SB Acoustics SB29RDC vs. Satori TW29R-B

December 7, 2016 Posted by gornir

 

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:

 

imp-sb29rdc-vs-tw29r-b

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:

 

freq-0deg-sb29rdc-vs-tw29r-b
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:

 

4_sb29rdc-2-10cm-95dbtw29r-b-1-10cm-95db_x

(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:

  1. Are they interchangeable with each other in the same loudspeaker design?
  2. Which one has the best overall performance?
  3. Which one has the best price/performance ratio?
  4. Do they sound the same and which one sounds the best?

 

The answer is:

  1. Probably YES, but minor adjustments might be required for perfection.
  2. The TW29R-B tweeter has a slightly better distortion profile than the SB29RDC, otherwise they are both top performers.
  3. My personal opinion is that the SB29RDC has a better price/performance ratio, due to a significant lower cost.
  4. 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.

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