What are the similarities and differences the between the SB Acoustics SB29RDC versus the Satori TW29R-B tweeter?
(click on picture to zoom)
Left: SB29RDC
Right: TW29R-B
For a complete set of measurements see:
SB Acoustics SB29RDC
SB Acoustics “Satori” TW29R-B
Impedance:
Blue: = SB29RDC
Green: = TW29R-B
Both tweeters have the same DC resistance and they have very similar impedance curve in the cross-over region (1.5-3kHz).
Frequency:
Tweeter On-axis (0deg) 1m measurement:
Blue: = SB29RDC
Red: = TW29R-B
Both tweeters have very similar frequency response. The TW29R-B tweeter has a more linear and extended frequency response above 15kHz. This is probably due to the slightly different shape of the face-plate.
(click on picture to zoom)
Left: SB29RDC
Right: TW29R-B
The TW29R-B have a slightly more concave face-plate than the SB29RDC.
Distortion:
(click on picture to zoom)
95dB @ 1m
Left: = SB29RDC
Right: = TW29R-B
Both these tweeters have a low distortion profile, but the TW29R-B is a couple of notches better than the SB29RDC
Conclusion:
Similarities:
- The have identical fabric ring domes.
- They have the same voice-coil and effective cone area.
- They have the similar resonance frequency and the same DC resistance.
- They have the same frequency response up to 15kHz.
- They have the same sensitivity (92dB @ 2.83v/1m).
- They have similar impedance in the cross-over region (1.5-3kHz).
- They have a dual balanced compression chamber.
Differences:
- The TW29R-B tweeter costs roughly 2 ½ times more than the SB29RDC tweeter.
- The TW29R-B frequency response above 15kHz are more linear and extended than the SB29RDC
- The TW29R-B has lower distortion compared to the SB29RDC tweeter.
- The TW29R-B has a two part aluminium face-plate with integrated mechanical decoupling, while the SB29RDC face-plate is made of plastic.
- The face-plate of the TW29R-B is 2mm thicker and the diameter is 0.2mm smaller than the SB29RDC.
- The TW29R-B has dual copper caps compared to single cap in the SB29RDC resulting in a lower distortion profile.
The question is:
- Are they interchangeable with each other in the same loudspeaker design?
- Which one has the best overall performance?
- Which one has the best price/performance ratio?
- Do they sound the same and which one sounds the best?
The answer is:
- Probably YES, but minor adjustments might be required for perfection.
- The TW29R-B tweeter has a slightly better distortion profile than the SB29RDC, otherwise they are both top performers.
- My personal opinion is that the SB29RDC has a better price/performance ratio, due to a significant lower cost.
- Sorry, I don’t know! I haven’t yet tested these tweeters in a loudspeaker design. I suspect they have similar sound characteristics.
Both these tweeters are world-class performers. If you want the “top of the line” or something with a premium looks and isn’t cost-sensitive, go for the TW29R-B. If you have a limited budget, go for the SB29RDC.