Speaker builder: heil tweeters vs multiple ribbons


Hello,

I'm not sure if anyone here builds their own speakers, but i was wondering if anyone has heard multiple ribbon drivers in sound vs a heil tweeter. I need something that crosses down at 1khz or below to get the cross largely out of vocal range. I really need something that's easier to drive than a large ribbon, so its either heil or a multiple ribbon tweeter configuration (appx 16 per channel). multiple tweeters are excellent at detail and resolution, but i have heard that they can mess up imaging. then again, some of the most high end speakers in the world are multiple driver units. Heils are pretty hard to beat--by anything. heils would probably be better in dispersion and transient energy. if any of you have some insight on this subject, i would greatly appreciate it.
atlanticpro

Showing 1 response by orpheus10


My speakers are custom built 3 way. The crossover was designed by an eccentric engineer who did nothing else. It utilizes Solen Metallized polypropylene capacitors for the woofer, and Jantzen Superior Series Z-capacitors for the midrange and tweeter. The tweeter is a ESS Heil air motion transformer, the mid driver is Vifa 6 inch mid woofer, the woofer is a 12 inch Pioneer. Each driver has it's own crossover, that means three crossovers per side. Speaker wire is maximized for each driver; copper silver composite for the tweeter and so on. It is a 3-way 4th order T-type; the crossover frequencies are 400/2500; 92DB efficiency. At present, they are operating on the 4 ohm out of a tube amp.

The ESS AMT is a dipole, this accentuates the "Holographic" sound stage which is behind the speakers, that appear for the most part to be useless pieces of furniture. Non audiophiles have to get up and look behind the speakers for hidden speakers, since that is where the sound is emanating from.