Mixing Mids and Tweeters
 

How easily can I mix and match different tweeters and midranges for components?

I need to replace my mids, and someone has suggested that instead of replacing the entire component set, to simply replace the mids. But my concern is finding a good match that will blend nicely.

The tweeters are Polk 3500 tweeters and I have 12db/oct hp/lp @ 4Khz crossovers. Is anyone familiar with these tweeters or does anyone know how easily I can mix and match in a set-up like this?

Thanks,

This post is a slight over-lap as I have asked this question in an other post about replacement component opinions.

Not familiar with any Polk car drivers, but normally the issue with matching is crossover.

You need the midbass/midrange to play pass the tweeter required crossover point. Some Damp Polymer Composites (DPC) and Paper cones will not play to 4k Hz unless you get in to small, like 5" or smaller, drivers.

Crossing a tweeter over at lower than 3200 Hz IMO is simply a bad idea.
I know many do it, I stopped about 8 years ago. To do so requires mounting the tweeter as close as possible to the mid.

With a passive crossover you need also be concerned about levels.

Normally a tweeter is going to be more sensitive than the midbass/midrange and will need be attenuated. If the passive crossover does'nt provide enough attenuation the pairing will sound bright.

With passive crossovers note the sensitivity rating for the midbass/midrange and you want to be within 3 to 6 dB of the tweeter and not more than the tweeter.

mixing is just fine if you know what you are doing.^
most quality 5" midrange speakers will reach to your tweeter, but the drawback is a weaker bass performance compared to a 6 1/2".
make sure the impedence of the new mid is the same as the old otherwise it may not work well off the old X-over.

shoot me a PM and i may be able to help you...

Marco