SuperTrax

Although human hearing is generally limited to frequencies up to 20 kHz, many musical instruments, especially percussion instruments such as cymbals and triangles, but also overtones of string instruments, contain significant amounts of energy well beyond this range (sometimes up to 100 kHz). These ultrasonic frequencies contribute significantly to the character, timbre and harmonic richness of music. Studies have shown that our brain also reacts to these inaudible frequencies and that they influence our perception. So it is not so much the direct hearing but rather the "feeling" of these frequencies that can improve the playback quality.

A super tweeter like the FYNE SuperTrax not only improves the reproduction of the highest frequencies. By reducing phase errors and improving transient response across the entire frequency range, it contributes to increased tonal accuracy and a better balance of fundamental frequencies and overtones. In a similar way to how a subwoofer reduces phase errors in the low-frequency range, a super tweeter shifts the low-pass cutoff frequency point upwards, thereby reducing phase errors in the higher frequencies. This results in a more authentic sound image that also benefits lower frequencies.

The FYNE SuperTrax is characterized by its omnidirectional design. Unlike conventional super tweeters, which emit sound like a beam of light directly to the listener, the SuperTrax emits sound evenly in all directions. This ensures that the sound waves reflected from the room walls also have the same harmonic structure as the direct sound. This leads to improved spatial imaging and a more natural, comprehensive sound experience. Most other super tweeters produce a "bundled" sound rather than filling the entire room with the corresponding signal.

Time alignment refers to ensuring that the sound waves from the super tweeter arrive at the listener's ear at the same time as the sound waves from the main driver. This is crucial to minimise phase errors and reproduce the harmonic relationship of the music as accurately as possible. In FYNE Audio speakers with IsoFlare technology, time alignment is achieved by positioning the SuperTrax back on the cabinet to align the acoustic centre of the super tweeter with that of the main driver.

Yes, absolutely. Although high-resolution audio, such as high-res files, vinyl and tapes, particularly benefit from the SuperTrax's extended bandwidth, there are also clear benefits for lower bandwidth audio such as CDs (Red Book standard). Even when the source does not contain ultrasonic frequencies, the super tweeter helps reduce phase errors and improve transient response, improving tonal accuracy at all frequencies. The SuperTrax helps preserve the harmonics of the music, regardless of the source.

The TPCD membrane (Thin Ply Carbon Diaphragm) consists of ultra-thin carbon strips and not of thick, round yarns like conventional membranes. This material is stiffer, lighter and more adaptable to the requirements of a tweeter. It enables a controlled "break-up" behavior (decay of the membrane movement) with low distortion, a more linear frequency response and a higher resonance frequency. In contrast to metal membranes, which tend to produce high, audible distortion, TPCD can achieve a defined break-up of the membrane and thus reproduce frequencies up to 60kHz.

The FYNE SuperTrax is very easy to install. It is connected to the amplifier like a loudspeaker in its own tweeter connections. It has an integrated crossover that processes the signal from 16 kHz and limits it to frequencies up to 60 kHz. The SuperTrax is connected to the high frequency connections of the main speakers and can therefore be used with almost all speakers without any problems. There is also a ground connection for ground return, which audibly improves the sound quality and clarity of the music playback.

The IsoFlare driver from FYNE Audio is a point source system in which the woofer/midrange driver and the tweeter have a common time-aligned center. This ensures excellent stereo imaging, even outside the optimal listening position. The IsoFlare driver preserves the harmonic content of instruments much better than conventional speaker systems. In combination with the time-aligned and omnidirectional SuperTrax, the performance of the IsoFlare driver is further optimized. The combination reduces phase errors across the entire frequency range and ensures an even more precise sound image.