Description
- Extended Frequency Response: Reaches up to 90kHz to unlock the “hypersonic effect,” making even CD and MP3 playback sound more analog-like and spacious.
- Improved Transient Speed: The ribbon’s rapid response captures the attack of cymbals, strings, and percussion, enhancing realism across all instruments—even double bass gains unexpected clarity.
- Full-Spectrum Enhancement: While focused on highs, it refines bass definition and midrange texture through better harmonic structure, creating a “miraculous” sense of ease and openness.
- Versatile Compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with any high-quality speakers, from electrostatic panels like Quad ESLs to dynamic designs like PMC or Harbeth.
Audiophiles rave about the results: “The addition creates a more authentic ‘live’ experience, expanding the vertical soundstage like electrostatics”. In reviews, it’s praised for elevating systems without overpowering them, turning a solid hi-fi setup into a reference-level performer.Key Features of the Maximum SupertweeterCrafted in the UK by audio pioneer Max Townshend, this supertweeter embodies precision engineering in a sleek, miniature polished stainless steel (or satin black/matt silver) enclosure—just 3x5x10cm for discreet placement.
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Feature
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Details
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Frequency Range
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6kHz–90kHz (attenuated overlap for smooth integration)
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Driver Technology
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8-micron pure aluminum ribbon with neodymium magnets
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Sensitivity Control
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6-position switch (74–89 dB) for perfect matching to your speakers’ efficiency
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Power Handling
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Up to 350W; auto-resetting fuse protects against overloads
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Cables
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1.5m Deep Cryogenically Treated (DCT) Isolda Litz cables with banana plugs (spades optional)
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Connection
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Parallel to main speakers via piggyback bananas—simple, no amp needed
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Placement
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Centrally on top of speakers for optimal dispersion
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Priced at around £1,495/$1,500 per pair, the Maximum Supertweeter includes a 30-day risk-free trial, so you can experience the upgrade in your own room.Setup and Integration Tips for Maximum PerformanceConnecting the Townshend Maximum Supertweeter is straightforward: Attach the provided cables across your amp’s speaker outputs or in-line with your tweeters. Start with the lowest sensitivity setting and adjust by ear while playing familiar tracks—aim for a balanced blend where highs feel extended yet natural. For best results:
- Position on the inner top edge of your speakers, angled slightly downward.
- Pair with Townshend’s Seismic Isolation Podiums to decouple vibrations and amplify clarity.
- Test with high-res sources like vinyl or DSD files to hear the full harmonic richness.
Whether you’re reviving vintage electrostatics or fine-tuning modern actives, this supertweeter delivers the “sense of naturalness” that eludes conventional systems. Ready to hear music as it was meant to be? Elevate your hi-fi today with the Townshend Maximum Supertweeter—the pinnacle of ultrasonic audio innovation.
tony –
My experience with Townshend Supertweeters
For me, the best placement was dead centre top, in line with my tweeters, and at a level depth, flush with the front baffle of the main speakers. With cables, connections and positioning all satisfied I spun my first critical tune and sat down for a listen.. ..Wow.. The sound had changed, and not a tiny change either; it was quite a discernible change.
The sound stage has grown, and the overall sound has matured, not just in the high frequency range but across the entire range! Vocals sound fuller and more correct, breaths on wind instruments were real, violin and strings in general sound as real as I’ve heard on my system to date, and the atmosphere on live recordings was more perceptible. Without exception, one of the best purchases I have made within Hi-Fi.
If I could compare Hi-Fi to food, it would be like adding a little bit of salt to the food; the flavour was always there, but the salt makes the flavours stand out more and adds a further dimension to the complete flavour. That’s what the Maximum Supertweeters have done for my set-up. Just as a well-set-up subwoofer adds to the fullness and roundness of the sound, the Supertweeter does the same, also tailors the level to your preference and system matching, and away you go.
Removing them after a few days has made the sound dull, flat and even two-dimensional. Was that really what I was calling decent quality Hi-Fi a couple of weeks ago?! What I had thought was a pretty good sound was now, without the Supertweeters, only mediocre in terms of sound quality. The difference was night and day. So obviously they were welcomed with open arms and reinstated into the system once I had established there was a “gap” without them.
On first play the smile returned to my face and I earnestly started to rummage through my music collection to get another playlist together. At which point I should also tell you that I found the effect was still there even at night time listening levels, but it does need a few decibels to be “magical”.
My 15W per channel Leak valve amps had no problems with the load on top of my speakers and when using full range “horn” speakers, these Supertweeters are simply a must have item and being quite minimal in operation they don’t seem to destroy the single driver sound of a good Lowther or Fostex, rather adding to it to give a fuller sound so long as you are careful with the volume level.
Discretion is the key, and blending without over exuberance or understatement is a must and worth taking the time to tune in and get right because when you do, the sound is simply stunning… …In conclusion, my humble opinion can only be used as a guide because we all hear differently and we all like a different sound.
The Townsend Maximum Supertweeters are well executed, well made, capable, very discrete super tweeters.
In my opinion in terms of user friendliness and sound they are the best passive super tweeters I have heard on the market today and the fact I have purchased a pair with my own hard earned money is testament to how good they are and the impact they have had on the sound of my system.
townshend-maximum-supertweeter-pair
I am not going to get into the “snake oil” debate because they work within my hearing range and with all of the formats I use. Lossless on the MacBook, DAB, CD and analogue, vinyl and tape cassette all benefit from a fuller, more emotional sound.
Science is excellent, and will one day crack cancer and HIV, but it struggles to quantify certain things in life, and one of those things is emotion. I’m sure my hearing doesn’t extend much above 16kHz or so, and yet the super tweeters work and work well for me.
Transients, atmosphere, detail, attack, and sustain all benefit, as does timbre between instruments, sounds and especially vocals within the hearing range due to less distortion, less smearing and better definition at frequency extremes. Definitely not snake oil in my opinion..A worthwhile investment, and I will not be returning them or selling them on. Many Thanks, and keep the music musical..
Patrick Thomas.