This Aperion Super Tweeter review article comes from YouTuber "Late Night Unboxing".
What Is a Super Tweeter and Why Consider One?
If you've ever felt your speakers were missing a layer of sparkle or air in the upper end, you may have come across the term super tweeter. But do super tweeters actually work; and are they worth adding to your sound system? In this post, we break down recent tests of three Aperion Audio super tweeters with sound demos and measurements, so you can decide if a super tweeter is right for you!
Why Add a Super Tweeter to Your System?
The main reason to add a super tweeter is to compensate for the treble roll-off that many conventional speakers experience—especially as they approach ultra-high frequencies near 20kHz. Super tweeters can help create a more realistic, expansive soundstage by extending high-frequency response and enhancing airiness in the music.
Key reasons to consider a super tweeter include:
- Boosting high-frequency extension beyond your main speakers' limits
- Flattening peaks and filling in dips in upper treble frequencies
- Adding dimension and spaciousness to the soundstage
- Improving detail and clarity in high-resolution recordings
Keep in mind, if your speakers already reach 20kHz or beyond, a super tweeter may not provide much benefit. However, most speakers (especially vintage models) struggle to reproduce those ultra-high frequencies.
Are Super Tweeter Frequencies Audible?
It’s a myth that super tweeters only reproduce sound we can’t hear! While their crossovers may be set at 14kHz or higher, the transition from your main tweeter is a gentle slope, not a brick wall. In fact, super tweeters can start making subtle differences as low as 5kHz, which is well within the range of human hearing for most listeners.
So, no—super tweeters aren’t just “for dogs.” The audible effect begins lower down and can enhance your listening experience, even if your hearing isn’t perfect at extreme highs.
Meet the Aperion Audio Super Tweeters
Aperion Audio offers several super tweeter choices to suit various setups and budgets. In this test, three models were compared:
- PST Mark II (Planar Magnetic): $399, entry-level choice, smooth planar sound
- RST (Ribbon): $649, utilizes an aluminum ribbon tweeter for fast transient response
- DST (Dual Air Motion Transformer): $999, features a Dual firing driver, boosting room ambience and depth
The DST, in particular, acts like an ambience tweeter: its rear-firing design reflects sound off the wall, helping to create an illusion of a larger, deeper soundstage—similar to what you’ll find in some high-end speakers like those from Burmester.
Choosing and Setting Up Your Super Tweeter
Check Sensitivity Matching
Before you buy a super tweeter, make sure its sensitivity matches your speakers. Sensitivity ratings must be compatible for seamless integration—otherwise, the super tweeter could overwhelm or underperform compared to your main speakers.
For example, the Aperion models provide a recommended sensitivity range. The Wharfedale Denton 85 speakers (88dB sensitivity) were a great match for all three tweeters tested. If your speakers have higher sensitivity, like certain Klipsch horn models, Aperion’s HST super tweeter may be a better fit.
How to Connect and Position a Super Tweeter
- Use short speaker cables or bare wire to connect the super tweeter’s binding posts directly to your speaker outputs.
- Position the super tweeter on the same vertical plane as your main tweeter and as close to the front edge of your main speaker as possible, minimizing diffraction and phase issues.
- Set the super tweeter’s volume and crossover frequency according to your taste and room acoustics.
Getting the setup right is key to enjoying the subtle benefits without overpowering your music. Always start at lower settings and adjust gradually while listening.
Do Super Tweeters Actually Work? Real Measurements
The big question: do super tweeters really make a measurable difference? Using an Aperion DST super tweeter with Denton 85 speakers, frequency sweeps revealed that the effects can be seen starting around 2-3kHz—though the most noticeable changes occur at 7-8kHz and above.
- With the super tweeter ON, the high-frequency response was flatter and more extended
- An 8kHz peak was smoothed out, and a dip in the 12-14kHz range was boosted
- Overall, the treble rolled off less and sounded more detailed
How much you’ll notice depends on your speakers, room, and personal hearing, but the improvements can be meaningful for detail lovers.
Sound Demo: What Does a Super Tweeter Sound Like?
A sound demo was provided with the DST super tweeter set to different levels: off, on, and “loud” (for demonstration). The added air, texture, and decay in instruments were quite apparent—especially in the depth and space of the soundstage. Even for those not at the absolute edge of hearing, these textural differences can be appreciated.
Here’s what you might notice with a high-quality super tweeter setup:
- Greater sense of “air” and openness
- Enhanced instrument decay and realism
- Expanded soundstage, both in width and depth
- More natural presence in cymbals, strings, and percussive elements
Are Super Tweeters Right for You?
If you feel your current speakers sound slightly muted at the top, a super tweeter can bring that last bit of shimmer to your setup. They’re particularly valuable for:
- Vintage speakers with classic tweeter designs
- Large coaxial drivers (e.g. Tannoys)
- Dedicated 2-channel listening rooms aiming for ultimate realism
However, if your speakers already reach 20kHz+ with a smooth top end, you may find limited benefit. Always start by evaluating your current speakers with measurement tools or online resources to determine if a super tweeter addresses a true need.
Conclusion: Super Tweeter, Super Results?
Modern super tweeters do work and can deliver audible improvements when matched and set up correctly. Whether it’s extra air, extended frequency response, or that elusive sense of space and texture, a super tweeter may be just what your system is missing.
Have questions about choosing, pairing or installing a super tweeter? Ready to upgrade your listening experience? Contact us via Live Chat, Phone or E-Mail and we'd love to help.
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