DavidLouis brand tweeters from China

keilau

keilau

AK Member
Did anyone hear of this brand of speakers?

DavidLouis brand tweeters from China

These are definitely a knock-off of some high end tweeters. Has anyone try it? Have you seen any comment or review on other forum or anywhere?

The price is not cheap. After adding the shipping, it is in the mid range Seas or Vifa tweeter price range. But a copper beryllium dome tweeter at less than $110 a pair is still attractive. Assuming that they are made with decent quality material and control.
 
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The seller said that there were many reviews on various DIY forums. I could not find any. I emailed the seller asking for links and technical spec of the tweeter, but have not heard back from them yet.
 
It appears that the only info on the brand is what has been listed on eBay.

I would like to find out how the woofers perform as well.


hz-fileserver-upload-07_hz0sr4jh.jpg


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JimPA said:
It appears that the only info on the brand is what has been listed on eBay.



I would like to find out how the woofers perform as well.





hz-fileserver-upload-07_hz0sr4jh.jpg




hz-fileserver-upload-03_hz0sr4jl.jpg
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They copied the sticker layout right off of Peerless as well as the quote, "Reliable in supply and quality". They do seem interesting though.
 
Yeah, the one Nubert is definitely a Peerless driver. The other looks like a Vifa for 100% sure.
 
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DavidLouis Audio on Alibaba

The distribution of these speakers is DavidLouis Audio in China. But the Hong Kong Ebay seller is able to ship cheaper.

They also have some spider web cone woofers (7" and 5.5") that were made popular by Vienna Acoustics. They actually call those knock-off Vienna Acoustics. They also have many kits that imitate the Vienna Acoustics designs at a small fraction of the real Vienna Acoustics price (<10% usually). But the distributor did not have idea of the Vienna Acoustics bass reflex port airflow control wedge found on the real thing. Their suggested cabinet just use a regular vented port(s).

I do not have the room and equipment to do speaker driver test anymore. And will have to wait for someone to test to find out if these are worth anything. Speaker Drivers are actually precision made items that requires tight quality control. Are these drivers TGTBT? The sellers did say that they are from OEM factory that makes drivers for the major brands.
 
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Why do people even bother falling for this stuff?? Real driver companies do not make you ask for comprehensive data. Absolutely NOTHING about this looks legit.

-k
 
ken kantor said:
Why do people even bother falling for this stuff?? Real driver companies do not make you ask for comprehensive data. Absolutely NOTHING about this looks legit.

-k
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I know, I know!!

It is just for the fun of it for people like me who can never imagine putting down $600 to $1K for a pair of woofers or tweeters. Nor can I afford those $10K plus speaker systems that are supposed to sound fantastic.

I have been building DIY speakers using mid price ($100 or less), name brand (Seas, Scanspeak, Peerless, Focal, Vifa etc.) drivers for years. These high end imitators are in the same price range. I am very curious about what one can get using these imitation drivers.

I cannot imagine pumping down $5K for a DAC either. I tried a Tianyun version Zero DAC from China on Ebay. So far, I am impressed with this $160 box, including its decent headphone amplifier. (Unfortunately, the Tianyun English page does not seem to work.)

Ken, you are absolutely right that they are useless without good specifications. I am hoping that some curious soul may have done some measurement on them. :thmbsp:
 
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ken kantor said:
Why do people even bother falling for this stuff?? Real driver companies do not make you ask for comprehensive data. Absolutely NOTHING about this looks legit.

-k
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Seriously? you needs ask this?
Embarrassingly..Humans are a singularly Unimpressive species.. period.
 
bare said:
Seriously? you needs ask this?
Embarrassingly..Humans are a singularly Unimpressive species.. period.
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Humans are pretty damn impressive, actually. It's that other species that looks just like humans and lives among us that cause all the problems.

Keilau, here's my thinking: it takes a lot of love to work in a legit speaker company. The hours are long, the jobs are perilous and nobody makes much money. But, people do it. They invest their time, effort and dollars to learn their craft, and to produce ever-better parts. Then, some shady operation comes in and clones the details, or maybe just the appearance, and basically steals the work of others, often hurting their reputation in the process. I cannot find that fun or support it in any way. I hope people consider this issue before they give their money to suppliers that don't have any ethics. In the same way, I find it disgusting when people "clone" a well-known speaker not for learning or for fun, but to try and save money or even make some.

-k
 
What DIY is all about

ken kantor said:
Humans are pretty damn impressive, actually. It's that other species that looks just like humans and lives among us that cause all the problems.

Keilau, here's my thinking: it takes a lot of love to work in a legit speaker company. The hours are long, the jobs are perilous and nobody makes much money. But, people do it. They invest their time, effort and dollars to learn their craft, and to produce ever-better parts. Then, some shady operation comes in and clones the details, or maybe just the appearance, and basically steals the work of others, often hurting their reputation in the process. I cannot find that fun or support it in any way. I hope people consider this issue before they give their money to suppliers that don't have any ethics. In the same way, I find it disgusting when people "clone" a well-known speaker not for learning or for fun, but to try and save money or even make some.

-k
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You are highly respected here because of your deep knowledge on the subject. I admire you because you brought excellent sound at affordable price to the masses. The NHT is a level above other highly rated inexpensive speakers in a way that I can hear and distinguish. I don't claim to be an expert, but it's all it counts.

I have built some very good sounding bookself for $300-400 in parts plus my labor. It is a wonderful learning experience on what works and what does not, all based on what I can hear. It is a lot of fun in the process. My most rewarding project was the 10" Bailey transmission line. I am in the process of refinished the cabinet veener and put in a new pair of drivers. I got a pair of NOS Peerless 850146 for that. (Still working full time, it may be a while when I can finish it.)

I am very curious to learn in what way a $5000 bookself would sound better than my under $400 home built and how they do it. I fully understand why you do not approve using those clone drivers for this purpose.

The seller of those clone claims that they were grey market goods from the OEM factory. This is common in the far east. The brand holder seems to tolerate it if it is for hobby use only. Yes, I understand it is also in the grey area in term of legality.

I can assure you it is all about learning and fun. It is a nice bonus to save money along the way if I end up with a better speaker at the end. If not, money down the drain.
 
keilau said:
The seller of those clone claims that they were grey market goods from the OEM factory. This is common in the far east. The brand holder seems to tolerate it if it is for hobby use only. Yes, I understand it is also in the grey area in term of legality.
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Interesting. It would be great if he were able to be more specific on that. Like which factory each driver he is selling is from. I agree they look like some tweeters out there. Some have the SEAS look, the Scanspeak look, etc.... but for all we know they could be grey market goods from HUANGSHECKENHUONGANG.:D:D

I always wanted to play with the upper end Scanspeaks but they are pricey.
 
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2-wool-cone
Keilau one very good budget line of drivers made in China are the Silver Flute wool cone woofers.
The last ownership of Fried speakers before it was sold once again was using them as replacements for some of the older models.
The price vs performance has been positive from the people I have been in contact with that have tried them.

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.c...-6-7/silver-flute-w17rc38-08-6-1/2-wool-cone/

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/approx-8-woofers/silver-flute-w20rc38-08-8-wool-cone/

w17rc38-08.jpg
 
JimPA said:
2-wool-cone
Keilau one very good budget line of drivers made in China are the Silver Flute wool cone woofers.
The last ownership of Fried speakers before it was sold once again was using them as replacements for some of the older models.
The price vs performance has been positive from the people I have been in contact with that have tried them.

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.c...-6-7/silver-flute-w17rc38-08-6-1/2-wool-cone/

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/approx-8-woofers/silver-flute-w20rc38-08-8-wool-cone/

w17rc38-08.jpg
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Jim, why wouldn't you tell me sooner? Seriously, $30 for a cast frame 6.5" woofer with very respectable spec (Silver Flute W17RC38-08 6-1/2" Wool Cone) is exceptional value. I wish I know about it sooner. Can you find the FRD and ZMA files to go with this woofer?

I am in the process of building a pair of 6.5" 2-ways to replace the NHT Super One (sorry, Ken). I had purchased the Peerless 830875 from Parts Express and trying to decide on the tweeter. (I have older Audax, Seas and Vifa in good condition and am trying to see if I can do better at moderate cost.) I have cut the driver openings for the Peerless and the Audax HD12X9D25. I am in the process of assembling the crossover. And hope to start the final assembly in the next few weeks.

Up to now, all my crossover were copies from British publication. This is first time I try to design my own using Jeff Bagby's software. It will be a good learning experience when I can hear how it sounds. It is already a ton of fun being able to tweak the crossover to get the flattest response using the software.
 
keilau said:
Jim, why wouldn't you tell me sooner? Seriously, $30 for a cast frame 6.5" woofer with very respectable spec (Silver Flute W17RC38-08 6-1/2" Wool Cone) is exceptional value. I wish I know about it sooner. Can you find the FRD and ZMA files to go with this woofer?

I am in the process of building a pair of 6.5" 2-ways to replace the NHT Super One (sorry, Ken). I had purchased the Peerless 830875 from Parts Express and trying to decide on the tweeter. (I have older Audax, Seas and Vifa in good condition and am trying to see if I can do better at moderate cost.) I have cut the driver openings for the Peerless and the Audax HD12X9D25. I am in the process of assembling the crossover. And hope to start the final assembly in the next few weeks.

Up to now, all my crossover were copies from British publication. This is first time I try to design my own using Jeff Bagby's software. It will be a good learning experience when I can hear how it sounds. It is already a ton of fun being able to tweak the crossover to get the flattest response using the software.
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No need to be sorry, that's great! Let me know how it turns out. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have for me.

"Grey Market" is not of questionable legality. It is illegal in every way. No, manufacturers never condone it... rather, we are often simply powerless to stop it. I might add that this kind of deal often involves recycling units that fail Quality Control, but look OK visually.

-k
 
keilau said:
Jim, why wouldn't you tell me sooner? Seriously, $30 for a cast frame 6.5" woofer with very respectable spec (Silver Flute W17RC38-08 6-1/2" Wool Cone) is exceptional value. I wish I know about it sooner. Can you find the FRD and ZMA files to go with this woofer?
.
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I wish I had the files to help you with the driver but I don't have them.

A few people are using the W17RC38-08 driver with Fried's series resonance crossover circuit in the C3L T-line enclosures.
 
ken kantor said:
No need to be sorry, that's great! Let me know how it turns out. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have for me.
-k
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Any beryllium or metal dome tweeter under $75 a piece worth trying?

I am thinking about the Seas 27TBFC/G for my DIY bookshelf.
 
keilau said:
Any beryllium or metal dome tweeter under $75 a piece worth trying?

I am thinking about the Seas 27TBFC/G for my DIY bookshelf.
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Sorry to say, I'm not really up on OTC drivers, since I usually order to spec. If you tell me the characteristics you want, I will look around to see if anything looks promising.

To be honest, as I have said, I think that there are many, many tweeters that can make a great speaker, and none that automatically and magically yield great sound. You've got to get close on paper, then get samples to try, then pick one or two to really learn how to use. I just don't know of any other way to do it. IMO- following internet recommendations will never prove particularly helpful by itself, though it can help you create a short list to try.

Assuming this approach is not feasible for most hobbyists, I recommend a very unusual strategy:

Get a bunch, at least 10 pairs, of different cheap tweeters... close outs, salvaged units, economy models, etc. This can be done for under $100, and will be a permanent resource for future projects.

Now, build a generic, 2-way test fixture that you can rapidly swap tweeters in, using a quick change baffle board system and some clamps or thumb screws. Rig up an adjustable electronic crossover. Don't worry about appearance or sonic refinement. You just want a platform that lets you quickly and easily compare tweeters and crossovers.

After a few days of listening comparisons, you should gradually begin to understand the >type< of sonics you want. Even if you hate the sound of everything, I guaranty that patterns will start to emerge, and there will be surprises and learning galore!

Then, finally, we can talk about interpreting your findings, and using them to zero in on a more stellar example of the particular characteristics that work for your design. Yes, it takes time and patience, but the results will be 100x better than shopping by eye, believing ad copy or the pet theories of famous reviewers, or running an internet popularity contest.

That's my recommendation for the serious, intelligent builder.

-k
 
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ken kantor said:
Assuming this approach is not feasible for most hobbyists, I recommend a very unusual strategy:

Get a bunch, at least 10 pairs, of different cheap tweeters... close outs, salvaged units, economy models, etc. This can be done for under $100, and will be a permanent resource for future projects.
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Ken, to be honest, I don't know exactly what I am looking for in sound. I have been listening to soft dome tweeters for over 30 years and am comfortable with them. I have 5 tweeters from the Wharfedale MT series, 4 from the Celestion Ditton/DL series, 2 from Mission 700 series, 2 from Boston Acoustics CFT series, 2 NHT, 2 Realistic Minimus 7 which are on existing systems. I also have 2 Audax HD12x9D25 and 2 Seas H107 which are 30 years old (but still sound very good) and 2 new Vifa D27TG35-6. All these are soft domes. Will I like the sound of a Beryllium dome? Most beryllium dome tweeters are several hundred dollars a pair. May be I can try the Seas Aluminum/Magnesium Dome first which is affordable at $52 a piece. I saw at 2 web sites saying that the Seas D27TBFC/G had very low distortion when driven hard.

ken kantor said:
Now, build a generic, 2-way test fixture that you can rapidly swap tweeters in, using a quick change baffle board system and some clamps or thumb screws. Rig up an adjustable electronic crossover. Don't worry about appearance or sonic refinement. You just want a platform that lets you quickly and easily compare tweeters and crossovers.

After a few days of listening comparisons, you should gradually begin to understand the >type< of sonics you want. Even if you hate the sound of everything, I guaranty that patterns will start to emerge, and there will be surprises and learning galore!

Then, finally, we can talk about interpreting your findings, and using them to zero in on a more stellar example of the particular characteristics that work for your design. Yes, it takes time and patience, but the results will be 100x better than shopping by eye, believing ad copy or the pet theories of famous reviewers, or running an internet popularity contest.

That's my recommendation for the serious, intelligent builder.

-k
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The suggestion sounds like real fun, but is more like a mini design studio to me. I doubt that I can pull it off while still working.

I likely will build my WIP bookshelf with the Seas Aluminum/Magnesium Dome. If I decide that I do not like it, it would be relatively easy to switch back to one of the soft dome I like. The crossover mod should be simple.

It is all for learning and fun. I just want to know how will a hard dome tweeter sound to me vs. the soft dome one.
 
I tried to explain that there is no way to answer your question, since there is no such thing as a "hard dome sound" or a "beryllium sound." However, it seems your experience is different than mine, so all I can do is wish you good luck with your quest.

-k
 
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