| H290C Horn Tweeter Review [message #79788] |
Fri, 11 April 2014 18:59  |
rkeman
Messages: 78
Registered: March 2010
Location: Florida
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Viscount |
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The H290C tweeter horn has been available for some time now and replaces the now discontinued Eminence H290. Upgrading my 6 Pi cornerhorns and 3 Pi center and surrounds was not particularly difficult. The H290C molding is substantial, but has a thinner lip than the Eminence horn necessitating some modification of the cabinet if the horns are flush recessed into the front panel. A thin gasket (I used 1/8" door skin plywood) suffices to fill the gap. The horns have a smooth finish compared to the pebble texture of the H290S. My 290Cs were painted with matte black spray paint for plastic and the cosmetic result is excellent.
The measured differences between the two horns is fairly small. The frequency response is very smooth for both and the polar responses are nearly identical in the 3 Pi. The distortion in the octave between 1 and 2 kHz is a touch lower (third and fifth harmonics) and the impedance curve a bit flatter with the 290C and modified crossover.
The difference in sound is somewhat greater than I had expected from the measurements. Treble clarity is subtlely enhanced and lends a relaxed quality that may not be immediately apparent. There is a tad more "quiet between the notes" most noticable in complex musical passage with strings and cymbals. The effect may be misinterpreted by some as a shelved down high end, but the frequency response plots show that this is definitely not the case.
The 290C is a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking the best performance possible from their Pi Speakers incorporating a horn loaded tweeter. It is the only option for new builds and that is a good thing. At $50, it is a great value and superb performer.
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