2. tech-talk
  3. 987749027

Compare the Nautilus Tweeter to DIY

I'm looking at a three-way DIY kit to build, and am very interested in Zalytron's offerings. They can alter any kit plan according to the customers wishes. I need some suggestions as to which tweeter I could use that would come the closest to the B&W sound. My goal is to match or exceed the Nautilus 803. I've read about the Focal Tioxid and Morel's soft dome. My budget is about one thousand so the tweeter can't really cost more than a hundred or so. Any constructive ideas would be helpful.

Thank's!

Danny
betelgeusba17
pinnisi9d01
1 posts
 
I believe you can buy the Nautilus tweeter drivers from a B&W dealer for about $150 each, full retail.
betelgeusba17 OP
1 posts
 
I didn't think that was possible. B&W seems to be a bit stingy with their products. Does that tweeter price include the tube used in the 800 & CDMNT series', and is it possible to purchase the midrange driver also?

Thank's
trelja
3,223 posts
 
If that tweeter absolutely is for you, I would give B&W a try. If you don't ask, your answer already is "NO". You are correct, they may be unwilling to sell the parts to a person who does not own their speakers(and can provide them with a serial number and/or receipt). I would say that it is probably difficult to match that tweeter exactly in the ultra high end driver lines. The Nautilus is a metal dome, and will have certain characteristics/sound that most expensive tweeters of today(soft domes/Ti02/kevlar/ceramic/carbon) do not. Most metal dome tweeters have a harshness avoided by tweeters like the Morel soft dome you mentioned. Spend some time listening, you may find you like one tweeter over another. Then, you can have what you truly like the best.
rfj
43 posts
 
Unless, you are very capable at cross-over design, I would stick with the Zalytron tweeter and his cross-over. You will probably come closer to the B&W sound by getting a similiar type driver.(ie a soft dome or a metal dome or metal inverted.) He has a number of designs where the only change is the tweeter. Good luck and post your results of your kit building experience.
More to discover