Xcelsus XPLT28W – PRIMUM SERIES SQL WAVEGUIDE TWEETER

Xcelsus Audio designed the XPLT28W with one mission: deliver audiophile-grade clarity at ear-bleeding volume levels. The horn-loaded waveguide architecture provides controlled directivity and exceptional efficiency, ensuring every high-frequency detail cuts through even the most demanding bass-heavy tracks. Whether competing in SPL events or enjoying daily commutes at maximum volume, the XPLT28W maintains composure where conventional tweeters distort and fail.

The XPLT28W's horn-loaded waveguide is the secret to its exceptional efficiency and controlled directivity. Unlike conventional dome tweeters that radiate sound in all directions (wasting energy on reflections), the waveguide horn focuses acoustic energy directly toward listeners. This design delivers three critical benefits: (1) 98 dB sensitivity requires 75% less amplifier power than typical 92 dB tweeters, (2) Extended throw distance ensures rear passengers hear the same clarity as front occupants, and (3) Reduced room interactions minimize comb filtering from dashboard reflections.

At 100W RMS continuous power handling, the XPLT28W outperforms typical 50-75W tweeters by significant margins. This high power rating enables aggressive amplification for SPL competition burps and sustained high-volume listening without thermal compression (the phenomenon where voice coils heat up and lose efficiency). The oversized 28mm voice coil dissipates heat more effectively than smaller 25mm designs, maintaining linear output even during extended full-tilt operation.

SQL (Sound Quality Loud) represents the perfect balance between SPL competition dynamics and audiophile tonal accuracy. The XPLT28W achieves this balance through its soft dome composition (smooth, fatigue-free treble) combined with horn-loaded efficiency (concert-level output). This dual-nature design allows the tweeter to excel in daily listening scenarios (reproducing delicate cymbal shimmer and vocal air) while maintaining composure during SPL bursts that would destroy conventional silk domes.

For plug-and-play installation, Xcelsus recommends pairing the XPLT28W with their XUSTX6/8 passive crossover and either XPLM6 (6.5") or XPLM8 (8") midbass drivers. This complete system delivers optimized frequency division, phase alignment, and impedance matching without requiring external DSP processing. The passive crossover solution is ideal for enthusiasts seeking maximum output with minimal installation complexity.

For advanced users running DSP amplifiers, Xcelsus recommends a starting crossover point of 2.5-3 kHz high-pass with 6 or 12 dB/octave slope. The lower 2.5 kHz crossover point allows the 28mm dome to reproduce lower midrange frequencies (extending vocal presence and guitar body), while the 3 kHz option provides safer thermal margins during extreme SPL bursts. Active tuning enables precise time alignment to compensate for off-axis tweeter mounting locations.

The XPLT28W's waveguide horn requires careful aim toward listening positions for optimal performance. Dashboard A-pillar mounting (angled toward center seating) delivers superior imaging compared to sail panel installations. The horn's controlled directivity means off-axis response drops significantly — direct your tweeters toward ear level for maximum clarity. For active systems, time alignment compensation is critical to sync tweeter output with door-mounted midbass drivers.

The Xcelsus XPLT28W is engineered for SPL competitors and "like it loud" enthusiasts who refuse to sacrifice sound quality for raw volume. This tweeter excels in SQL applications where audiophile-grade tonal accuracy must coexist with ear-bleeding output levels. Ideal buyers are experienced installers comfortable with active crossover tuning or passive component system integration, seeking high-efficiency tweeters that maintain composure during aggressive amplification. The closeout pricing makes this a compelling option for budget-conscious builders demanding premium SQL performance.