npdang
03-25-2006, 03:44 PM
3 very expensive, top of the line tweeters. Keep in mind, although some of my comments may sound rough, that's only in comparison to some ideal standard that probably doesn't exist. All 3 tweeters are relatively top notch when compared to many other drivers.
Build quality:
All 3 were very robust and heavy drivers. The Seas Crescendo comes with a nicely textured finish, and aluminum chassis. I feel this was the best looking driver of the lot. My only complaint was with the Rainbow Platinum and the rear aluminum chassis. Although from the exterior it gives the impression that the tweeter is being acoustically loaded by the rear chamber, in essence it's not. The mounting depth of this tweeter could then be significantly reduced, as well as the cost I'm sure.
http://diymobileaudio.com/pics/plattweet.jpg
Sound:
Rainbow platinum - Great little tweeter. Although my comments may sound harsh, it's still considerably better than many other compact domes I've heard. In fact I'd say it's the best compact dome I've heard. Overall characteristic is clear, smooth, natural, and unoffending... yet not dull or lifeless at all. However, the tweet does sound a bit thin and brittle when compared to the other two. The tweeter also showed hard signs of strain when pushed, and I'd probably recommend a steep filter at ~2.5khz or so if used this way. Another issue for me was the top end had a slight hint of grain to it that I found unpleasant on some tracks, but for the majority of music I found it to be excellent... in fact I enjoyed the top end of this tweeter the best out of all 3 drivers. It was lively, smooth for the most part, and spacious without hardness or coloration.
Accuton - This tweeter was not to my liking. At first glance, there is the perception of better clarity than the soft domes, but after listening awhile I began to notice a dull haze and staleness to voices that was not present on the other two. The top end was also obviously colored, with a mildy agressive and oftentimes annoying crunchiness/hissiness to it. Pushing this tweeter hard, it did sound a bit strained but still considerably better than the Rainbows. Keep in mind, I'm being very picky. On well recorded percussion instruments, the impact, shimmer, and hardness of this tweeter made recordings sound more lively and dynamic. This is still a good driver and Imho is still significantly better than many other hard domes such as the old Vifa models, Seas standard line, etc.
Seas Crescendo - I love this one. Effortless dynamics... even when pushed hard this tweeter showed little if any signs of strain. Presentation was clear, open, and natural with no fatigue or offensive colorations. This tweeter also showed significantly more body and presence than the other two. Top end was silky, delicate, and smooth. However, top end dispersion was also lacking. Many recordings had a tendency to sound a bit shut in and lifeless. The sense of space, air, shimmer, and upper end detail was also missing. Overall though, still a great tweeter and definitely at the top of any list.
Build quality:
All 3 were very robust and heavy drivers. The Seas Crescendo comes with a nicely textured finish, and aluminum chassis. I feel this was the best looking driver of the lot. My only complaint was with the Rainbow Platinum and the rear aluminum chassis. Although from the exterior it gives the impression that the tweeter is being acoustically loaded by the rear chamber, in essence it's not. The mounting depth of this tweeter could then be significantly reduced, as well as the cost I'm sure.
http://diymobileaudio.com/pics/plattweet.jpg
Sound:
Rainbow platinum - Great little tweeter. Although my comments may sound harsh, it's still considerably better than many other compact domes I've heard. In fact I'd say it's the best compact dome I've heard. Overall characteristic is clear, smooth, natural, and unoffending... yet not dull or lifeless at all. However, the tweet does sound a bit thin and brittle when compared to the other two. The tweeter also showed hard signs of strain when pushed, and I'd probably recommend a steep filter at ~2.5khz or so if used this way. Another issue for me was the top end had a slight hint of grain to it that I found unpleasant on some tracks, but for the majority of music I found it to be excellent... in fact I enjoyed the top end of this tweeter the best out of all 3 drivers. It was lively, smooth for the most part, and spacious without hardness or coloration.
Accuton - This tweeter was not to my liking. At first glance, there is the perception of better clarity than the soft domes, but after listening awhile I began to notice a dull haze and staleness to voices that was not present on the other two. The top end was also obviously colored, with a mildy agressive and oftentimes annoying crunchiness/hissiness to it. Pushing this tweeter hard, it did sound a bit strained but still considerably better than the Rainbows. Keep in mind, I'm being very picky. On well recorded percussion instruments, the impact, shimmer, and hardness of this tweeter made recordings sound more lively and dynamic. This is still a good driver and Imho is still significantly better than many other hard domes such as the old Vifa models, Seas standard line, etc.
Seas Crescendo - I love this one. Effortless dynamics... even when pushed hard this tweeter showed little if any signs of strain. Presentation was clear, open, and natural with no fatigue or offensive colorations. This tweeter also showed significantly more body and presence than the other two. Top end was silky, delicate, and smooth. However, top end dispersion was also lacking. Many recordings had a tendency to sound a bit shut in and lifeless. The sense of space, air, shimmer, and upper end detail was also missing. Overall though, still a great tweeter and definitely at the top of any list.