Tweeter question.

[plastic penguin]

In layman's terms what's the difference between a ribbon tweeter and the conventional soft/hard domed tweeter? What is your preference?

 

[nopiano]

A ribbon tweeter is a metallic or metalised plastic membrane vibrating in a magnetic field. A conventional tweeter is pushing and pulling (or blowing and sucking!) just like a woofer, but is much smaller and hence faster.

Ribbons were delicate but are becoming tougher. Domes are more versatile and cheaper to produce.

I haven't heard a decent ribbon set-up at any length, though they have a dedicated, if small, following. Cannot express a meaningful preference, though having heard some amazing domes they are my default choice as there is such variety.

 

[CnoEvil]

Very enlightening response by Nopiano. It is also my belief that they can go higher than other standerd types (though I stand to be corrected). I also think it's hard to implement - it can sound bright and nasty.

 

[bretty]

Don't Dali Ikon 6 have ribbon tweeters? If so, then I love ribbons because the Ikons treble is awesome.