Silk Dome Tweeters

[UncleMeat]

This is a multi-part question for you audiophiles out there.

I currently have some MB Quart Premium series components in my car. They come with the titanium dome tweeters. The only reason I didn't go Q series, is because 1-2 years ago, MB Quart dropped the silk dome tweeters with their Q line.

I also know that Polk used to make some pretty rad components that included silk tweeters. As well as several other companies.

My first question is... does anyone know why the big switch to titanium was made? Durability? Cost?

I'm happy with my Quarts, but becoming less satisfied with them. When pushed to the appropriate volume, the titanium domes seem too harsh for me, especially on something like vocals that you want to have a very smooth and natural tone to them. It's not my brand/line of speakers... because over the years I've found this to be true with all titanium/aluminum speakers. It's just my ears.

So my second question is... who still makes silk dome tweeters? I know that phoenix gold does, but have never heard their stuff so I don't know if it's any good. Does anyone else make a good silk tweeter anymore?

I would love to get ahold of some old MB Quart Neo Silk tweeters and just add them to my current setup, but I have a feeling it will involve buying all new components.

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[xme]

.. the other company that makes silk tweeters are Eclipse .. you should take a look into those speakers .... Eclipse isn't getting the recognition it deserves !

[skivvie]

Diamond Audio also makes silk domes in the Hex series.

[UncleMeat]

I've been interested in Diamond Audio for a while... but no one carries them around here. Might have to do some travelling.

I really don't like Eclipse subs, but I've never heard their components, might be worth a listen.

I'm really mostly familiar with the MB Quart and Boston Acoustics stuff... how do you think DA and Eclipse compare to the top lines of the brands I just mentioned?

[Mephisto318]

I just installed a set of Rockford Fosgate Fanatic-X components which use the silk tweeters. I'm very happy with them. I think the main advantage of using a harder material such as titanium for the tweeter is that they can play louder and more accurately than a softer tweeter. But it's all a matter of personal preference, I prefer the smoother sound of the silk tweeter myself. Another set that comes with silk tweets are the Alpine Type-R's.

[skivvie]

Originally posted by UncleMeat
I'm really mostly familiar with the MB Quart and Boston Acoustics stuff... how do you think DA and Eclipse compare to the top lines of the brands I just mentioned?

I had MB Quarts in my last car, and from hearing a set of Diamonds in my friends car, i've decided to go with DA in my new WRX. They just sounded more full, and they "feel" better just holding and looking at them, for whatever that is worth. Search for them on this board, you'll find they come HIGHLY recommended along with the Quarts.

[Jakezor]

Kicker has silk tweeters too.

[elsanto]

Titanium tweeters are more pure in the ears of audiophiles they are stiffer and hence more acurate (than silk).. the problem with MBq's is the Xovers.. have you played with the DB setting on your X-over at all? I had PSD 216's in my rex for half a year, and was constantly adjusting them.. Silk tweeters are alot smoother and easier on the ears. honestly when i switched to my CDT Eurosports wich have highly regarded silk dome tweeters, I missed the MB's and i almost switched back, but then i found some good eq settings and was in heaven...

I'd recommend tuning around with the X-over before you drop them altogether, maybe start by dropping it all the way as low as it can go, and working up from there..
The tweets are really good components.. i believe in the psd 216's is a few years back's Q series tweeter.

[JohnBowler]

Originally posted by elsanto
Titanium tweeters are more pure in the ears of audiophiles they are stiffer and hence more acurate (than silk).. the problem with MBq's is the Xovers.. have you played with the DB setting on your X-over at all? I had PSD 216's in my rex for half a year, and was constantly adjusting them.. Silk tweeters are alot smoother and easier on the ears. honestly when i switched to my CDT Eurosports wich have highly regarded silk dome tweeters, I missed the MB's and i almost switched back, but then i found some good eq settings and was in heaven...

I'd recommend tuning around with the X-over before you drop them altogether, maybe start by dropping it all the way as low as it can go, and working up from there..
The tweets are really good components.. i believe in the psd 216's is a few years back's Q series tweeter.

I don't know if I would say that they are more accurate or more pure. I have seen/heard many expensive (costing in the 10's of thousands) home speakers use silk dome tweets. I think the Titanium are better able to handle the temperature differences in cars (better dissipate heat) and play louder. I personally like the silk tweeters and have a pair in my home speakers and they are so smooth and not at all bright. Heard a competition level install with titanium and, to my ears, it was so bright as to be annoying at any sort of volume. When the time comes for me to upgrade my tweeters, I am going to find silk dome speakers!!!!!!

[jeffg]

I have 2 pairs of silk dome Diamond Audio tweets that I need to get rid of... They came with my Hex 6's and I wanted to keep my MBQuart titaniums.

If anyone is interested shoot me a PM.

BTW the silk is way smoother than the titanium.

J