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In the Forum: Horn-Loaded Speakers
In the Thread: Tweeter for Vitavox S2. High-sensitively ribbons?
Post Subject: Re: ribbons - we will see...Posted by Romy the Cat on: 11/7/2006

 Paul S wrote:
Likely, the wider ribbons are less good for HF-only than a long, narrow ribbon, like the G3 and G3Si use.  Across the board, the larger the ribbon gets (and the lower the ribbon is made to go), the worse the dynamics at a higher frequency.  This gets confusing when the bigger ribbons are more efficient, but I think it is true at given SPL at HF.  Although I have never heard a ribbon that did not lack the last word in dynamics, the smallest and lightest I have tried, up high, have better dynamic sound than the larger "damped" ribbons, etc.  There is no doubt that the damped (coated and/or backed/and/or faced) "ribbons" are the worst of the ribbons in terms of the dynamic softness you note (at least, as I understand it).  They seem to excell at making nasty highs more tolerable.

You mention trying a 3rd order x-over, and my first thought of why you might do this would be to keep the ribbon from messing up what the S2 does better.  Still, I will be surprised if the "best" ribbon you find doesn't work best with a more gradual x-over. 

If you haven't done it yet, try moving your head around through the output axes of your S2 and the ribbon-du-jour.  *Perhaps* phasing is less important if you always listen off-axis, but it is educational, none-the-less, to hear the abrupt transitions in output and response, in some cases like a "Venitian blinds" effect.  It seems odd to me that phasing/tuning for HF can be similar to finding the right spot for bass, where it just suddenly appears out of nowhere when you finally position the speakers (or yourself) correctly, except with HF, of course, we're talking very small movements making big changes.
Paul, I know nothing about ribbons drivers and what makes them to sound in one or other ways.  I comment usually only on the subjects that I had personal exposure; I never made any ribbons or even took apart any existing. I am not wiling to repeat what others say about ribbons because… I do not believe to anybody but only to myself. So, since I did not deal with ribbons personally I have no opinion about what makes them good.

Some people who visit my site, looking at my Melquiades and Macondo sagas might feel that I am some kind of DIY enthusiast but in realty I hate DIY and I have writhen a lot about my view on the stupid DIY subject. I humiliate myself to the level when I begin to learn a narrow field and do something myself only when I exhausted the opportunity to find somebody who would be capable to do what is necessary at the demanded level. I would always prefer to pay for the labor of professionals that know what they do instead of disgracing myself and filling the “gap of available”. Audio is really more interesting then juts DIYing…

So, far I’m optimistic about the ribbons. The SA8535 does fine and in few days I will try it with it’s wave-guide. The Arum Cantus G1 should be an interesting to try as well. In addition to everything I am exercising with ribbons something that I called  “None-Inverted High End”:

http://www.goodsoundclub.com/TreeItem.aspx?PostID=2920

The point is that I have very specific, narrow requirement, and I was lucky end to find a guy who feel that he will be up to the task to address those requirement. He is THE ribbon persons and will be building the necessary tweeter. THAT IS EXACTLY how the REAL high-end should operate.  I do not know result we will end up (it still might sound like crap in the end) but so far I’m very comfortable and pleased with his progress. Also, I am quite comfortable with the progress I’m getting from looking into high sensitivity ribbons… If I will be able to get more dynamic and more “contrast” from them (in the limited range of 12K and up)  then it will be it.

Rgs,
Romy the caT

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