Q. re Gemme Tanto Tweeter Replacements


Hi All.  I’m writing to ask what forum members may think of tweeter replacements or upgrades for Gemme Audio Tantos.  I love the speakers, but one of the tweeters is acting up.  I’m not sure yet whether I will need to replace it, but the issues brings up a question.

When I communicated with their designer Robert Gaboury quite a while ago, he mentioned that several owners had replaced the tweeters with Eton 26HD3 in order to get a bit more upper end in the sound.  He had no personal experience on precisely how the change sounded.  Since then, I’ve seen some sales of Tantos, where the owner replaced the tweeters with other models, perhaps because the original tweeters (Peerless by Tymphony XT19TD00-04 ¾" Dual Radiator) no longer appear to be available.

Regardless of the reason for the replacement, I would love to hear from those who have experience with Tantos with different model tweeters.  Even if I don't need to replace anything this time, perhaps newer tweeters may sound even better and could extend the life of the towers generally.  What model tweeters were used and what was the difference in sound compared to the originals???

Any information would be appreciated.  Much thanks in advance!

swingfingers

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

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

Anyway, good luck.

DeKay

 

 

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