TAD Compression Drivers - Opinions on TD-4001 vs. 4003?
Hi all,
l have just joined this forum today after lurking for a few weeks. l hate to think how much of my life has been spent reading through the wealth of information in old threads :o:
l am putting together a TAD MTM system using some professionally made cabinets and would like some opinions on TAD compression drivers. Originally l was intending using TAD 4001's and wood horn clones as these are what l have first hand experience with. However l have stumbled onto some 4003 drivers and Resin horn clones, these will cost me about 40% more to buy including shipping.
Having never heard the 4003 l was wanting to hear from others on whether the extra cost is worth it? l have read that the 4003 is better in the top end but is it a significant difference, or only slight? l am worried that the Audiophile in me will always be saying "love the sound but you should have gone the 4003" :D
Cheers,
mondie
3 Way-Different Ball Game
I agree with the Widget in regards to either driver should utilise a super tweeter as long as the drivers are running naturally (non-enhanced) within their energy centers.
The ET 703 is the finest sounding hi freq device that I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.
Now lets start to split hairs. :p
Comparison of the 4001 to the 4003 is not an apples to apples contest.
4001 alnico 1 15/16 outlet orifice compared to the 4003 neo material with an 1 1/2 outlet brings a few tricks to the table.
The smaller 4003 outlet has less distortion at higher SPL levels compared to the 4001.
For a smaller home application I still feel that the 4001 is a better sounding driver-just my preference.
If you were going to use some digital trickery to enhance the hi freq (Lake,XTA,DEQX) you could probably stay two way and use the processer power to jam the hi freq thru the roof using a 4003.
If that were the case then I would use the 4003 since now the eqed spl levels will be enhanced and distortion now comes into play.
So to recap-moderate listening levels,I say 3 way-4001 and ET 703
Loud levels,4003 and digital speaker processer tricks.
Oldmics