Test Bench: Two 28 mm Dome Tweeters from Dayton Audio: RST28A-4 and the RST28F-4

In this Test Bench, I characterized two new 28 mm dome tweeters from Dayton Audio — the RST28A-4 and the RST28F-4 from the Dayton Reference Series. Both are similar tweeters that share pretty much the same platform with the primary difference being the RST28A-4 uses an 30 mm aluminum dome and the RST28F-4 has a 30 mm coated silk dome. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, September 2018.

This Test Bench characterizes the new Dayton Audio Epique E160CF-8 midbass driver, from the company’s new Epique high-end transducer line. This new 5.25” midwoofer is Dayton’s entry into the ultra-high-end driver market. Dayton built it with the intention of competing with the likes of SEAS, Scan-Speak, Eton, Accuton, and Morel. Applications for the E160CF-8 include use as a midrange in a multi-way speaker or as a woofer in a two-way speaker. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, September 2018.

Dayton Audio has released a new DSP loudspeaker signal processor intended for both home and car audio, the DSP-408. This is a feature-rich 4 input/8 output digital signal processor, featuring built-in EQ, crossovers, time alignment, and input/output mixing. Exploring all the features the DSP-408 offers, the ability to manipulate and improve the sound quality of an audio system is the most alluring aspect of this affordable unit.

With the availability of low-cost, PC-based acoustic data acquisition systems, experienced hobbyists can make highly accurate loudspeaker frequency-response measurements without an anechoic chamber. The power of these systems comes at a price. These systems window the time-domain measurement to eliminate room reflections. This, in turn, limits low-frequency response. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2012.

In this edition, audioXpress pays tribute to one of its most esteemed and prolific writers, Ron Tipton (1936–2018). In our cover feature, Scott Dorsey details his fascinating visit to the Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center. Tom Perazella concludes the construction of his flagship Egg Speakers, Andy Lewis explains more about Back EMF, Peter Lehmann shares his time-alignment design for a two-way speaker, and Ethan Winer shares his experience with the affordable LabNation SmartScope USB oscilloscope. And that's just the start of another great edition, now available in print and online.

Voice Coil September 2018 edition is now available and features all the essential information about this year’s CEDIA Expo event. James Croft reviews a Harman patent for a multi-coil transducer approach to improve the cooling structure of loudspeakers, while Vance Dickason characterizes the ambitious new Dayton Audio Epique E160CF-8 midbass driver and two new 28 mm dome tweeters also from Dayton Audio — the RST28A-4 and the RST28F-4. Now available for download or in print.

Once again, audioXpress focuses on loudspeaker building, design, and testing in its September edition. We have three great speaker DIY projects that are certain to inspire our readers, Geoff Hill explains how speaker measurements are evolving under the latest Audio Engineering Society (AES) efforts, and Richard Honeycutt writes about modulation distortion in loudspeakers. We interviewed Crispin Herrod-Taylor, the designer of the amazing SoundBuckets portable speakers, we explain all you need to know about the latest HDMI Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) specification, and Ward Maas tells the story of Infineon's new energy-efficient multi-level amplifiers.

Dayton Audio announced its new MK442 center channel speaker, designed to complement the Dayton Audio MK402 bookshelf speakers in a multi-channel home theater system. The new 80 watts RMS speaker features two 4" treated paper woofers optimized for low-frequency extension, with a centered 3/4" silk dome tweeter, offering a balanced combination for wide dispersion and impressive room-filling sound. The speaker features an attractive textured, black vinyl finish with 5-way binding posts.

Featuring the same build quality and articulation as the original top-rated MK402 speakers, Dayton Audio launched the added convenience of a wireless connection with the new Dayton Audio MK402BT Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers. The built-in amplifier on the MK402BT is able to provide up to 80 watts of max output power, while a local control panel allows users to change tracks, volume, and even pause/play songs directly from the speaker itself.

Dayton Audio announced the release of the DTA-2.1BT 100W Class D Amplifier with Bluetooth, a discrete whole system amplifier that provides output for two speakers and a passive subwoofer, which allows for a compact 2.1 setup in virtually any room whether it be an office, bedroom, or even a small home theater. The 2 x 50W output power is more than enough for most bookshelf speakers, and the subwoofer output of 100W is ideal for a small scale subwoofer.