Speakers with Ribbon Tweeters

hochpt21
hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
After hearing the GoldenEar Triton 2's a couple of times and really enjoying them, I have become very interested in possibly finding a pair of similar speakers for my main listening area. Open, airy, detail...that's what I'm looking for.

I know there are different iterations of ribbon tweeters, and I wonder if any of you guys have some advice/opinions on the matter.

I would be looking somewhat at the lower end in the $1,500 used range.

I have a feeling that Maggies would really give me the sound I'm looking for, but they will not work in my space.

Here are a few that I have researched online so far. The GoldenEar's are the only ones I have actually heard...

GoldenEar Triton 2
Philharmonic Slims Tower
Martin Logan Motion 40

Thanks for the thoughts everyone.

Paul
2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
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Comments

  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    edited June 2017
    I can't help at all :blush: but -- FWIW -- I generally like the sound of ribbon and planar tweeters The difference between the two is not quite semantic; there's typically a significant affordability gap between run-of-the mill planar drivers and "true" ribbons! ;)

    http://www.magnepan.com/magneplanar_technology

    (again) FWIW, I am actually confused by Magnepan's site as to whether some or all of their modern loudspeakers use "true" ribbons for tweeter panels? Y'all probably know better than I. Historically, the Magneplanars used what the current website refers to as "quasi-ribbons"... but I am way more familiar with the Magnepan panels of 20 to 40 :p years ago than with their current offerings!

    In the interest of disclosure: there are some who opine that the beguiling "there-ness" of ribbons and planar tweeters is due to very high levels of certain flavors of distortion. I am not endorsing this opinion :) but I do feel duty bound to report it :blush:

    http://www.zaphaudio.com/nondomes/

    PS -- no interest in electrostatics? ;)
  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    mhardy6647 wrote: »

    PS -- no interest in electrostatics? ;)


    I wouldn't be opposed to them at some point, but with my current setup, I'm looking for more of a moderate sized slim-"ish" tower.
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,517
    Didn't @marvda1 or one of you TX boys have a set of those and post a review somewhere here about them?
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,517
    Yeah I saw a post from @marvda1 with a link to a stereomojo review and then @erniejade bought a set, but not sure if he did a review.... and since his room is like a audio version of a horror movie they didnt work well IIRC....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,862
    mmmicrotwo's were $40k
    http://www.stereomojo.com/Evolution Acoustics MMMiniTwo Speaker Review/EvolutionAcousticsMMMiniTwoSpeakerReview.htm

    i know where you can get a new pair of mmmicroOne for $2800 pr
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Puritan PSM156
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,862
    i love dome tweeters and find that the only way i like ribbon or planar tweeters is if they are used as super tweeters in conjunction with dome tweeters.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Puritan PSM156
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    Anthony Gallo's tweeters mop the floor with Martin Logan folded motions. Cl2 is my favorite bookie of all time for the money, even if they cost 2 g I would love em.
  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,288
    LOL yep either they didn't match my room well or mine could have possibly had something wrong with them. In my room the lsi9 sounded much better HOWEVER, I really think something was wrong with them. The seller did tell me he didn't think they had enough dynamics to them but, that 1000000)% contradicts what others have said about them so this leads me to believe, mine had issues to begin with.

    Agree on a horror movie especially with the amount of stuff I have move through this room in the past couple of years. The Kef LS50 Wireless have overcome this but, it could be due to the DSP just working well to compensate the horror room.
    Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 300, Audioquest Thunderbird Zero Speaker Cable, Tyler Highland H2, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    Personal preferences.....I like ribbons too, more so than domes. Like domes though, integration is key also with ribbons, they can sound just as fatiguing as some domes do when not done right.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

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    lsi 9's
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    tonyb wrote: »
    Personal preferences.....I like ribbons too, more so than domes. Like domes though, integration is key also with ribbons, they can sound just as fatiguing as some domes do when not done right.

    Exactly Tony, with the gallows I find you get the dispersion pattern of a dome with the transparency of a ribbon.
  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    edited June 2017
    I'll be using the Dared pre and Krell power. I'd like a full-ish range of sound without using a sub which I know is tough on my budget.
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    edited June 2017
    ... and then again, some of us are -- just -- horn-y.

  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,862
    it's not that i think ribbons sound harsh, they just don't sound natural to me.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Puritan PSM156
  • pkquat
    pkquat Posts: 742
    I will toss out Newform Research to add to the mix. Some may pop up in your price range. I am a fan of the R8XX series because with the 8" Woofer there is decent bass. The series that used the 7" scan peak drivers are also decent, although have heard you want to find the ones that used two if you want them to have some bass. The later series used 6.5" woofers and are bass shy. They are said to have a better blend with the speed of the ribbons. The 15" ribbon is ok for bookshelf speakers once you have the height set. 30" ribbons are preferred, especially if you like to listen while sitting and standing.. The 45" ones supposedly give the best coverage in any position, but a few people have mentioned refection issues with them.

    I have the R830's and think they do fantastic.
  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,471
    Ascend Acoustics. Sierra-2 if you want a bookie or the Tower with RAAL option for a floor stander. Though the tower is over your price new & probably used as well, if you can find them used. The tower with RAAL was supposed to be my next pair of speakers before I picked up the LSiM during a F&F sale. They might still be my next speakers...
  • sgmsmg
    sgmsmg Posts: 542
    marvda1 wrote: »
    i know where you can get a new pair of mmmicroOne for $2800 pr

    Are the ones you speak of the ones for sale in the Portland, Oregon area? I have seen them for sale here for a while. Thought about giving them a try but didn't really think I would appreciate them. I don't really have the critical ear most people her seem to have.
    2 Channel
    Pre:Bryston BP173
    Amp:Bryston 14B3
    Speakers: Golden Ear Triton Reference
    Source: Oppo UDP-205, Bryston BDA-3, Bryston BDP-3, Bryston BCD-3, Apple TV, Amazon Fire
    Cables: Wireworld Gold Eclipse 7 Speaker, Wireworld Gold Eclipse 7 XLR, AQ Diamond USB/HDMI
    Power: PS Audio P10 Regenerator, AC12, AC10 and AC5 Cables
    Display: Sony XBR65Z9F

    Home Theater
    Pre: Anthem AVM90/JBL SDP-55
    Amps: Parasound A31, A51x2
    Speakers: Polk LSiM 707 (FL/FR), Polk LSiM706 (Center), LSiM 703 (SL/SR/SBL/SBR), Polk 900-LS (Atmos)
    Subwoofers: SVS SB16 x 4
    Source: Oppo UDP-205, Apple TV, Amazon Fire
    Cables: AQ Meteor/Rocket 88, AQ Niagara/Sky
    Power: Torus AVR20, Shunyata Denali, Shunyata Delta, Cullen, PangeaAC9SE Cables
    Display: Sony XBR85Z9G
  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    Thanks for all the good info so far. I'm going to look into all options.
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,521
    The MartinLogan Motion 60XT's are still on my "potential" buy list.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • jdjohn
    jdjohn Posts: 2,987
    Some older Infinity's have ribbon tweeters...and magneplanar tweeters. I love the Emit tweeters in my RSIIIa's.
    "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
    Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,350
    edited June 2017
    Ribbons! Paul, go see Aaron (ALL212) in Rockford. He has some ribbon speakers for sale. ;)
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,124
    Hehehe, yes sir
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
  • K_M
    K_M Posts: 1,627
    This will shed some light on certain aspects.

    http://zaphaudio.com/nondomes/
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    Funnily enough - the Zapf Audio link was provided on the first reply to the original post in this thread.
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited June 2017
    The hard part is really listening to everything out there. There might be some domes that you like better than some ribbons in some iterations. Still, the Philharmonic Slims, the Sierra Tower and Sierra 2 should be listened to even if it costs a little. If you have some bucks on your charge they both have an at home trial period.

    Here is some used stuff not too far from Wisconsin.
    Anthony Gallo Classico 4: https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/ele/6160519125.html
    Carver Amazing AL-III: https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/ele/6132225924.html
    Coincident Victory - http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649298335-coincident-victory/

    Here are some non-ribbon units in the area that might be worth a listen;
    (I WOULD LOVE TO LISTEN TO THESE!)
    Coincident Technology Super Eclipse - https://madison.craigslist.org/ele/6129306707.html

    Soundfield Audio Monitor 1 (SAM1) -
    (INTERESTING MONITOR WITH THE KEF DRIVER AND ACTIVE LOW END)https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ele/6164646071.html

    Some used stuff NOT in the area:
    Aurum Cantus M-103SE - http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649282965-melody-m103se/
    Salk Archos - http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649352237-salk-archos-open-baffle-speakers/
    DALI Mentor 6 - http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649350015-dali-mentor-6-floor-standing-speakers-in-black-ash/


    If you have any DIY skills and desires there are several ribbon kits around. Myself, it looks as if my 2 ch room is not going to happen. So, I'm morphing my system into a dual HT/Music system. Looking at preamps and DAC/streamers now and plan to make some large 3-way WMTMW towers and center later on. The smaller version of them, The Speaker Design Works Jim Holts MiniStatement project might be cool for you?
    http://speakerdesignworks.com/
    https://meniscusaudio.com/product/mini-statements-pair/

    Here are some cool finished projects by some with skills:

    http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac158/KnightsOfNi/Speaker Build/IMG_0895.jpg
    http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/attachments/pict0516-jpg.12522/
    http://techtalk.parts-express.com/filedata/fetch?id=1175742
    http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=19702&stc=1
    http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa220/tasknight/Speaker and sub/DSC05156.jpg
    http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=13338&stc=1&d=1218817137

    Also, there are several cool design from designer Paul Kittinger has worked with Philharmonic Audio and Salk Sound!
    http://www.quarter-wave.com/index.html
    Cavatina ML TL Uaing a Fountek NeoCD1.0 Ribbon Tweeter, ScanSpeak 10F Midrange, and Usher 8945A Woofer - http://www.quarter-wave.com/Gallery/Cavatina.jpg

    The Marcato Speaker
    A Pair of Usher 8945Ps in a 2-way MTM ML TL with a BG Neo3PDR Planar Tweeter
    http://www.quarter-wave.com/Gallery/Marcato.jpg
    Crossover built into the base
    http://www.quarter-wave.com/Gallery/Installedxover.jpg

    The TuLines Speaker
    A Pair of Dayton Loudspeaker RS180 Woofers, in separate ML TL's, with a Dayton RS52 midrange and a Fountek NeoCD3.0 Ribbon Tweeter
    http://www.quarter-wave.com/Gallery/TuLinesFront2.jpg
    Crossover built into the base
    http://www.quarter-wave.com/Gallery/TuLinesXover.jpg

    Cantilena
    https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53beb4d5e4b0a307ea878304/53c1f68de4b0d5e06ac3cbc7/53cadc99e4b01d0b9ff000c8/1406776426182/Carnelian.JPG?format=750w

    .....and of course last but not least Rick Craig of Selah Audio (Just met him this year at AXPONA) has several ribbon designs for DIY or made to order: http://www.selahaudio.com/

    Walt
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    Wow, Walt @WLDock Thank you for the encompassing reply!

    I have seen a few of those listings, but sure will dig through the info you have provided.

    Thanks again.
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 9,969
    WLDock, that is one cool reply!
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    Yeah, I'm in the same boat as Paul... wanting some speakers with ribbons. So, I've been looking and listening to what I can.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    PS -- no interest in electrostatics? ;)

    Actually, something like the Martin Logan ESL's might work in my space.

    Having never owned electrostats. Is there anything a buyer would need to be concerned about?

    Do those panels go bad? Are they finicky? Pets/kids and issue?
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    Panels are great , crappy gear is what puts people off them. Your good in that department so just be sure to slide them out from the wall and best to have 4 walls to get the best out of them but they sound awesome regardless.

    I have a pair of Theo's I am selling I purchased from a martin Logan forum member that I would let go for $2300. I would advise you to spend another 4 to 5 grand on top of that if you want larger panels if you have a really big listening room.

    You cannot smoke around the panels and you need to get out the vac and suck em off every two weeks. You can't have a 20000 gallon fish tank evaporating water next to them. From flipping I have had some speakers come in that look great but the panels had lost a lot of detail and that's just from neglect and low maintenance. If you dont know you would not notice but I can tell right away as the volume has this slightly muted characteristic.

    If you have tube equipment then its audio crack for the ears as the combination from tubes and panels sounds better than anything I hàve ever heard.

  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    If you have tube equipment then its audio crack for the ears as the combination from tubes and panels sounds better than anything I hàve ever heard.
    We never forget the first time....
    I will never forget in my 20's the first time I listened to top ML's powered by tube monoblocks playing vinyl! It was like the musicians were in the room when I closed my eyes.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2