Tweeter (dome vs ribbon)
TL;DR
A tweeter is the small driver that reproduces high frequencies (typically 2 kHz - 20+ kHz). Common types: silk dome (smooth, budget), aluminum/beryllium (extended detail), ribbon (fastest transient, most extended), planar magnetic (uniform response).
A tweeter is the smallest driver in a speaker – responsible for high-frequency reproduction, typically from 2 kHz up to 20 kHz (or beyond for hi-res).
Common tweeter types
- Silk dome – 20-25mm woven silk fabric dome. Smooth, non-fatiguing, cheap. Most common in budget speakers.
- Aluminum/Titanium dome – metal dome. More extended treble but can be “hot” (harsh) if not damped well.
- Beryllium/Diamond dome – premium metal alloys. Ultra-fast, extended to 40 kHz+. Expensive.
- Isodynamic ribbon – planar-style flat film. Best transient response, extended treble, expensive.
Match to your listening
Prefer non-fatiguing long sessions: silk. Prefer detail and air: ribbon. Prefer “sparkle”: aluminum. In budget hi-fi (bookshelves under $500), silk dome dominates and is honestly excellent.
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