Fountek NeoCD1.0

Overview:

 

The Fountek NeoCD1.0 is a small true ribbon tweeter that uses a reinforced sandwiched-aluminum ribbon diaphragm together with a strong neodymium magnet.

It has wide horizontal off-axis dispersion and an extended frequency response.

Key features:

  • 1.5” reinforced sandwich diaphragm.
  • Strong Neodymium magnet.
  • Built-in impedance convertor.
  • 90dB 2.0v/1m sensitivity combined with an extended frequency response up to 40kHz.
  • Very fast transient response with wide horizontal dispersion.

 

Fountek Spec sheet: NeoCD1.0

T/S Parameters:

 

This is the NeoCD1.0 parameters published by the Manufacturer.

Impedance:

 

(click on picture to zoom)

Left: No protection cap. Sample 1 = Blue
Right: 33uF protection cap. Sample 2 = Green

0.2 ohm difference between the two ribbon tweeter samples.

Frequency:

 

Frequency measurement conditions:

The tweeter is measured mounted on a baffle with the following conditions:

Baffle size (WxH): 24×35cm with 18mm round-over.
Driver position: Flush-mount, mounted on center-line with driver unit center 8cm from the top of the baffle.
Mic position: 1m distance, on tweeter-axis.
Smoothing: 1/24 octave smoothing applied.
Protection: A 33uF protection cap is used.

 

(click on picture to zoom)

Left: Frequency response on-axis (Blue=sample1, Red=sample2).
Right: Frequency response 15deg off-axis (Blue=sample1, Red=sample2).

The two ribbon tweeter samples show a slightly different frequency response between 5.5-9kHz.

 

0deg = Blue
15deg = Red
22.5deg = Green

 

30deg = Blue
45deg = Red
60deg = Green

The NeoCD1.0 has a very wide horizontal dispersion and an extended frequency response. It has a rising response between 10-20kHz, but a very linear frequency response at 30deg off-axis.

Distortion:

Measurement setup:

  • Tweeter near-field measurement at 10cm
  • Frequency Range Tweeter: 2000-10000Hz
  • Baffle size WxH: 24×35cm

 

The distortion measurements are done in near-field and the amplifier output level was adjusted for each driver so that the fundamental is 90dB and 95dB at 1m. This setting simulates  medium-high and high listening levels.

(click on picture to zoom)

90dB @ 1m
Left = Sample 1
Right = Sample 2

(click on picture to zoom)

95dB @ 1m
Left = Sample 1
Right = Sample 2

Compared to a 1” dome tweeter, this small ribbon tweeter has a considerably higher distortion profile. It should preferably be crossed-over at 5kHz or higher, but a 4kHz cross-over point might work if steep filters are used, e.g. a fourth-order (acoustical).