet-Tweeter-8-Ohms-299-107
The funny thing is I had recently padded the existing tweeter down by a significant margin (6dB). It was unusually prominent around 1KHz to 3KHz. So much so that whenever I had the speakers playing at a 'comfortable' level (for general vocals and dialogue), the bass would be incredibly subdued. I've read on other forums that this speaker was intended to be placed up against a wall for reinforcement in the lower frequencies, but this is not how I have them placed (on stands, away from rear walls).
Even then though, prior to the padding, I felt that the speaker would benefit from some added HF. I feel that this is even truer now.
As for what type it is.. it's a "Sandwich" type, which I understand to be unique to this series of speakers. The tweeter is a 3" diameter cone, made of about 1cm thick polystyrene foam, "sandwiched" by a sheet of aluminium on either side. I don't believe official specifications/measurements have come out for this tweeter, but given its construction, I'm not shocked that it leaves a bit to be desired in the HF.
Normally I'd be mentioning your tweeter padding and saying three things. Either....
1. Now that the tweeter meets the mid at the cross you can EQ the upper treble back up where it needs to be..
2. Maybe the tweeter shouldn't have been padded and you should put it back and EQ at the baffle step instead..
and 3. Once you decide which is right, EQ.
Of course the fact that the tweeter is 3" is significant. Like a full range driver the treble can be light and somewhat directional. Some like this because it can contribute to a reflection free treble, and you need to EQ to where you like.
On the other hand the super tweeter idea, if this is what you decide you want, is about increasing this dispersion. The level is irrelevant as you'll simply EQ when done, and the dispersion will be the only difference.
1. Now that the tweeter meets the mid at the cross you can EQ the upper treble back up where it needs to be..
2. Maybe the tweeter shouldn't have been padded and you should put it back and EQ at the baffle step instead..
and 3. Once you decide which is right, EQ.
Of course the fact that the tweeter is 3" is significant. Like a full range driver the treble can be light and somewhat directional. Some like this because it can contribute to a reflection free treble, and you need to EQ to where you like.
On the other hand the super tweeter idea, if this is what you decide you want, is about increasing this dispersion. The level is irrelevant as you'll simply EQ when done, and the dispersion will be the only difference.