Go to…. Guidelines Acapella Akkus Apex Jr. ATD Audiostatic Aurum Cantus Bohlender Graebener (BGC) Creative Sound Solutions Howard Dawson Decware Eminent Technology E-Speakers ESS Eton German-Physiks Hi-Vi Lineaum Manger Musical Transparency Newform Philips Raven Stage Accompany Silver Flute Stryke Audio TAD-Pioneer Visaton

Vendor guidelines - Acapella:

Acapella Audio Arts is a German company which makes, among other things, the only remaining commercial ion tweeeter on the market as far as I can tell. The TW 1 S ion tweeter is typical of the breed…Outrageously expensive, maintenance-intensive, and glorious sounding when it's working right.  view

Acapella distributors & dealers: International: Contact Acapella Audio Arts for further information

Vendor guidelines - Apex Jr.:

Apex Jr. is a distributor of mostly closeout merchandise. As such, some of its products cannot be counted on to be around for any significant length of time. Other products are more stable and can therefore be recommended. The Apex Ribbon tweeter, of which Apex Jr. has ~1,000 pieces in stock as of this writing, is one such exception. This is a 3.25" circular ribbon, usable from 6-25 kHz. At only $5 each, DIY'ers can afford to experiment with these. Initial reports suggest the sound is quite acceptable, and certainly an unbeatable buy.  view   response (ignore the green curve)

Apex Jr distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from Apex Jr

Vendor guidelines - ATD:

ATD is a French company which makes several well-reported unconventional drivers: One of these is a Bulgarian-made pure ribbon super tweeter, the simply-named LeRibbon. Although it needs to be crossed over no lower than 4 kHz, it offers good response well past 20 kHz. Needing a 3 kHz or higher crossover, it is used as a supertweeter in the highly regarded ProAc Future line, this unit has been highly recommended over the similarly priced Visaton ribbon, which is no longer recommended.  view   response   waterfall  The second is a round planar magnetic "ribbon" using neodymium magnets, the RDT-25. Very attractively priced, this unit may be used down to 2 kHz.  view   response

ATD distributors & dealers: North America E-Speakers. Norway Musical Transparency

Vendor guidelines - Audiostatic:

Audiostatic is a small manufacturer of ESL drivers and systems in The Netherlands. In addition to complete systems, they also sell DIY versions which consist of complete ESL panels, but unfinished. The DCI-LT diy electrostatic panel is identical to the commercial Audiostatic DCI-LT system, except that the MDF housing is unfinished. A 6' x 1' panel design, the DCI-LT uses a symmetric four transformer interface and boasts a full 8 mm of membrane travel.  view

Audiostatic distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from Audiostatic

Vendor guidelines - Bohlender Graebener (BGC):

Bohlender Graebener produces a unique line of ribbon speakers and drivers for both home and architectural use. A limited number of these are available to DIY'ers. Common characteristics are a hybrid aluminum dipole ribbon on Kapton diaphragm technology which yields a power handling capability of 10 Watts per linear inch of ribbon diaphragm. The following units have received the most recommendations: The RD-75 is a 6' (72") tall ribbon which has been used successfully in some of the best DIY systems ever built.  view   response/phase  The RD-50 is a 4' (48") tall ribbon which is almost the sonic match of its larger sibling, while being more decor-friendly.  view   response   impedance/phase  The RD-48 is a 4' (48") tall ribbon specifically designed as a drop-in replacement for the ribbons used in Carver AL-III and Genesis 350 loudspeakers.  view  The RD-40 is a 3.5' (40") tall ribbon which has been to be almost the sonic match of the RD-50.  view  The RD-28.1 is a 2' (24") tall ribbon for more modest system designs. It shares common characteristics with all of the BGC ribbons. Unlike its larger siblings, the RD28-1 is an inherently shielded design usable in home theater applications.  view   raw response   typical response   impedance  The NEO3PDR is a 3.5" x 2.64" (89 x 67 mm) dipole driver using new technology. In addition to its neodymium magnets, it features a new Kaladex ® film diaphragm which is more dimensionally stable than the polyester film used in the RD series drivers, with improved high-temperature performance. The "PDR" designation stands for "Progressive Drive and Radiation" technology. Simply stated, the effective width of the radiating surface narrows with increasing frequencies, thus allowing better high frequency extension and off-axis performance at the cost of slightly lower sensitivity.  view   response   waterfall  The NEO3PDRFP is a 5" (130 mm) diameter monopole driver using new the NEO3PDR driver mated to a round faceplate and a tuned rear chamber. All other NEO3PDR comments apply.  view   response   waterfall  Note that the physical design of ribbon drivers results in an unwanted "cavity resonance" which effects the FR at the point where wavelengths correspond to the dimensions of the ribbon/magnet assembly. Audio-X-Stream, although no longer a distributor for BGC, produced a line of excellent electronic crossovers with special provisions for dealing with the specifics of large ribbons. Unfortunately, although no longer abile to deliver these units, information on the required filter still is available in the Planar Magnetic Driver and Ribbon FAQ, originally published by Audio-X-Stream.

Bohlender Graebener distributors & dealers: USA Parts Express, Meniscus Audio, and GR Research, Canada Creative Sound Solutions

Vendor guidelines - Howard Dawson Audio:

Howard Dawson is a British craftsman who provides service and repair of the legendary Kelly and Decca ribbon tweeters/supertweeters. He also hand builds a modern version. The HRL-1 is the modern incarnation of the classic Decca ribbons. As with the originals, the HRL-1 uses an expensive Alcomax-III magnet, and employs an inexpensive and easily user-replaceable ribbon. Although it's obviously not cheap, my respondents tell me this is one of the best supertweeters available today. The one significant caveat is the same as with the Raven ribbons - this is a "true" ribbon and is therefore very sensitive to too much power. In fact, it's only rated for 4 Wrms! However, if you use at least a 12 dB/octave crossover at or above 3 kHz, it's quite usable in a 100 W system.  view 1   view 2

Howard Dawson Audio distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from Howard Dawson Audio

Vendor guidelines - Decware:

Decware is the trade name, and web site, name of High Fidelity Engineering Co. Decware sells lots of cool and interesting stuff, from the well-known Zen tube/valve amplifiers to enclosures (especially bandpass and folded horns) to drivers to driver repair parts. Decware's web site is also famous for its collection of DIY horn enclosure plans. One of Decware's more fascinating products is its DHM104i "true" isobaric woofer. With a 10" frame and an Sd more typical of an 8" driver, this driver uses two cones attached to a single woofer. Unlike a true isobaric design, only the rear cone is driven by the motor, with the front cone acting like a passive radiator. A highly unorthodox design, this unit boasts some good numbers and happy customers.  view 1   view 2

Decware distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from Decware

Vendor guidelines - Eminent Technology:

Eminent is a manufacturer of planar dynamic speaker systems. In addition to their loudspeaker systems, they also sell a unit of interest to DIY'ers: The LFT-10 is advertised for automotive use, using essentially the same driver as used in their well-regard multimedia (computer) speakers. Since the radiating area is a 5" x 7" rectangle, these are highly directional at higher frequencies. They also have the disadvantage of being quite inefficient and somewhat expensive. Still, they would make a good choice for some near-field monitor applications, or for use in non-parallel arrays.  view 1   view 2

Eminent Technology distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from Eminent Technology

Vendor guidelines - ESS:

ESS is the original manufacturer of the Heil AMT tweeter. Two of the better ESS AMT tweeters are still sold into the DIY market, but only in Europe as far as I can tell. Outside Europe, these may sometimes be purchased as replacement parts. The AMT-1 is ESS's top of the line, usable down to 1 kHz, with 150 Watt power handling and 98 dB sensitivity.  view  The AMT-2 is the AMT-1's baby brother - the same size, but with 92 dB sensitivity, only 100 Watt power handling, and only usable above 2 kHz.

ESS distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from ESS Germany Hifisound

Vendor guidelines - Eton:

Eton makes one unconventional driver: The ER4 "ribbon" tweeter is actually a Heil AMT driver. Although this driver is at its flattest when used as a supertweeter above 5-6 kHz, it can be used from 1.5 kHz up, with a rising response in the 2-4 kHz region. The published impulse response and waterfall plots are exceptional.  front view   rear view   response   waterfall   impulse   impedance   distortion

Eton distributors & dealers: USA Madisound and Meniscus Canada Solen The Netherlands Speakerland/Speaker & Co and Remo Audio Components Germany I.T. Electronic, Hifisound., and Open Air Loudspeaker, and Schuro Elektronik GmbH Norway Musical Transparency

Vendor guidelines - German-Physiks:

German-Physiks is a well-repsected manufacturer of extremely high-end systems based on its own DDD (Dicks-Dipole-Drive) bending wave driver, an evolutionary development of the Walsh full/wide range driver which first appeared in Ohm products in the early 1970's. The DDD driver is usable as either a wide-range driver from 200 Hz up or as a full-range driver, using rear horn loading. For those who can afford its obscenely high price, it could be the ultimate dynamic driver.  view   "Unlimited" system using DDD driver   "Unicorn" system using DDD rear horn-loaded DDD driver

German Physiks distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from German Physiks

Vendor guidelines - Hi-Vi:

Originally, I received limited feedback regarding this company, however this is changing as I receive more recommendations. Especially noteworthy is the fact that all their drivers are magnetically shielded. They have several products which are quite interesting. Among them are several different models of its own "Isodynamic" (planar magnetic) tweeters. These are reasonably efficient, comparable to some of the better ribbon tweeters. The North American distributor, Swans, also sells both kits and complete speaker systems using these drivers under its own brand name. The recommendeded "Isodynamic" (planar magnetic) drivers are: RT1C_A - The smaller of the two similar designs, the RT1C is also less efficient than its larger cousin. It should be crossed over no lower than 3 kHz. For convenience in building the enclosure, the RT1C_A uses a relatively standard circular cutout.  view   response  RT2E_A - The recommended member of the larger of the two Isodynamic tweeter families. Note: This is the only member of the RT2 family recommended at this time. Earlier RT2 models had some serious build quality issues. These are known to have been fixed in the RT2E_A. They may also have been fixed in some of the other RT2 models, but I haven't had any independent verification if they had.  view   on-axis response   30° off-axis response   waterfall

Hi-Vi distributors & dealers: North America Parts Express,

Vendor guidelines - Lineaum:

Lineaum is the name of a now defunct loudspeaker vendor whose key technology was a unique ribbon-like tweeter. As it turned out, Radio Shack began using some of its tweeters in its own speaker line. When Lineaum folded, Radio Shack bought the Lineaum tweeters patents and continues to use the drivers to this day. The Lineaum tweeter sold by Radio Shack comes in a number of versions - monopole, dipole, various grilles, etc. Some are available off the shelf only in complete systems, but are available as replacement parts via special order. The model number 400-1390, which has received the highest recommendations of all the variants, is the monopole unit used in the Radio Shack LX77 loudspeaker. Note that this is a special order item, but at $15 each, this is one of the best hi-fi values around.

Vendor guidelines - Manger:

Manger is the premier DIY source of wide-range bending wave transducers, which they call MSW transducers. Using neodymium magnets, they are rated at maximum SPL's of 110 dB continuous or 116 dB short term. Note that Manger previously announced that they were leaving the DIY driver market, effective July, 2001. They have since re versed that decision and appointed E-Speakers to be distributor for all of North and South America. Apprently, they are once again being sold by Remo in Europe as well. Although Manger makes several models, only two are widely available. Each uses a dual VC - dual 16 ohm VC's for 8 ohm models, and dual 8 ohm VC's for 4 ohm models. In the LDSG, an "xx" in a MSW model number will be either "16" for 8 ohm models or "8" for 4 ohm models. The most common MSW drivers all use a black anodized finish although brushed aluminum is also available (only the black is listed in the LDSG). Although most Thiele-Small parameters are of limited use for bending wave transducers, it's worth noting that all models feature an Xmax of +/- 3.5 mm, allowing low order crossovers at the recommended crossover frequency of 170-200 Hz. The most commonly available variant is the W05/1,2.2.xx, a black anodized driver with a neodymium magnet and a rated sensitivity of 91 dB/W/m.  view 1   view 2   response   phase   waterfall

Manger distributors & dealers: North and South America E-Speakers. The Netherlands Remo

Vendor guidelines - Newform:

Newform specializes in large monopole ribbons tweeters which it uses in its own line of speaker systems. Its product line consists of free-standing monopole radiators. However, by all accounts, they're all worthy of serious consideration. In the world of ribbon drivers, Newform occupies a middle niche - neither as large as most of the BGC line, but larger and less expensive than the raven line (this is because the Newform, like the BGC, isn't a "true" ribbon). At this writing, Newform sells only two drivers, both of which are recommended. They are: The R30 is a 30" (762 mm) free-standing monopole ribbon designed for mounting atop other speakers, although it could be built into a cabinet.  view (Newform R630 system)   response  The R45 is a 45" (1143 mm) free-standing monopole ribbon designed for mounting atop other speakers, although it could be built into a cabinet.  view (Newform R645 system)   response

Newform distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from Newform

Vendor guidelines - Philips:

Philips has a long history of making well-regarded ribbons/leaf tweeters. Recently, Philips sold its ribbon business to ATD of Italy. While these will continue to be manufactured under licence from Philips and carry the Philips name, they will actually be manufactured by ATD in Italy. The three DIY models which have been recommended are: AD11700RT8, an unusual 72 mm (2.8") circular leaf supertweeter with a 95 mm (3.75") diameter face plate. This is a true supertweeter and shouldn't be crossed over below 4 kHz. This is one of only a few "affordable" ribbons. AD21601RT8, a 5" foil on Kapton leaf tweeter. This unit features excellent response from 3.5 kHz up. Both in performance and price, this unit offers an attractive alternative to the Raven R1.  view  AD41601RSQ8P, a 8" foil on Kapton leaf tweeter. This unit features excellent response from 1.5 kHz up. This places it between the Raven R1 and R2 in performance and price. Philips produced this in extremely limited quantities, but there are many in Europe who consider the finest tweeter available. Currently unavailable, presumably production will increase under ATD.  view

Philips distributors & dealers: North America E-Speakers. Canda Q Components (McBride) The Netherlands Remo Germany Hifisound and Open Air Loudspeaker

Vendor guidelines - Raven:

Raven is a specialty brand of monopole ribbon tweeters produced by Orca Design. Although not cheap, the Raven drivers offer arguably the sweetest top end you can build into a system. The one caveat is that, like all true ribbons, they tend to be delicate and easy to damage, mechanically and/or electrically, by mishandling or careless crossover design. If you do damage one, Orca (the worldwide rep) will either fix it for you or can send you the parts to easily fix it yourself. One other caveat - all of the Raven models have enormous unshielded magnets and should never be considered for use near a TV! All three current Raven models are recommended: The R1 model has been on the market for a while and has earned an enviable reputation. The rated sensitivity of the R1 is 95 dB. The recommended lower crossover frequency 2 kHz with a 60 W power rating. Since true ribbons have inherently low impedance (less than or equal to 1 ohm in many cases), the R1 has an attached transformer. This transformer and its attachment have undergone several evolutionary changes during the R1's life.  view   factory graphs   3rd party FR  The R2 model has been on the market about as long as the smaller R1 and has earned an enviable reputation. The rated sensitivity of the larger R2 is 98 dB. The recommended lower crossover frequency 2 kHz with a 60 W power rating. Since true ribbons have inherently low impedance (less than or equal to 1 ohm in many cases), the R1 has an attached transformer.  front view   rear view   factory graphs   3rd party FR (horizontal)   3rd party FR (vertical)  Raven's latest design is the R3.1 super mid/tweeter unit which covers the audio spectrum from 500 Hz to 40 kHz. The sensitivity is rated at 99 dB and the power handling is rated at 60 W in its passband. This is significant, since the R3.1 is usable down to 500 Hz. While 60 W is plenty for the R1 and R2, crossed over at 2 kHz, the area between 500 Hz and 2 kHz contains significantly more energy in most program sources. Like the R1 and R2, the R3.1 uses a transformer to match its very low impedance. My respondents tell me that these are truly awesome. Unfortunately, they're priced accordingly - the MSRP earns this driver the distinction of being the among highest priced units in the LDSG.  view   response

Raven distributors & dealers: North America Speaker City, E-Speakers, Zalytron, and MCM Australia W.A.R. Audio Poland Akkus

Vendor guidelines - Stage Accompany:

Stage Accompany is a Dutch manufacturer of commercial/pro sound systems. One of their unique claims to fame is a driver of interest to DIY-er's: The SA8535 planar magnetic (i.e. not a "true" ribbon) tweeter. Extremely efficient and rugged enough for stage use, the SA8535 offers excellent FR curves and low distortion. This sophistication comes at a price, though. This is one of the most expensive tweeters available. Many of my respondents who recommended this driver believe the cost to be justified. Others believed it to be less "smooth" than a Raven or one of the other true ribbon drivers.  view   exploded view w/horn   response   response w/horn   waterfall  For even greater sensitivity, a constant directivity (70 x 40 degree) front-mounted horn (model #H8535/70) is available. Although the horns boosts sensitivity by 4 dB/W/m, it also affects the FR curve in such a way as to not recommend it for Hi-Fi applications.

Stage Accompany distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from Stage Accompany

Vendor guidelines - Silver Flute:

In addition to the many name-brand manufacturers it distributes, Madisound also sells its own house brand drivers. One of these is the Silver Flute line of "ribbon" tweeters. Not true ribbons, these are planar magnetic driver similar in most respects to those sold elsewhere under the Hi-Vi name. Unlike the Hi-Vi units, Madisound makes no claims that these drivers offer signficant shielding, however, thye stray field of their Neodymium magnet assembly does offer a limited external magnetic field. The two Silver Flute drivers offered have both been recommended. As with all similar drivers listed here, you should pay strict attention to the manufacturer's recommended operating range. Unlike some others (e.g. Hi-Vi and Stryke), Madisound lists no power rating for these drivers. The two drivers are: The YAG10-2 is a driver with a 4.75" (12.07 mm) round flange and a 3 x 3.25 inch (7.62 x 8.26 mm) cutout.  view   response  The YAG20-1 is a rectangular driver with a 3.5 x 6.62 inch (8.89 x 16.81 mm) flange.  view   response

Silver Flute distributors & dealers: International: Silver Flute drivers are sold directly by Madisound

Vendor guidelines - Stryke Audio:

Stryke Audio has quickly gained a reputation for selling drivers of excellent value and technical excellence. After searching around for high-quality drivers to sell at a bargain price, Stryke has introduced its own line of quasi-ribbon tweeters. Not true ribbons, these are planar magnetic driver similar in most respects to those sold elsewhere under the Silver Flute and Hi-Vi names. Although two such drivers have been announced, only one is currently available, the SA-RTW2, a 6.63 x 3.5 inch (16.84 x 8.89 mm) design with a 50 x 13 mm radiating area. Unlike Hi-Vi, Stryke does not claim these drivers to be magnetically shielded.  view   horizontal FR   vertical FR   waterfall

Stryke distributors & dealers: International: Order direct from Stryke

Vendor guidelines - TAD-Pioneer:

TAD (Technical Audio Devices) is Pioneer's commercial speaker division. Like other pro sound vendors, its products aren't cheap. The products which have been recommended include one unconventional driver: The PT-R9 beryllium ribbon supertweeter. Beryllium has the highest stiffness to weight ratio of any metal. Unfortunately, it's dust or fumes are highly toxic, so fabricating products with it is quite an expensive process. The PT-R9 must be crossed over no lower than 5 kHz, and so is suitable only for use as a supertweeter.  view

TAD-Pioneer distributors & dealers: North America E-Speakers. International: Available from TAD-authorized pro sound dealers

Vendor guidelines - Visaton:

Visaton is a large German company with the reputation of having one of the best development labs in Europe. They have one unconventional driver which has been recommended. The MHT12 planar magnetic tweeter. Although Visaton claims usable response down to 2 kHz, the MHT12 must be crossed over no lower than 3 kHz, and so is suitable primarily as a supertweeter.  view   response   horiz. dispersion

Visaton distributors & dealers: North America Solen Germany/Netherlands Speakerland/Speaker & Co. Germany Open Air Loudspeaker and Hifisound

Vendor guidelines - Shielded ribbon tweeters:

All of these shielded ribbon tweeters are made in China by Aurum Cantus. All are true ribbons, offer exceptional value, and have been recommended. Their magnetic shielding makes them suitable for applications where a conventional ribbon, e.g. a Raven, would be unsuitable. These drivers come in four variants. All are typically available with either black or silver finishes. The large top-of-the-line model measures 106 mm (w) x 190 mm (h) x 110 mm (d) (4.17"x7.48"x4.33"). Featuring an 8 ohm impedance and 102 dB/W/m sensitivity, its rated response is 900 Hz - >20 kHz, +/-3 dB.  view   horiz. response   vert. response   impedance   waterfall  The medium-sized model measures 74 mm (w) x 168 mm (h) x 90 mm (d) (2.91"x6.61"x3.54"). Featuring an 8 ohm impedance and 100 dB/W/m sensitivity, its rated response is 1.5 - >20 kHz, +/-3 dB.  view   horiz. response   vert. response   impedance   waterfall  The small model is available with either a rectangular or circular faceplate. They measure 74 mm (w) x 120 mm (h) x 90 mm (d) (2.91"x4.72"x3.54"). Featuring an 8 ohm impedance and 96 dB/W/m sensitivity, its rated response is 2 - >30 kHz, +/-3 dB.  view (round)   view (rect.)   horiz. response   vert. response   impedance   distortion   waterfall  The tiny model is available with a circular faceplate of 110 mm (4.33") diameter. Featuring a 6 ohm impedance and 96 dB/W/m sensitivity, its rated response is 2.5 - >20 kHz, +/-3 dB. This unit features the shortest ribbon in the line and is aimed at those who want improved vertical dispersion. Except for a higher crossover point, all specs are similar to the small model.  view (round)  The OEM apparently is good about protecting its sales territories, so each distributor is contractually prevented from competing with other distributors in other territories. I'm not sure how many distributors there are for these drivers, but as I discover more, I'll list them. The following table lists the available drivers, the known distributors, and each distributor's model designation for each driver. Notes: As this update is published (August, 2003), this market seems to be consolidating as smaller distributors are dropped. As part of this consolidation, these drivers are increasingly sold under the Aurum Cantus name rather than distributors' proprietary brand names. Of the distributors listed below, E-Speakers is now selling these under the Aurum Cantus name, while CSS's future is murky. CSS may remain a dealer, but E-Speakers is now the official distributor for Aurum Cantus for North and South America. Some of the principles of Aurum Cantus have begun producing similar tweeters which are just now entering the market. Not unexptedly, Aurum Cantus and its distributors and dealers are decrying the new drivers as clones and knock-offs with lower-quality materials and production standards. Supposedly, Aurum Cantus has begun legal action against the new group - and interesting development considering China's traditional disregard of international patent and copyright laws. At this time, I have no reliable feedback on these new units from independent third parties, nor even 100% reliable confirmation that the Chinese lawsuit information is completely as reported. As information from unbiased sources comes in, I will update the LDSG accordingly. Vendors ⇒ Akkus (Poland) Aurum Cantus (China) Creative Sound Solutions (Canada) E-Speakers (USA) Musical Transparency (Norway) ⇓ Models ⇓ Large A.R.T. G1 G1 G1 MTg1 Medium A.R.T. G3 G3 G3 MTg3 Small A.R.T. G2 G2 ARG2 G2 MTg2 Tiny G2si G2Si Since the model designations are all similar, I will use the simplest common form - either "G1", "G2", "G2Si", or "G3" - in the comparison tables in Section 9. As Aurum Cantus consolidates its distribution territories, I expect all listings will eventually be Aurum Cantus listings.

©1998-2007 by Bob Stout, all rights reserved

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