Scan-Speak d3004-6600

[npdang]

Scan-Speak literature:

"Scan-Speak D3004/6600 Textile dome tweeter

The new D3004/6600 builds on the experience of the one-inch R29 ring radiator, resulting in low resonance frequency, but further provides the extended dispersion characteristics of a ¾-inch dome. Tymphany’s unique AirCirc Magnet System -- named for the way it optimizes air flow within the chamber – rearranges the traditional magnet structure from a single magnet to an open magnetic circuit comprised of six separate neodymium slugs. This, in combination with the chamber, results in the elimination of the reflections and resonances that compromise the performance of traditional motors. The D3004/6600 gives engineers improved control over critical midrange performance, for superb vocal rendition and excellent imaging at all listening locations."

The use of an open magnet neo motor with tweeters is nothing new. Seas uses a somewhat similar design in their Millenium and Crescendo tweeters, with few if any measurable benefits. The wide roll surround however is certainly interesting, and according to Scan-Speak measurements is a dramatic improvement in top end dispersion *without* a rising on-axis response. Beautiful I would still suspect the 7100 variant to be the better choice however, as it incorporates the SD-2 motor with dual copper shorting rings, albeit the neo motor/chamber is an older design.

Build quality is typical Scan-Speak... in other words very solid. The frontplate is about a 1/4" thick aluminum, and the 2 drivers I received were matched within +/- 1db. Madisound sells these for $440/pr., a somewhat decent savings over the $540/pr. the 7100 commands.

Listening impressions:

I think this is the first Scan-Speak tweeter that I've liked in a long time. Many of their past designs, although low in coloration and distortion had pretty poor top end dispersion. This resulted in a sound that was for me, overly robust, velvetty, and utterly boring. The 9900 Revelator was somewhat better, although it could be a bit unforgiving and spitty on certain recordings. I didn't find the 7000 ring radiator to be a vast improvement either, although it was IMHO their best implementation to date (although lacking the low end extension of a typical Scan-Speak tweeter).

The 6600, although appearing to lack the SD-2 motor (higher inductance, no mention of it in their literature?) still shows excellent distortion performance, and significantly better tonal balance IMHO. The FR above 10khz is flat both on and 30 degrees off-axis to nearly 20khz. Many tweeters with good top end dispersion (LPG, Hiquphon) also tend to have a rising response on-axis which can sometimes lead to a hot, aggressive, or fatiguing sound. Although the 6600 is still a bit "rich" sounding vocally, it's exceptionally smooth top end is both spacious and detailed.... quite a nice surprise. The tweeter also has no problem with dynamics, far surpassing any of the compact domes I have laying around here. Although it has flat response to around 500hz, I would recommend a highpass filter no lower than 1.5khz.

At this point, I wouldn't hesitate to say this is perhaps the best tweeter I've heard so far. Effortless dynamics combined with a nearly perfect tonal balance.

Measurement Data:
Distortion: Drive level - 2.8V ~ 2 watts ~ 95-96db @ 1m
Decay: Ignore anything below -30db














Nearfield plot for fun:



BL curve is perfectly symmetrical and centered. Almost no high order distortion products. 3rd order distortion is in all cases lower than 2nd order. Some energy storage centered around 3khz, but otherwise excellent. Compared to the Seas Crescendo, 2nd order distortion is slightly better and 3rd order is worse by a fair bit (2v comparison Scan plots not posted). Crescendo has better decay results.

[kevin k.]

Thanks for posting the results, Nguyen It would seem the D3004's performed quite well. I think they are excellent tweeters and, at this point, are one of my absolute favorites...


Btw, they got back home safely...

[low]

whoa. thats one nice looking tweeter. too bad these tweeters arent going to be in the rotation.

[NaamanF]

I actually tried to purchase a pair from Madisound and they said the production is now on hold till the end of the year due to some technical issues. Hope they fix the problems.

[kevin k.]

Originally Posted by NaamanF

I actually tried to purchase a pair from Madisound and they said the production is now on hold till the end of the year due to some technical issues. Hope they fix the problems.

I'm curious to know just what these "technical issues" might be...

Something to investigate further...

[tktran303]

NaamanF,

When did you try and purchase it?

[NaamanF]

Last week and this week. I actually canceled my order the first time I heard they would be a while. But I really wanted a pair and will still want one when they come back out. From what they tell me at Madisound the problem is on the production line, not with the speaker. I hope they hurry up and fix the problem. Looks like I am stuck with these crummy Focal Be tweeters for now.

[car1990]

Originally Posted by NaamanF

Looks like I am stuck with these crummy Focal Be tweeters for now.

Darn! You called Utopia BE "crummy" !!! I think those Focal guys will be sad to hear that, they are supposed to be the best tweeters Focal ever come up with (granted those TN52/TN51 sound like crap to me, I know some people are going to get really upset with this statement). A few weeks ago, I did listen to a full Utopia Be 3-way set-up with F1 status HU no less , they are excellent speakers but I did not get blown away though. Be tweeters are a lot smoother than TN52/TN51 for sure and they are defintely NOT "crummy".

[NaamanF]

It's hard to convey sarcasm over the internet. I also have the 3W2 mids and the Scan mids. I was looking forward to mixing and matching to see what I liked best.

[car1990]

My bad!

Which mid do u like between the Focal 3W2 and Scan 12M/4631? I heared the 3W2 but not the Scan mid.

BTW, what driver are u using for mid-bass? I am in the process of looking to mix and match a 3-way system too. Focal, Scan, Morel , and Seas are all possible choices.

[npdang]

I dunno... the Be tweeters in the Grande Utopia sounded pretty crummy to me

[NaamanF]

I am going to be doing some listening between the Scan/Focal/Legatia mids within the next couple of days. For now I plan to use a pair of Dyn MW-170 based on the fact that I already have them and have been happy with them in the past. If they don't do it for me this time I really don't know what I will use for a midbass.

[npdang]

It's still available at Madisound? Perhaps you're referring to the 7100 which was removed from their catalog?

[Rivers]

If you click on the details, it seems to say production has been delayed and that it will only be ready early 2007.

I wonder if there are any problems with the existing ones? Also, how big are these tweeters? Comparable to the 130 Morel Supremes? I hate big tweeters! lol

[Dulyman]

These are almost in!!!
its March!Has anyone got 'em yet, or ordered?

[ahboy]

10 pairs of the above tweets landed in malaysia, they r having group buy n the results is positive.

I agree on what npdang's review, very good for vocals n 2 way front system.

[t3sn4f2]

Madisound - In Stock

[bdubs767]

I just order two should be perfect to go with the seas w18nx i just got

[joemoe]

Bdubs767, how much for a pair? Give us feedback how it sounds in your car.

[bdubs767]

Originally Posted by joemoe

Bdubs767, how much for a pair? Give us feedback how it sounds in your car.

well havent recieved em yet, will take pics of them once I get them and post.

I ordered them from madi so I paid for em $440

[joemoe]

Woah $440! At least it's slightly cheaper than the RR7000 and based from the reviews... "better."
Can't wait to see the pics of them installed

[bdubs767]

GOT THEM TODAY...Ill post pics of them next to a HDS tweeter