Are you looking to improve your home audio? Tacking on high-frequency loudspeakers is sure to give you that high-fidelity sound you crave. Tweeters are dedicated high-frequency loudspeakers that are engineered to complement traditional home stereo speakers. When built and programmed correctly, tweeters should be capable of accurately reproducing high frequencies (aka treble). Tweeter audio is frequently described as being bright and colored. Of course, a tweeter’s output is determined by several factors.
Top Tweeters For Home Audio On the market
In this article, we’ll show you what to look for when shopping for premium home tweeters. To make your shopping experience a little easier, we’ve also included three of our personal favorites.
1. Aperion Audio MKII Tweeter Speaker Pair – Super tweeters for home audio
Each speaker features five preset crossover points. Plus, each tweeter boasts an adjustable treble knob that can be dialed down by as many as 5 decibels.
The Aperion tweeter set provides bright, detailed high-fidelity audio that will enhance and extend all of your existing sound production equipment. Users can switch between 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 kHz channels or adjust the crossover switch to cease their audio signal altogether. Aperion recommends that users start off with the crossover dial set to 12 kilohertz and make adjustments from there.
Aperion Audio MKII review
The Aperion’s Treble Adjust points are capable of reducing the volume of treble by as many as 5 decibels. These connection points are located on the back of the speaker.
Gold-plated binding posts enable you easily connect the Aperion to your existing speakers’ terminals. The small, square-shaped tweeter cabinets can then be placed directly on top of any preexisting bookshelf or tower speaker set. The tweeter’s soft rubber feet should prevent slippage and abrasion.
The Aperion True Ribbon Super Tweeters are capable of crossing over at much higher frequency rates than standard tweeters. Planar magnetic tweeters are known to be cheap yet reliable. When using these tweeters, experienced listeners should notice improvements in the detail, density, and texture of their sound field. As Aperion points out, tweeters compliment high-fidelity audio formats best. As such, you’ll probably notice more of an improvement if you’re listening to something like a vinyl or UHD Blueray.
The speaker set is available in four colors, including pure white, gloss black, stealth black, and glossy oak. The tweeters sit inside beautifully curved cabinets with compound angles and rounded corners. The treble and crossover adjustments are located on the back. Meanwhile, the front of each speaker boasts a grill. Each set is covered by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
These speakers have a beautiful and high-quality aesthetic. They have a solid build that is sure to hold up well for years.
Generally speaking, customers seem to agree that Aperion’s Super Tweeters helped them take their home audio to the next level. Be sure to check out the promo video and a few customer reviews (here’s another) for these state-of-the-art home tweeters. We recommend that you pair these with high-quality speakers. You’re sure to get that sparkly top-end sound that you’ve been craving.
Pros
- Available in white, black, and glossy oak) pairs well with stylish interior aesthetics
- Has a frequency range of 8,00 40,000 hertz
- Features a high-pass filter with five preset crossover paths
- Incredibly detailed high-frequency sounds
- Pairs well with speakers that have 85- to 93-decibel efficiencies
- Planar-magnetic “Flat Ribbon” tweeters
- Easily placed on top of main speakers
Cons
- Does not produce an exceptional level of volume
- The distinct aesthetic may not appeal to some individuals.
2. Pyle Pro PAHT6 Tweeter System – Best Budget Pick
As one of the leading budget brands in the home audio world, we weren’t shocked to see Pyle on our list of the best tweeters. Their Pro PAHT6 Four-Driver Tweeter System is an easy and inexpensive upgrade for any underperforming stereo system.
They can be run parallel to any compatible speaker set. There’s no need for a dedicated amp, though some users prefer to pair their tweeters with one. We love the look of the carpeted MDF enclosures. The angular, black devices look great alongside just about any kind of audio system.
Don’t let this audio component’s low price deter you. The tweeters are capable of producing crystal-clear, distortion-free highs. They work best when paired with 100-watt operating systems. The tweeters’ quick-connect spring lever speaker terminals make for super easy setups.
The Pyle tweeter system measures 19.5-by-5.5-by-10 inches and weighs 8.46 pounds. It has a 150-watt peak power handling and 150 watts of RMS. Its frequency response ranges between 4 and 27 kilohertz. The tweeters have a 97-decibel sensitivity rating.
Pyle Pro PAHT6 review
We were surprised at the quality of the high-end sound produced by these tweeters. This budget-friendly unit could easily compete with more expensive audio components. You can easily tack one of these units onto any home stereo or AV system. You’re sure to notice more texture, depth, and sparkle in your top-end sound.
The product measures 10-by-19.5-by-5.5 inches and weighs 7.8 pounds. It is backed by a one-year warranty. The high-level piezo drivers and rugged exterior components make this an extremely reliable piece. You’re sure to notice immediate improvements to your preexisting soundstage so long as you are indulging in high-fidelity audio. Just place your wire leads into the quick-connect terminals.
Pros
- The maximum power output of 200 watts
- 150 to 300 watts peak power handling
- Carpeted MDF enclosure cuts down on distortion
- Quick connect spring-level terminals
- Speaker sensitivity of 97 decibels
- Frequency response that ranges between 4 and 27 kilohertz
- Covered by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- All six 2.5-inch Horn Piezo Tweeters are built into a single unit
3. Pyramid 300-Watt Marine Tweeter Speaker Set – Best for Boats
Pyramid’s 3.75-inch aluminum bullet horn tweeter set produces a crisp high-frequency response that would work well on any boat or marine vehicle. The tweeters have a frequency response that ranges from 2 to 25 kilohertz. The loudspeakers’ 4-ohm impedance rating makes them a bit power-hungry in our eyes. Still, the tweeters can even produce up to 300 watts of power thanks to their 20-ounce magnetic structures.
The speakers are encased in a swiveling aluminum casing that is built to withstand the rigors of marine life. Each tweeter is 1-inch in diameter, which means they’re the standard size when it comes to marine stereo systems. They come with all the hardware required for quick and painless mounting.
The Pyramid tweeters boast 1-inch high-temperature voice coils, aluminum bullet horns, and 1-inch titanium domes. While these are sold as marine vehicle audio components, they also work well alongside traditional home stereo setups. They are sold in sets.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers say that these tweeters offer up crystal-clear, transparent sound. They serve as an inexpensive improvement to any standard home or marine stereo setup. The extra power gives these tweeters unexpected volume without unwanted distortion. People also seem to enjoy the red, black, and aluminum casings.
Pros
- 3.75-inch aluminum bullet horn tweeters with 1-inch titanium domes
- Rated for any boat or marine vehicle
- Come in pairs
- Generates 300 watts of peak power thanks to its 20-ounce magnetic structure
- Heavy-duty, swivelable aluminum housings
- 4-ohm impedance makes it a solid option for most modern marine vehicle stereo systems
- Enhanced Ferrofluid
Cons
- Not the best option for traditional home audio setups
How to Choose the Best Home Tweeters?
As you probably already know, tweeters are highly beneficial component speakers. When paired with the appropriate audio elements, these loudspeakers are free to produce sparkly, clear highs. Here’s what you need to know before you purchase your own set of tweeters.
Are you looking for the perfect tweeters for your home audio setup? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about tweeters and how to choose the right ones for your home. We’ll go over different models of tweeters and how they can be used in a home audio system. By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on tweeters and will be able to find the perfect ones for your needs!
Hifi sound is all about getting the right balance of sound frequencies in the room. Tweeters are essential for achieving this goal, as they help to create clear and accurate high-frequency sounds. When choosing tweeters for your home audio system, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
The type of tweeter
The size of the tweeter
The power rating of the tweeter
The frequency range of the tweeter
What Are Tweeters?
Tweeters are small auxiliary speakers that produce high-frequency sound waves which are intended to brighten and extend the range of traditional home stages. Most home stereo speakers already have tweeters built into them. However, exterior tweeters further disperse and amplify high-frequency sounds to give audiophiles the high-fidelity sound they crave.
Many people believe that tweeters can make or break a home stereo. While high-frequency sounds aren’t always the most audible, they add detail and warmth that round out low- and mid-range sound waves. A well-performer tweeter uses a crossover filter to remove low-frequency audio waves. The resulting audio is clean, crisp, and detailed.
You may have noticed that there are different kinds of tweeters. Below, you’ll find descriptions for some of the most common types of tweeters.
Planar-Magnetic Tweeters
Planar-magnetic tweeters boast polymer or PET cones positioned inside magnetic fields. These types of tweeters tend to be some of the most affordable. They produce excellent midrange frequencies but struggle to produce high frequencies. Our first pick, the Aperion Audio MKII Planar-Magnetic Flat Ribbon Super Tweeter Speaker Pair, is a good example of a quality planar-magnetic tweeter. The additional flat ribbon makes these loudspeakers “super” tweeters. They are capable of producing much higher frequencies than your typical planar-magnetic tweeters.
Flat Ribbon Tweeters
Flat ribbon tweeters boast thin aluminum diaphragms positioned inside magnetic fields. They are incredibly effective when it comes to producing high-frequency sound waves. Audio produced by flat ribbon tweeters is frequently described as “airy and transparent.” With that said, these tweeters also tend to be pricey.
Air Motion Transformer Tweeters
Air motion transformers boast folded film diaphragms with aluminum circuit traces. These elements are constructed inside a powerful magnetic field. Audio produced by air motion transformer tweeters is frequently described as high-end. Check out this video to learn more about how air motion transformer tweeters.
Horn Tweeters
Horn tweeters feature domes, magnets, and piezo ceramic disks. These tend to work well in outdoor applications. They are capable of producing expansive high-frequency audio without the need for crossovers. Check out Steve Guttenberg Audiopheliac’s review of horn speakers to learn more about these underappreciated audio components.
Super Tweeters
Super tweeters are capable of producing even more sound and volume than your typical tweeters. Their unmatched power and durability make them popular for outdoor and marine use. You can check out this quick experiment to see the difference between regular and super tweeters.
Electrostatic Tweeters
Electrostatic tweeters rely on electrically charged diaphragms. They usually boast some sort of synthetic diaphragm mounted to a voice coil within a magnetic field. Check out this video to see the technology up close.
Dome Tweeters
Each dome tweeter boasts a voice coil, an element, and a magnet. The sound waves travel through the voice coil, causing the dome to move back and form. Audiophiles often argue about the benefits of soft vs. hard (metal) dome speakers. Like most audio equipment, the quality of the audio often comes down to the quality of the tweeter’s construction.
Matching the Crossover of Your Speakers
Since tweeters are not capable of producing low-frequency sounds, they must be paired with speakers that boast high-pass crossover filters. So long as the speakers have a crossover with a lower frequency range signal that is lower than that of your tweeters, your audio should be clear, crisp, and distortion-free.
The crossover will divide the input signal from your amplifier, sending only the high-frequency waves to your tweeter. Many tweeters boast crossover level selectors. In most cases, the tweeters only need a passive crossover. Meaning, they run parallel to the main speakers in an audio system.
Some audiophiles prefer to use active crossover systems. In these types of systems, each sound component has a designated amplifier. In these cases, setup tends to be a bit more complicated. The added benefit is that users get even more control over each channel. If you’re super particular about your stereo sound, this sort of system can help you feel like you’re in control.
What Will You Hear?
When you read through the comments under home tweeters, there always seems to be one or more consumers complaining about a product’s lack of audibility. While tweeters are designed to amplify audio, they do so in a generally discreet way. Only certain instruments and vocals can be heard at high-frequencies. These tend to include string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.
it’s important to remember that the human ear can usually only detect sound that ranges between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz. For the vast majority of adults, the upper-frequency listening range is closer to 15 to 17 kilohertz. As a result, you don’t need to pay much attention to the upper end of a tweeter’s frequency range. Well, that is unless you have superhuman hearing.
What you should notice is more sparkle and detail in the top-end of your audio. This can be described as a widening or deepening of a sound stage. The added details should be smooth and crisp. Fuzziness, resonance, and distortion are signs of inferior construction materials and poor power handling.
Adjustable Treble
Passive tweeters do not have volume control knobs. Therefore, they are always going to play at the same volume as your main speaker. You may be able to use a treble booster or cutter to better align your tweeter audio with your chief speakers’ volume. The only alternative is to pair your tweeters with a dedicated amplifier. Keep in mind that we do not recommend this sort of setup for newbie audiophiles.
Either way, you’re going to want to find a way to match your tweeter audio up to your main speakers’ audio. Otherwise, the audio is going to lack synchrony.
Construction
Pay close attention to the shape and material makeup of your tweeters. Tweeters are made from a wide range of materials, including textile, cloth, silk, poly, Mylar, aluminum, alloy, and ceramic. They usually come in some sort of durable casing. The shape and material makeup of the speaker are going to vary depending on its intended placement.
Tweeters are made with both hard and soft materials. The thinness of the materials typically impacts its level of stiffness and, therefore, responsiveness.
Power
Be sure to stay within the limits of the impedance and RMS power rating of your prospective tweeters. Most home tweeters have a 4-ohm impedance and a power rating that ranges between 25 and 50 watts. You do not want to mismatch speaker and amplifier impedances, as this will leave you with uneven, corrupted audio.
You’ll also want to take a look at your tweeters’ efficiency rating. This is the level of sound that the speakers can produce with a particular amount of power. Most tweeters have an efficiency rating of 91 decibels per watt.
Sensitivity
A tweeter should also have a sensitivity that machines that your stereo. Tweeter sensitivity is measured in decibels. The higher the sensitivity rating is, the louder your top-end sounds will be. Quality tweeters should have a sensitivity of 90 or more decibels.
Price
Even moderately priced tweeters are capable of improving sound. The important thing is that you pair your tweeters with compatible two- or three-way speakers. This way, you’ll be able to produce a complete range of sound. Your tweeters will be responsible for producing treble, or high-frequency sounds. Meanwhile, your other speakers will be responsible for producing midrange and low-range audio.
Aesthetics
Opt for tweeters that pair well with your preexisting audio components. Most home stereo tweeters are designed to sit on top of conventional speakers. Therefore, they are small in stature and well-seated.
Setup
Keep in mind that you will need to pair your tweeters with either active or passive speakers and other compatible audio components. Tweeters with spring lever terminals are the easiest to use. You’ll also want to make sure that your tweeters come with all the necessary installation and mounting materials.
Do You Need a Capacitor?
Some audiophiles prefer to pair their tweeters with capacitors. These elements are usually added to the positive wire terminals on the back of a tweeter. They reduce crossover slopes by several decibels. This ensures that even less low-frequency sound can make its way to your tweeters. As a result, your audio should be more transparent and crisper.
Wrapping Up
After looking at several different tweeter kits, we’ve settled on the Aperion Audio MKII Planar-Magnetic Flat Ribbon Super Tweeter Speaker Pair as our top pick. This tweeter pair produces bright, vivid high-frequency sounds that we crave. Of course, the Pyle Pro PAHT6 Four-Driver Tweeter System is a great pick for audiophiles on tight budgets. The piezo drivers produce incredibly sparkly high-end sounds. Of course, the Pyramid’s 300-Watt Marine Tweeter Speaker Set is an excellent option for anyone looking to increase an outdoor or marine sound stage. Keep in mind that everybody’s ears respond differently to sound. You might find that one type of tweeter is more moving than another. In any case, keep an open mind and try a few before committing to a single option.
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