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soft dome versus hard dome tweeters

As my internet window shopping continues, I was reading on some speakers that listed for the tweeter textile dome and also silk dome.

So then I used the 'search discussion' function on this site on the subject of soft versus hard dome tweeters and it seemed as if most of the members who offered opinions used that "harsh" and "fatiguing" and "ringing" to describe how they felt about hard dome speakers. In the admittedly short time that I spent reading, I was not picking up a lot of love for hard dome tweeters.

But there are reputable speaker manufacturers that seem to have gone the extra mile to make their hard dome tweeters as hard as possible using, for example, beryllium or artificial(?) diamond dust.

I wouldn't expect a consensus on much of anything audio, but did I just by luck to find responses by mostly people who prefer soft dome tweeters?  Because if they really sound that bad (harsh/fatiguing/ringing) in comparison, why would reputable manufacturers choose this route?  And I do realize that appreciation of a sonic effect is subjective, so did I just happen on responses by members who had mostly the same subjective perception?

immatthewj

Showing 1 response by agwca

agwca
135 posts
 

I had speakers with metal drivers for years, seemingly more info than previous soft domes although varied in ringing, glare or sibilant extension.

Even some soft domes were overbearing.

Then I went with Dali Menuet SEs which comparatively subdued but also took out alot of the nuances in music I listened too and I found them way too refined.

Dali Opticon 1s were much better only giving up some resolution and note weight but still decently controlled glare and sibilance, comparatively speaking.

Now have Audel Magika II using a Sartori SB Acoustics tweeter and while it is very revealing, it lacks the glare and controls sibilance better, so it replaced my metal options.  I still have one set of speakers with metal domes, a budget speaker whose attributes are so good overall, I don;t want to sell.  Very melodic on some material, euphonic in spite of the sometimes glare.  Less resolution but plays well with ANY amp, source or genre.  Not neutral, V shaped and good for low level listening.  The titanium tweeter and treated paper woofer work well together.

My other speakers measure better, perform better in the audiophile sense but there it is. 

Also had Martin Logan 15i which were really good with soundtracks re resolution and voice naturalness but didn't like it for music.  I thought it had more to do with the Aluminum woofer than the AMT.  Also, it didn't give nuances like spatial effects like the Dali when I compared but I preferred the 15i with voice in soundtracks.  All else the Dali I thought were better.

If I were to upgrade from here, at higher prices I think I would target something with a good soft dome considering paper variant woofers, even though I am happy with polypropylene as well and avoiding metal infused woofers.  

 

 

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