Supertweeter
FAQ
Q.
What does the switch on the back of the supertweeter do?
A. This selects between two different filters
that are both designed for your speakers. They are both suitable
filter designs and simply allow for personal taste in what sounds
best. Usually the 'up' position uses a slightly higher filter
point and thus the supertweeters contribution is more subtle.
The 'down' position is usually a lower filter point and the supertweeter
makes more contribution to the sound.
Q.
What amp power do they require?
A. Supertweeters use such little power it is
not really a consideration.
Q.
What cable do you recommend?
A. AudioSmile does not recommend any specific
cable brand, but does suggest something with low impedance, capacitance
and resistance. As supertweeters use little power, cable resistance
is not important so a thin cable that will have low capacitance
is probably best.
Q.
How should the supertweeters be connected?
A. The supertweeters should be linked from the
binding posts on the back of your speakers using a short length
of cable. Click
here to see a diagram.
Q.
What is the maximum speaker sensitivity the supertweeters can
be designed for?
A. This depends strongly on the filter points used in
the supertweeter, and the sensitivity is one of the variables
set in the design process. If the supertweeters comes in at a
higher point, more sensitivity can usually be achieved. However,
up to 94dB is easily possible for all filter points.
Q.
How will the addition of supertweeters effect the impedance seen
by my amplifier?
A. The supertweeter has a very high impedance, so when
connected in parallel with the main speakers it will not change
what is seen by the amp very much. The impedance will also be
affected at high frequencies only where the supertweeter works.
Q.
How should the supertweeters be placed?
A. The supertweeter is usually best placed in vertical
alignment with the main speakers. This usually means sitting it
on top. Forward and backward positioning as well as the angle
of toe-in or out should all be experimented with by the user for
optimal performance. In some cases the supertweeters will be designed
to be used with a 30° toe-out towards the side walls of the
room, but this would be mentioned during the design process.
Q.
Is it safe to disconnect the supertweeters while music is playing?
A. Yes, this will be okay, provided the main speakers
remain connected to the amp, and under no circumstances are the
wires to the supertweeters or speakers allowed to cross.
Q.
Is it safe to change the filter switch position while music is
playing?
A. Yes this is okay.
