Enter the realm of musical revelation as we introduce the Townshend Maximum Supertweeter
“If it’s of the performance envelope-pushing persuasion, the Townshend Maximum Supertweeters will undoubtedly take it, and you, to the next level.” Hi Fi Choice November 2002.
"At times there was such an emotional connection to the music that I had tears in my eyes"
Super tweeters make music sound more lifelike by extending the frequency range, enhancing detail and clarity, contributing to a more spacious soundstage, reducing distortion, and providing improved dispersion. While these ultra-high frequencies may not be consciously perceived, their presence enriches the overall audio experience, making music feel more natural and immersive.
Super tweeters are a pivotal component in the realm of high-fidelity audio, delivering an unparalleled listening experience. These specialized speaker drivers are meticulously engineered to produce ultra-high frequencies, venturing into the remarkable range of 20 kHz and beyond – frequencies that extend far beyond the scope of ordinary tweeters.
Why Super Tweeters?
Realistic Sound Field:
Super tweeters are the secret sauce behind recreating an immersive and “airy” sound field. They add that extra dimension to your audio, making you feel like you’re right there in the performance.
Enhanced Clarity
By reproducing frequencies that standard tweeters can’t reach efficiently, super tweeters elevate the clarity of your audio, ensuring every note and nuance is crystal clear.
Broad Applications
Whether you’re a passionate audiophile, a home theater enthusiast, a biologist studying animal responses to sounds, or simply setting up ambient sound systems, super tweeters have a place in your world.
Ultrasonic Precision
Designed to excel well into the ultrasonic frequencies, often exceeding 20 kHz, these super tweeters push the boundaries of human hearing, providing an extraordinary auditory experience.
Diverse Use Cases
Super tweeters aren’t just for music lovers. They’ve found their way into psychoacoustic testing, cutting-edge digital audio formats like Super Audio CD, and even ambient sound systems in places like zoos.
Remarkable Advances
Ribbon tweeters, can astonishingly reproduce frequencies up to 90 kHz or even an incredible 100 kHz, setting new benchmarks in audio excellence.
Since the late 1940s, when the term “hi fi” was first applied to high-quality (high fidelity) sound reproduction systems, it has been conventionally accepted that the range of human hearing has an upper limit of about 15 to 20 kHz.
The signal used to measure this response is an artificially‐generated sine wave. However, modern research and long term experience working with High Fidelity systems now question this firmly held belief. Harmonically rich, highly transient, real‐life sounds extend well beyond 20 kHz; for example, the muted trumpet has a frequency response extending to beyond 100 kHz.
Townshend’s pursuit of understanding the science behind super tweeters is indeed an intriguing endeavor. These advanced audio components have long been a subject of fascination and debate among audiophiles. While conventional hearing tests often limit the recognized range of human hearing to around 14 kHz, it’s essential to explore beyond these boundaries to grasp the full spectrum of audio perception.
The journey to uncover why and how super tweeters work involves exploring various theories and insights. Delving into the scientific aspects of high-frequency perception offers the potential to shed light on this unique audio phenomenon. By examining alternative approaches to sensing high frequencies beyond traditional sine wave tests, we can expand our understanding of human auditory capabilities.
In the quest to unlock the secrets of super tweeters, Townshend Audio exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication to delivering exceptional sound quality. We eagerly anticipate the revelations that emerge from these investigations and look forward to the continued advancements in the field of high-fidelity audio.
"At times there was such an emotional connection to the music that I had tears in my eyes"
"The ear is very sensitive to very fast transients and is able to detect very small time arrival differences between the two ears."
HOW THE SUPERTWEETERS WERE BORN BY MAX TOWNSHEND.
In the early seventies, I made a version of the HQD speaker system which comprised two Hartley 24” bass drivers, a pair of stacked Quad ESL-57s and a pair of Decca Ribbon speakers The Decca’s were used as supertweeters here to augment the treble roll-off associated with the ESL-57s. Inevitably, the ribbons got damaged and repairs were routine and I became adept at repairing them. This system sounded awesome and I was a sad chappie when I had to leave all behind in Sydney when I came to the UK in 1978.
I had, however, been bitten by the supertweeter bug and I spent the next 15 years or so looking for the ideal supertweeter. The Pioneer supertweeters were amazing, but they were very bulky and were not a complete “package”, and the now defunct the excellent Murata spherical radiator Supertweeters had no level control and were very expensive. So I set about making a suitable unit in the Townshend Audio factory here in the UK. After two years of frustrating development, the Maximum Supertweeters arrived, in their cute miniature polished stainless steel case, in 1999, (now available also in satin black or matt silver). The secret of their success is the simplicity of the design and the set-up procedure. The 6-position crossover/level control allows them to integrate with speakers having a very wide range of sensitivity and their very small size allows them to fit in to almost any situation. Further, the supplied interconnecting wires make installation a doddle and there is no extra purchase necessary except for the Quad 57 brackets if needed.
Why do they work when we can only hear up to about 15 kHz and the Maximum Supertweeters extend to 80 kHz? The standard test for frequency response is to play a pure tone sine wave and to ask the listener to indicate if they can hear it or not. This test is basically flawed since sine waves rarely if ever occur in nature. Extensive research has shown that it is the combination of the lower frequencies with the high frequencies that makes sound more realistic, just as a high resolution digital image looks clearer than a low resolution image because of the sharper delineation of the visual edges due to the higher amount of information in the hi-res image. So it is with audio. The ear is very sensitive to very fast transients and is able to detect very small time arrival differences between the two ears. This capacity evolved in the wild where it is essential to hear the slightest unnatural sound (breaking twig) when sleeping in the open. This capacity only diminishes slightly compared with normal frequency roll-off sensitivity to sine waves with age- related hearing loss.
Many normal sounds have frequencies extending way above 20 kHz, (see http://www.cco.caltech.edu/~boyk/spectra/spectra.htm), hence the popularity of high resolution audio in the form of Hi-Res downloads, SACD, DVD Audio and quality vinyl replay. The higher the bandwidth, even up to 100 kHz, makes a difference in the fidelity of the overall perceived sound. This can easily be proved experimentally. Latest research suggests that the very high frequency sounds are picked up by the temple and even the eye, where they are sent directly to the brain by neuron transfer, totally bypassing the ear.
Why do Supertweeters work on CD replay which extends only to 21 kHz, when the speakers extend to 20 kHz or beyond? The most common tweeter is the dome tweeter. The dome tweeter may measure well on sine waves, but, when playing music, less than 1% of the electrical energy sent to the tweeter is converted to sound, the rest being dissipated over a short time by rippling around the dome, while slowly converting to heat. The wave pattern of this dissipating sound is chaotic, not unlike the wave pattern in the sea on a rough day in an enclosed harbour. The Supertweeter however, which gently rises in output from about 12 kHz up, does not suffer from this problem as the ultra-light ribbon ceases moving almost instantly when the signal stops. This ensures a very accurate high frequency transient response where before there was smearing. An interesting property of the ear is that it responds to the fastest rise-time signal, from the supertweeter and ignores the jumbled time- smeared output from the dome tweeter. This is why it is unnecessary to attenuate the existing tweeter when adding the supertweeter.
How do they sound? The effect on the sound with the addition of the Supertweeters is quite unexpected. Bass notes sound clearer, especially plucked string bass. Everything in the sound stage appears cleaner and smoother with far greater width and depth. There is a sense of ease about the sound. The effect is most profound when the supertweeters are taken away. It is not subtle! A peculiar effect is that they are inaudible in the listening seat when the main speaker is disconnected. The ear works in mysterious ways! And there are many thousands of happy Supertweeter owners out there who will, agree.
Products
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Maximum Supertweeter: Silver
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Maximum Supertweeter: Berry Red Metallic
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Maximum Supertweeter: Black
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Ultra High Frequencies Realism life Music
Deep within every recording lies a treasure trove of hidden frequencies, patiently waiting to be unveiled.
FAQs
Yes, it does and the crossover allows the Supertweeter to have low output at about 10kHz and significant output from about 20kHz + filter in at approx.
Yes, on setting 5 or 6 the Supertweeter integrates surprisingly well with these >very high efficiency systems
Most speakers employ dome tweeters which do show a frequency response up to and beyond 20kHz, but the response is very ragged below 20kHz due to the build-up of standing waves in the dome material. These standing waves take time to dissipate so keep sounding after the signal has passed. The resultant sound is slightly “tizzy” and can become irritating over time. The Supertweeter response, in contrast, is extremely fast with no resonant hangover, so when the Supertweeter is used in conjunction with the dome tweeter, the faster Supertweeter signal takes precedence over the slower signal. This ability of the ear to discern the faster signal (the precedence effect) on preference to the slower smeared signal causes the resultant sound to be far smoother but sharper then before. And yes, this is counter-intuitive, but it is so. Please study the frequency response graphs to see that the supertweeter response, although attenuated, extends below 20kHz (Response Supertweeter plus speaker, setting 4 above). This is sufficient for the precedence effect to come into play.
So how can we improve our hi fi to benefit from the best of digital audio?
Measurement
Listening tests conducted by Townshend Audio and others have identified the lack of extended high frequency
response as one of the shortcomings. This is illustrated clearly in Graph 1, which shows:
1 the orthodox range of hearing to 20 kHz.
2 The emerging belief that hearing extends to well over 60 kHz.
3 The range of sound from a harmonically rich instrument, for example a muted trumpet
4 The response of current mass media, including MP3, FM radio, Digital TV etc, extending only to 15 kHz.
5 The response of CD, where the upper limit is 21 kHz (proclaimed in 1983 as “perfect sound forever”).
6 The response of vinyl (LP albums), up to 40 kHz under ideal conditions.
7 The response of digital audio, including 96kHz/24 bit DVDA/WAV and SACD, extending to about 50kHz.
8 Last, and far and away the best, the response of 192kHz/24 bit digital audio, extending to around 90kHz.
Graph 2 shows the response of a typical high quality speaker with a quality dome tweeter; it is clear that the high frequency response is falling away above about 10 kHz, and the important high frequencies are clearly attenuated.
Graph 3 shows the same speaker with the Townshend Supertweeter response superimposed. It is clear that the Supertweeter output mirrors the speaker output below 30 kHz, but supplies the important high frequency content above this frequency.
Graphs 5 and 6 show the range of Supertweeter sensitivity that may be selected by adjusting the Supertweeter level
control to match the sensitivity of a range of different partnering speakers.
It is clear from Graphs 4 and 5 that the Supertweeters have a small, but surprisingly significant effect on the response between 5 kHz and 20 kHz.
Low distortion in this part of the frequency range is crucial for pleasant sound and it is here that the Supertweeter has a distinct advantage over the commonly‐used dome tweeter, because the component that radiates the sound, the ribbon, measures a mere 25mm long x 5mm wide x 0.01mm thick and weighs in at a minuscule 0.003 grams!
Compare this with the moving mass of a dome tweeter, which is rarely below 3 grams, i.e. radiates the sound, the ribbon measures a mere 25mm long x 5mm wide x 0.01mm thick and weighs in at a minuscule 0.003 grams!
Compare this with the moving mass of a dome tweeter, which is rarely below 3 grams, i.e. 1000 times heavier than the ribbon.
The ribbon can accelerate and decelerate much faster than the dome because it is so light and also because it is driven by a very powerful electromagnetic force over the entire area of the moving surface.
With a dome, there is inevitably some compression and tension in the mechanical parts that connect the tweeter coil to the dome and flexure in the dome itself.
This leads to a particular distortion which cannot occur in the case of the ribbon. This effect is shown in Graph 7, which illustrates the response of a popular dome Supertweeter compared with the Townshend Supertweeter.
Maximum Supertweeters reviews
Here’s a parallel: Famous doctors all agree that the upper range of human hearing is 20kHz, tops. What possible use could I or anyone else have for an auxiliary loudspeaker that extends a music system’s performance out to 100kHz? More to the point, why would anyone pay $750 for such a thing?:Read More
It just makes the music less easy on the ear and less engaging when you turn them off. THE EAR: REVIEW 5 STARS
Maximum Super Tweeters are created to reproduce high and very high frequencies to, says the company, enrich the sound from your hi-fi. Paul Rigby gives them a whirl and wonders if they really can occupy sonic territory that dome tweeters fear to tread: Read More
I recently was introduced to a superb but very expensive add-on product known as a “super tweeter” designed and manufactured by Kan Sound Lab in Japan. I was not even familiar with this type of transducer or what it purports to do, and was quite surprised when it was first inserted into my main system. Read More
Alright, what do the Townshend Super Tweeters really do? I mean, we are all pretty deaf above 16kHz, and most people spin regular CDs, where there ain’t nuttin’ much above 20kHz anyhow :Read More
Research & articles of interest
Eyes as Fenestrations to the Ears: A Novel Mechanism for High-Frequency and Ultrasonic Hearing Martin L. Lenhardt Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Otolaryngology, and Emergency Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia Read more:Tinnitus Journal
The supertweeter, a stranger.
The subwoofer is well known and people think that its effect is more immediate and the bottom range is immediately highlighted. The correct reproduction of the lowest range is very important to get a correct sound and we have good reasons to believe that the ultra high range is just as important, and may give incredible results. read more
David Blackmer “Perceptual Perfection” (Mobile 23)
YOU TUBE
Although it is generally accepted that humans cannot perceive sounds in the frequency range above 20 kHz, the question of whether the existence of such “inaudible” high-frequency components may affect the acoustic perception of audible sounds remains unanswered. In this study, we used noninvasive physiological measurements of brain responses to provide evidence that sounds containing high-frequency components (HFCs) above the audible range significantly affect the brain activity of listeners: Read More
Although it is generally accepted that humans cannot perceive sounds in the frequency range above 20 kHz, the question of whether the existence of such “inaudible” high-frequency components may affect the acoustic perception of audible sounds remains unanswered. In this study, we used noninvasive physiological measurements of brain responses to provide evidence that sounds containing high-frequency components (HFCs) above the audible range significantly affect the brain activity of listeners. Read more
Frequencies of inaudible high-frequency sounds differentially affect brain activity: positive and negative hypersonic effects: Read More
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♬ S31 - Samuel Ifeanyi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j71NrNMx2rU
@moonsoundstudios Townshend super tweeter best most expensive hifi audio speaker #speaker #speakers #audio #music #hifination #sound #hifi #audiophile
♬ S31 - Samuel Ifeanyi
"I’ve been running the Townshends on setting 5 with Totem Forest Signatures that are on Townshend seismic podiums. Combination is truly sublime. Great little company thats been on forefront of innovative ideas for years. Build quality is top notch, as is their customer service."
"The whole sound has matured not just in the high-frequency range but across the whole range! Vocals sound fuller and more correct, breaths on wind instruments were real, violin and strings in general sound as real as I've heard...atmosphere on live recordings was more perceptible."
"They do make a huge difference, not that you hear anything but you feel it, strange but true. Other thing is that they enhance sonic picture as all frequencies are affected and presentation is calmer."petg60
"I get up and turn the black magic off. Sit back down. Crap. Flat, grainy, digital. Turn them back on. Deep, liquid, analogue."
"I get up and turn the black magic off. Sit back down. Crap. Flat, grainy, digital. Turn them back on. Deep, liquid, analogue."
"I've had my Townshend Maximum Supertweeters for several years now, and I still like them :-)" xs@2xlak
Micro-review by Patrick Thomas
My experience with Townshend Supertweeters
For me the best placement was dead center top, in line with my tweeters, and at a level depth, flush with the front baffle of the main speakers. With cables, connections and positioning all satisfied I spun my first critical tune and sat down for a listen.. ..Wow.. The sound had changed, and not a tiny change either, quite a discernible change.
The sound stage has grown, the whole sound has matured not just at the high frequency range but across the whole range! Vocals sound fuller and more correct, breaths on wind instruments were real, violin and strings in general sounds as real as I’ve heard on my system to date and atmosphere on live recordings were more perceptible. Without exception one of the best purchases I have made within Hi-Fi.
If I could compare Hi-Fi to food it would be like adding a little bit of salt to the food, the flavour was always there, but the salt just makes the flavours stand out more and adds a further dimension to the complete flavour. That’s what the Maximum Supertweeters have done for my set up. Just as a well set up subwoofer adds to the fullness and roundness of the sound, the Supertweeter does the same also, just tailor the level to your preference and system matching and away you go.
Removing them after a few days has made the sound dull, flat and even two dimensional. Was that really what I was calling decent quality Hi-Fi a couple of weeks ago?! What I had thought was a pretty good sound was now without the Supertweeters only mediocre in terms of sound quality. The difference was a night and day one. So obviously they were welcomed with open arms and re-instated into the system once I had established there was a “gap” without them.
On first play the smile returned to my face and I earnestly started to rummage through my music collection to get another playlist together. At which point I should also tell you that I found the effect was still there even at night time listening levels, but it does need a few decibels to be “magical”.
My 15W per channel Leak valve amps had no problems with the load on top of my speakers and when using full range “horn” speakers, these Supertweeters are simply a must have item and being quite minimal in operation they don’t seem to destroy the single driver sound of a good Lowther or Fostex, rather adding to it to give a fuller sound so long as you are careful with the volume level.
Discretion is the key, and blending without over exuberance or understatement is a must and worth taking the time to tune in and get right because when you do, the sound is simply stunning… …In conclusion, my humble opinion can only be used as a guide because we all hear differently and we all like a different sound.
The Townsend Maximum Supertweeters are well executed, well made, capable, very discrete super tweeters.
In my opinion in terms of user friendliness and sound they are the best passive super tweeters I have heard on the market today and the fact I have purchased a pair with my own hard earned money is testament to how good they are and the impact they have had on the sound of my system.
I am not going to get into the “snake oil” debate because they work within my hearing range and with all of the formats I use. Lossless on the MacBook, DAB, Cd and analogue, vinyl and tape cassette all benefit from a fuller more emotional sound.
Science is great, and will one day crack cancer and HIV but it struggles to quantify certain things in life and one of those things is emotion. I’m sure my hearing doesn’t extend much above 16kHz or so and yet the super tweeters work and work well for me.
I think transients, atmosphere, detail, attack and sustain all benefit as does timbre between instruments, sounds and especially vocals within the hearing range due to less distortion, less smearing and better definition at frequency extremes. Definitely not snake oil in my opinion.. ..A worthwhile investment and I will not be returning them or selling them on. Many Thanks and keep the music musical..
Patrick Thomas.
Get In touch
+ 44 (0)208 979 2155
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Address 7 Bridge Road
East Molesey
Surrey,
U.K
KT8 9EU
Email mail@townshendaudio.com