B&W Matrix 803 tweeter replacement

[Longaevus]

I hope you guys can give me some guidelines on this one!

I am currently trying to do my best to get a pair of these speakers back to business, they look like they had a very rough life and I purchased them with missing tweeters!!

B&W's original drivers are uber expensive so I have been sugested to try some Swan Diva TN28 units, they are very cheap and would be a perfect way of making sense out of the "restoration".

My question is, will I need to do anything about the crossover?

Freq. Response

Impedance

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[Rob-F]

Won't it be hard to fit a different tweeter into that same housing? Or did you think you would mount them in a different way?

The B&W network is undoubtedly matched to the specific tweeter's response, so it will be less than optimum with a different driver.

 

[w1jim]

Given your limited choices and the cost effectiveness of these ($50 versus $800) I'd just give it a try and see how it sounds to you.
It's likely that the frequency range will be similar (and controlled by the crossover) though the efficiency will probably be a bit different.

If these are more efficient then you could put a L-Pad in there to lower the output.
If less efficient then control the highs with the source treble control.

 

[boza]

For the price I would say give them a try

 

[Longaevus]

Won't it be hard to fit a different tweeter into that same housing? Or did you think you would mount them in a different way?

The B&W network is undoubtedly matched to the specific tweeter's response, so it will be less than optimum with a different driver.

Right now there is no housing at all, the tweeters are 100% absent, only the cabling has been recessed into the cabinet for future adaptation as I am now trying to do. The example picture is the tweeter assembly as it is being sold right now but there was a stand/mount for it that achieved a perfect fit for a pleasant finish on top of the speaker which is now obsolete and apparently none of the dealers carry it.

Given your limited choices and the cost effectiveness of these ($50 versus $800) I'd just give it a try and see how it sounds to you.
It's likely that the frequency range will be similar (and controlled by the crossover) though the efficiency will probably be a bit different.

If these are more efficient then you could put a L-Pad in there to lower the output.
If less efficient then control the highs with the source treble control.

Actually the $50 will not be attainable because the first version of the tweeter is discontinued and the revision (as pictured) which is named "TN28II B" will cost about $100 for the pair + shipping costs. At the end of it all I will be asked for $117 delivered and I will have to improvise the mounts for a better look.
To be honest I am not very concerned about overall sound quality as I do not have "audiophile ears" and usually I find most speakers to be good sounding, I lack experience in order to be able to tell the subtle differences apart.

I am trying to understand if other low cost alternatives can be considered, for example:

DAYTON AUDIO 1 INCH - ND25FA-4 ($15)

 

[w1jim]

Here's a picture of the ones I have that I offered you.
As mentioned I'll be in Madrid next week if that makes shipping easier.

 

[Longaevus]

I believe this is the current revision, not the first one, which I believed packed the stands/mounts, it will have to suffice I guess, having the speakers in full working condition is my top priority and aesthetically-wise these look the part and are similar to the originals.