Q. re Gemme Tanto Tweeter Replacements

I just looked at the sensitivity spec of around 85dB @ 4 ohms.

The low spec # is how the designer padded it down.

Hi DeKay.  What do you mean by "padded it down"?  Sorry if this is a nooby question.

I was referring to how he got the tweeter output in decibels to balance that of the woofer (with the only adjustment being a single cap that limits the low frequency signal input to the tweeter).

Typically tweeters have higher sensitivity than woofers (the tweeters play louder) and they are attenuated (their SPL reduced) by the use of a more complex crossover or the use of an L-Pad if the tweeter is connected with but a single cap.

In your Gemme the woofer has a higher sensitivity of 91.5bB VS the tweeter being rated @ 85dB (no padding required and both drivers are rated @ 4 ohms).

The design of your speaker  makes me think that I should try some 90db, or so, tweeters (connected by a single cap) with my single drivers (all of which are in the 95dB range and which are either 8 or 16 ohms).

Before I used an L-Pad or moved the position of the tweeter behind that of the main driver or positioned the tweeter to fire backwards at the speaker wall.

Never thought of using a tweeter with a sensitivity lower than that of the main driver.

L-Pad...

http://diy-fever.com/misc/l-pad/

DeKay

DeKay, thanks for the great explanation!  I generally like the sound of the Tantos and have always believed that a large reason for their clarity is due to the lack of a crossover.  I have no real experience in speaker design, though, so that has always been based on my limited understanding.

It sounds as if I were to change tweeter models, the sensitivity rating would be at least as important as any of the other specs.  Food for thought!

I have little technical knowledge - just what I've been forced to absorb when experimenting with various stuff.

After reading multiple reviews of the Tanto V1 I tried to find a good sound demo, but only found bad ones.

I would take a chance on ordering what appears to be the original tweeters while they are still hopefully available.

Once those are in hand (and they work) then experiment.

Dekay

After reading multiple reviews of the Tanto V1 I tried to find a good sound demo, but only found bad ones.

I'm not sure what you mean by a sound demo?  Do you mean in-store, at a show, or online?  I tend to think it's very difficult to find anything worthwhile online for hifi speakers, but maybe I'm just not aware of where to look? 

I bought mine used and almost didn't go ahead with the purchase because I didn't love the way they sounded as set up in the prior owner's space.  But the room was very large and sparsely furnished with all hard surfaces.  I tried to listen past the room and ended up buying them because I thought I heard their potential (and really liked both pro and user reviews).  Once I put them in my room which is smaller and has more furniture with a rug, etc., I thought they sounded great!