AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => VMPS Speakers => Topic started by: Fmaxwell on 31 Jan 2013, 07:34 am

Title: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: Fmaxwell on 31 Jan 2013, 07:34 am
Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers

This is a repository of information about the the drivers used in VMPS, both as original parts and as replacements.  This is vital information for those who wish to repair and refurbish their VMPS speakers, so I ask that anyone with information to please post it here. 

I am seeding it with some information.  If you have information, please share it and use the format shown in the example below:

Driver: Morel CAT 308 1-1/8" Soft Dome Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Parts Express / 277-082
Used in VMPS Models: Super Tower/R
Replacement or Original Driver: Replacement
Certainty: 95%
Notes:  This is is the model that Morel identifies as a replacement for the MDT-30.

Replace the items shown in maroon with the information for the driver you are identifying.

Please note that this thread is not a place to ask questions or post items for sale. 

Notes: 

Woofers and Subwoofers:

Driver: Dayton Audio DCS305-4 12" Classic Subwoofer 4 Ohm
Source/Part Number: Parts Express / 295-204
Used in VMPS Models:
Replacement or Original Driver:
Certainty:
Notes: 

Driver: Dayton Audio DCS385-4 15" Classic Subwoofer 4 Ohm
Source/Part Number: Parts Express / 295-206
Used in VMPS Models:
Replacement or Original Driver:
Certainty:
Notes: 

Driver: Dayton Audio RSS390HF-4 15" Reference HF Subwoofer 4 Ohm
Source/Part Number: Parts Express / 295-468
Used in VMPS Models:
Replacement or Original Driver:
Certainty:
Notes: 

Driver: Eminence LAB 15 15" Pro Subwoofer
Source/Part Number: Parts Express / 290-575
Used in VMPS Models: Very Solid Sub VSS
Replacement or Original Driver: Original
Certainty: 60%
Notes: 

Driver: Goldwood GW-15PC-8 15" Heavy Duty Woofer 8 Ohm
Source/Part Number: Parts Express / 290-338
Used in VMPS Models: Super Tower/R
Replacement or Original Driver: Replacement
Certainty: 99%
Notes:  Although specified and supplied by Brian Cheney, with passive radiators tuned by Brian for these woofers, I find that the extreme low bass is overpowering.  The original drivers performed much better.
            Further tuning of the passive subwoofer might be able to tame these drivers.

Midranges

Awaiting information

Tweeters and Supertweeters

Driver: Aurum Cantus G2Si Ribbon Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Parts Express / 276-400
Used in VMPS Models:
Replacement or Original Driver:
Certainty:
Notes: 

Driver: Beston RT002A Ribbon Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Parts Express / 277-112
Used in VMPS Models:
Replacement or Original Driver:
Certainty:
Notes: 

Driver: Morel MDT-30 1-1/8" Dome Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Discontinued
Used in VMPS Models: Super Tower/R
Replacement or Original Driver:
Certainty: 100%
Notes: 

Driver: Morel CAT 308 1-1/8" Soft Dome Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Parts Express / 277-082
Used in VMPS Models: Super Tower/R
Replacement or Original Driver: Replacement
Certainty: 95%
Notes:  This is is the model that Morel identifies as a replacement for the MDT-30.

Driver: JVC HSW1101-01A Ribbon Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Discontinued
Used in VMPS Models: Super Tower/R
Replacement or Original Driver: Original
Certainty: 75%
Notes:  Identified by detailed photo.  Have not verified model number.  No JVC ribbons still in production and no replacement ribbons identified.

Driver: Morel MDT-101 Dome Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Discontinued
Used in VMPS Models: Super Tower II
Replacement or Original Driver: Original
Certainty: 80%
Notes:

Driver: Focal T90K Dome Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Discontinued
Used in VMPS Models: 626SE
Replacement or Original Driver: Original
Certainty: 100%
Notes:

Driver: Morel MDT-29 1-1/8" Dome Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Parts Express MDT-29 / Madisound MDT-29
Used in VMPS Models: Super Tower/R and Tower ii
Replacement or Original Driver: Original in owner's circa 1986 Supertower/R and Tower ii
Certainty: 100%
Notes: 8 ohm driver.

Driver: Focal T120 Fiberglass inverted dome
Source/Part Number: Discontinued
Used in VMPS Models: Separate upgrade for: Mini Tower IIa, Tower II, Supertower/R, Supertower IIa/R...standard on some SE versions
Replacement or Original Driver: Original
Certainty: 100%
Notes: Not to be confused with yellow Focal inverted domes employed later including T120K (Kevlar) and T90 models (smaller magnets).

Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: ST86 on 7 Feb 2013, 05:14 pm
TWEETERS

Driver: Morel MDT-29 1-1/8" Dome Tweeter
Source/Part Number: Parts Express MDT-29 / Madisound MDT-29
Used in VMPS Models: Super Tower/R and Tower ii
Replacement or Original Driver: Original in my circa 1986 Supertower/R and Tower ii
Certainty: 100%
Notes: 8 ohm driver.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: John Casler on 14 Feb 2013, 08:09 pm
You can list the Aurum Cantus G2si as a replacement for the FST - 100%

You can list the Beston  RT002A as the tweeters used in the RM-50 tweeter array "only" - 95%
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: ST86 on 20 Mar 2013, 11:55 pm
WOOFER

Driver: Misco Speaker Company LC12W-8A 12" woofer 8 ohm
Source/Part Number: Misco Speaker Company/LC12W-8A
Used in VMPS Models: Supertower/R
Replacement or Original Driver: Replacement
Certainty: 100%
Notes:  "MISCO LC12W-8A" on sticker on back of magnet.
Purchased early 2012 as replacement/upgrade for Supertower 12" midbass driver.
Company webpage for this driver: http://www.miscospeakers.com/speakers/LC12W-8A



Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: hifi111 on 10 Apr 2013, 07:01 am
Are the 10" mega woofers available for the RM 40's in case they are needed years from now?

Thanks
Thomas
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: mgg on 24 Jun 2013, 02:19 pm
The 6.5 inch Mega Woofers used in the RM30 Series II are:

Driver: Misco Speaker Company LLC62W-8A 6.5 inch woofer, ferrite magnet, 45 Watts, Gray carbon cone with natural rubber surround.
Source: Misco Speaker Company LLC62W-8A
Used in VMPS Model: RM30 Series II and others.
Certainty: 100%
Notes: LLC62W-8A on sticker on back of magnet.
Speakers Purchased Used: June 5, 2013. I am the third owner and am told they are 6 years old. Originally purchased as the C series and updated to the Series II.
Company Webpage for this driver: http://www.miscospeakers.com/speakers/LLC62W-8A
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: John Casler on 24 Jun 2013, 11:01 pm
Chances are you will not be able to purchase small quantities of drivers from Misco.  I have spoken with them and usually it is a quantity production run limit. :?
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: Distorted on 1 Jul 2013, 08:13 pm
I traded emails with Misco re a replacement or repair for a OC 10W-A mid for a circa 2003 RM40, and was told that was a special order item, and like John, was informed that only commercial sized orders would be considered.

Mine has a buzz. Are there any informed opinions if a local (San Antonio) speaker repair company would be up to the job of repair?

Joe Guyton
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: 7x57 on 18 Feb 2014, 12:44 am
Bohlender-Graebener midrange panels might not be the same as VMPS Neopanels, but they are probably about the best you can do if you can't locate any Neopanels.

I saw in Parts Express that Visaton of Germany makes a 8" woofer that seems to have specifications that would allow it to work in the RM-1 as a replacement for the standard woofers. The cost is reasonable. Dayton Audio makes an 8" model that should be a decent replacement for the RM-1 Megabass woofer for around $60.

A used pair of working speakers go for a lot more money than a used pair of broken speakers. There are some good drivers out there besides the VMPS sourced units. The main reason for bad performance in other speakers I bought in the past were the incredibly cheap components. I had one offbrand speaker that developed a buzz in the midrange. When I opened it up to check, I found it was crossed over with a single series electrolytic capacitor and the speaker lead and capacitor lead were connected together with a staple driven into the particle board where the two leads met. Talk about cheap. But cheap is what you often find in even well know brands from the 70's, when I started in audio.

Somebody made all the drivers for VMPS. Just because VMPS went out of business does not mean VMPS suppliers went out of business. In a loudspeaker like Ohm, which makes the unique Walsh driver themselves, then if Ohm went out of business you would be out of luck as far as factory replacements.

Bohlender-Graebener will probably keep improving their ribbon panels, because it's a competitive marketplace, and if not, somebody else will step in. With VMPS gone, there is a void in affordable neopanel speakers that somebody else is bound to eventually fill. 
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: mjosef on 18 Feb 2014, 01:08 am
RM1 replacement 8" carbon fiber woofers are available from MCM.
(http://www.mcmelectronics.com/content/productimages/s5/55-1551.jpg)
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/MCM-AUDIO-SELECT-55-1551-/55-1551 (http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/MCM-AUDIO-SELECT-55-1551-/55-1551)
These are the ones Brian sent me a few years ago as replacement for two blown drivers. The stamped #s matched exactly on the old and new.

However I found the identical cone with a die cast aluminum frame of which I bought six pieces. I biamp, with a Crown XTi 1002 powering the bass drivers.
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/MCM-AUDIO-SELECT-55-3550-/55-3550 (http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/MCM-AUDIO-SELECT-55-3550-/55-3550)

Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: John Casler on 18 Feb 2014, 01:44 am
Quote from: Distorted on  1 Jul 2013, 08:13 pm
I traded emails with Misco re a replacement or repair for a OC 10W-A mid for a circa 2003 RM40, and was told that was a special order item, and like John, was informed that only commercial sized orders would be considered.

Mine has a buzz. Are there any informed opinions if a local (San Antonio) speaker repair company would be up to the job of repair?

Joe Guyton

Just received 5 of the 10" woofers for the RM40, 3 low bass and 2 midbass, But. .one was damaged in shipping (low bass), I have one pair sold and the rest is available.  These were manufactured using the WCF cone stock Brian sent them before his passing.

No more will be made, as that cone stock is no longer available.

Looks like I will have one single LOW BASS and one single MID BASS left.

Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: John Casler on 18 Feb 2014, 01:50 am
Quote from: 7x57 on 18 Feb 2014, 12:44 am
Bohlender-Graebener midrange panels might not be the same as VMPS Neopanels, but they are probably about the best you can do if you can't locate any Neopanels.

The 8" BG panels will not work without totally reworking the XO and setting far different XO frequencies.

Quote


Somebody made all the drivers for VMPS. Just because VMPS went out of business does not mean VMPS suppliers went out of business. In a loudspeaker like Ohm, which makes the unique Walsh driver themselves, then if Ohm went out of business you would be out of luck as far as factory replacements.

Bohlender-Graebener will probably keep improving their ribbon panels, because it's a competitive marketplace, and if not, somebody else will step in. With VMPS gone, there is a void in affordable neopanel speakers that somebody else is bound to eventually fill.

The company that made the Neopanels went out of business long before VMPS did.  Brian purchased the last 5000 panels, and modded each one so the manufacturing defect was not a problem in most cases.

The BG10 has potential but is outrageously expensive, by comparison, and may not work as well, I don't know yet.

I might add, I still have a small supply of Neopanels I am selling for Brian's widow if VMPS'ers need them.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: 7x57 on 18 Feb 2014, 06:13 pm
mjosef, thanks for the heads up on the RM1 replacement woofers from MCM. However, it is 9.05" in diameter and will require the cutout to be enlarged. I'm a bit worried about the Xmax at only 1.5mm, but maybe that is the linear range and not the maximum allowed before damage occurs. The grille will only fit over an 8.75" diameter woofer without modification. There is also the problem of the two woofers hitting each other. The original woofer in my RM1 is a bit under 8.5" diameter. The slightly more expensive MCM woofer at $39.99 with woven graphite cone and cast frame is 8.75" diameter. The mounting hole would still need enlarging and might have to file the cast frame off a bit where the two woofers meet, or offset the mounting holes a bit when enlarged.

These are some of my picks from Parts Express for RM1 replacement woofers, the driver you will most likely need to replace due to rotted foam in originals. HiVi M8a and HiVi M8N as an upper and lower pair. They look similar and have a 33 Hz and 29 Hz resonance, so no need to due the putty thing to get some separation in resonance like the standard VMPS drivers. The gold aluminum/magnesium cones look good and they get great reviews at a terrific price point. $44.66 and $34.86 respectively and are 8-ohm, so I would have to do some crossover work as I have 4-ohm drivers wired in series. No big deal. Parts Express sells the exact same inductors as used in the RM1 woofer crossover. Total cost would be about $200 delivered for everything. Use the HiVi M8N in the lower position since it has the lower resonance, just as the standard VMPS woofers were positioned. The dimensions look good and probably will need no cutout enlargement like many other woofers will need. These woofers will look great with the grilles off if you prefer listening that way.

Yes, John, the BG panels will need MAJOR crossover work to get them to function properly in VMPS speakers, but the short ones for the RM1 are about what VMPS Neopanels go for, pricewise. Those who have several Neopanels in their VMPS speakers are looking at a HUGE replacement cost if they need to totally change over. I chose the RM1 speaker because I believe that simpler is better, and the lack of multiple midranges and tweeters made any future replacements less of a hassle.

Hopefully, the ruggedness of the Neopanel will prevent many owners from needing to replace them. If I owned the larger VMPS speakers with a row of several Neopanels making up the array, I would remove the defective panel and do the same in the other speaker, positioning the remaining panels for the least degradation of sound. I would then also have a spare panel for future need. A resistor in the place of the removed panel preserves the impedance match to the crossover network. I would do something like this before going to BG panels. An owner can also buy a pair of 626R speakers on the used market, have two spare Neopanels, and just do the BG panel mod to the 626R speakers and use them for less critical listening.

I don't know how many 626R speakers were sold, but it was probably a lot more than any of the most expensive ribbon speakers that VMPS made and a pair of used 626R speakers would set a person back far less than several BG panels. On the other hand, a 626R owner may find one of the expensive ribbon speakers with a blown panel or two, and get an upgrade speaker at a very low price from an owner that doesn't want repair hassles. I might consider that route if I am ever able to upgrade from my RM1 speakers. As it is, the RM1 speakers satisfy me now, and the gripey old woman that lives across the street feels the RM1 speakers are more than loud enough with more than adequate bass, as has been brought to my attention several times, even with the windows closed. My lone pair of Neopanels have survived so far.

Remember that Brian chose woven graphite and graphite filled polycone woofers for their stiffness and relative lightness compared to standard materials. The woofers however are not as "fast" as one would imagine due to the heavy putty placed on the voicecoil former end. This induces a mechanical rolloff of high frequencies at a lower frequency than would have occurred, while lowering the resonant frequency as well. It also allows a spreading of resonant frequency by putting different weights of putty on two otherwise identical woofers. Richard Vandersteen uses an electrical network connected to a single woofer to do the same thing. In Brian's design, you get double the cone surface area doing the same thing at about the same cost. The removal of the voicecoil cap and insertion of a phase plug also removes unwanted high frequencies transmitted through the voiecoil former even further. It you want to take it even further, then buy a microphone windsock made to fit a microphone about the same diameter as the phase plug. A fuzzy tennis ball can also work when you fit it over the end of the phase plug. The point I am getting at is that as far as woofers are concerned, you can easily buy and modify a number of commercial woofers from discounted sources for much less money than you get at a "dealer parts" price. When I replaced my foam surrounds with rubber surrounds on my strandard RM1 woofers, I slightly lowered the system resonance, slightly increased the HF rolloff, and extended useful bass to 25 Hz. No need for a subwoofer except for pipe organs, electronic synthesized music, and special sound effects, none of what I really care for.

Many years ago when I ordered exact replacements for Fisher midranges at $6 each, I discovered I could have bought almost exactly the same thing in a common Pioneer driver used across many brands for $2. That is the markup difference in price between "dealer parts" and warehouse supply sources. Don't let low prices of mass produced drivers fool you as some of them are very good. Brian knew how to get value priced woofers and mod them to where they performed like expensive custom designs from SEAS, Focal and the like. It seems he used rather expensive cone drivers in the early VMPS years then discovered that lower priced drivers such as the Neopanels could be modified and made to work for what he wanted. The Neopanels were too delicate for wide range auto applications, so he bought up remaining stock at what must have been firesale prices so he could afford to mod them while getting enough money through current sales to justify the large initial investment.

Conrad-Johnson used the same philosophy when starting out in tube preamps. They bought up huge stocks of computer tubes and other types not commonly used in audio gear but widely used in military gear. The Mullard M8080 is a MUCH better tube than the commercial RCA 6C4 tube as it was made especially for military field radios and has much less microphony, and it was the basis of the PV-14L and I dare you find anybody else who used that tube before in a preamp. Unknown to most people, Conrad and Johnson bought huge stocks of unwanted tubes at giveaway prices, that could be used for audio but were mainly unwanted as they did not have common applications in audio so the NOS supply had not been bought up. They picked the best and shoved the rest down the line. The 6DJ8 tube must be handpicked for audio, and about 75% will fail from the best production runs, but those that are left make great preamp linestage tubes. I bought eight Mullard M8080 tubes from an English tube Dealer, sent them to Andy Bowman of Vintage Tube Services for testing and pin descaling, and ALL of the tubes passed Andy's testing as they had very special military requirements when originally accepted into service, and STILL came out with spare tubes sets that were priced below the C-J dealer parts price for matched pairs. ALL the RCA 6C4 tubes I sent Andy failed testing due to microphonics. This is my experience with common NOS audio tubes bought on eBay, etc. Tubes sourced from Marshall, Fisher, McIntosh, etc. are often good as they were initially handpicked for audio, but the tubes TV repairmen stocked were the ones NOT accepted into audio service. This is where knowing how to buy good parts (as Brian surely learned over time) at cheap prices can give you an edge over your competitors or allow two audiophiles such as Conrad and Johnson to develop preamps from tubes that worked as well as any of the common preamp tubes that were hard and expensive to find in audio grade condition. Misco is not a "salon" brand that audiophiles look for in a cone speaker, so I suspect Brian got a much better price than if a woofer had been sourced from SEAS, Morel, Peerless, Focal, Dynaudio, etc. There is NOTHING about my standard RM1 woofers that screamed higher quality compared to other woofers except for the putty and phase plug and resonance spread between the upper and lower woofer. The phase plugs fell off because the double sided sticky tape finally let go, so I J-B welded them to the pole piece. Nothing "magical" about those rather cheap woofers at all, except for some minor design changes.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speaker Sub-bass Unit
Post by: HowieEng on 25 Feb 2014, 12:18 am
I need 2 passive sub-woofers for my Tower II special Edition.
Does anyone know what I can use???

I want too get them ready for resale.
Howard Bandell
HowieBandell@aol.com
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: murf123 on 7 May 2014, 11:19 pm
Needed are replacement 5" mids for Tower ii's. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.
Also need a 12" mid bass rebuild or replacement.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: Avoosl on 7 Mar 2015, 02:43 pm
CORRECTION:  The tweeter in the RM50 is the Beston RT001A, Parts-Express #277-110.  They're on
sale right now for only $27 apiece.  All you RM50 owners hiding in the woodwork, stock up on them
for the unknown future.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: monsterbill on 12 Aug 2015, 03:51 pm
Driver: Creative Sound Solutions 10" Adjustable Passive Radiator
Source/Part Number: CSS APR 10
Used in VMPS Models: RM30 Series II
Replacement or Original Driver: Replacement/Upgrade
Certainty: 99%
Notes:  This is the PR offered as the "ultra" PR for the RM30 Series II.  Mine came shipped from from CSS, and are labeled "APR 10" on the back of the PR. However, I understand that CSS (or their OEM) made some sort of "tweak" to make the fit in the RM30.  I'm not sure what the tweak is, but I suspect it has to do with the screwholes or mount (hence the 1% discount on my certainty).  Also, while the APR 12 used in other VMPS models is still up on CSS's website, the APR 10 is no longer listed as of this post.  I've seen the APR 10 offered by 3rd parties elsewhere.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: safesphere on 17 Jul 2016, 07:12 pm
Quote from: John Casler on 18 Feb 2014, 01:50 am
I still have a small supply of Neopanels I am selling for Brian's widow if VMPS'ers need them.

Hi John, do you still have Neopanels for sale? I need to fix my RM2 :) Thanks, Alex
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: jeff442 on 23 Jan 2017, 07:42 pm
I have noticed some buzzing in 1, possibly 2 of the drivers in my RM30M's.  When i removed the driver, I see that it is stamped with "MC62W-8A".  This should have been obvious as it does not have the "bullet style" dust cap that I see on my 626R megawoofers.  I reached out to Misco and they don't have the materials available right now to build the MC62W-8A.   They can sell me the LLC62W-8A, which i believe has a bigger magnet and lower frequency range.  Can I swap each of the 2 drivers in my left and right RM30M's, replacing the MC62W-8A with the LLC62W-8A, without any crossover of additional changes?  Has anyone done this?
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: Invisilink on 25 Feb 2017, 09:38 pm
I am looking for a 10 and 12" driver for one of my RMX speakers.  I had an issue with my amp that caused my drivers to sound distorted.  Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: Invisilink on 1 Mar 2017, 11:16 pm
Hello,

I'm looking for a 10 and 12 inch driver for one  RMX speaker.  I live in the area where VMPS speakers were produced.  Does his widow still have any?  I hate to bother her regarding this.  I just need to know what I can do to fix my drivers.  It appears it is the voice coil.  There is that laminate smell, and that scratchy sound when there pushed.

Thanks,

Ron
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: John Casler on 1 Mar 2017, 11:25 pm
Hi Ron,

The widow doesn't have any drivers, with the exception of a handful of Neopanels.

Your best bet, it to contact Patrick Malaga, who purchased the remaining stock from the storage.

Only problem, is I am not sure Patrick "knows" which drivers he has that might fit the RM/x.

I tend to think the 10" of the RM-40 might fit just fine, but cannot guarantee it.

You could try and see if there are any MODEL # on them and try to see if MISCO could match you up with the model #, or a current driver that would be close.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: Invisilink on 1 Mar 2017, 11:30 pm
Thank you so much for the quick response.

Is MISCO a speaker repair/sell center?

Thanks again,

Ron
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: John Casler on 1 Mar 2017, 11:32 pm
Misco is a MANUFACTURER so they don't like dealing with retail, but you might get a good egg who could help.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: Invisilink on 1 Mar 2017, 11:53 pm
Thanks John!
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: wyman on 20 Sep 2017, 11:58 pm
I am looking for a replacement 10in carbon fiber lower sub for a RM40. Alternatively, I would appreciate any references to a technician capable of repairing a damaged voice coil on one of these.

Left [Damaged Voice Coil]
MISCO
OOC10W-A 1140301

Right [No Damage]
Misco 114
OOC10W-A 03/03/05
Qts = 0.4

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=168734)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=168735)
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: audiomagnate on 5 Oct 2017, 01:26 pm
Miller Sound can probably fix it.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: LosGatosSTI on 10 Oct 2017, 11:40 pm
Hi Guys I need some help please if possible.

I'm looking for two ribbon tweeters for an RM40 set.  Are the Parts Express Arum Cantus G2si compatible to pop in the cabinet without any modifications to them?

I love the speakers themselves but have been thru two sets of tweeter ribbons lately.   When I opened them up to install the replacement ribbons I noticed that the silver colored metallic coating has worn off of the tweeter magnets.   I believe it is causing the ribbons to catch on fire somehow.  I have seen four ribbons spark up like a match over the past few days.  Im listening at moderate volume and have had no issues with these RM40's for many years so Im not sure what is going on.

Do any of you guru's have any ideas and how I can be rid of this problem?

Thanks and feel free to call me.  If I don't answer please leave me a message where I can contact you to discuss my options.

(408) 221-9878

Scott
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: audiomagnate on 17 Oct 2017, 10:22 am
I'm pretty sure I can help, but it's 3:21 in the morning where you are. I'll call you later.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: LosGatosSTI on 19 Oct 2017, 03:45 pm
I ordered G2 tweeters from Parts Express and replaced them.  Had awesome sound again for about an hour then poof...two red fire balls at precisely the same time (one from each tweeter ribbon). 

What the heck is going on here? 

Both tweeter ribbons burn up at exactly the same time.  Do I need to put in new TRT caps or something?  Is it a problem with the bryston amp?  I am still under warranty with Bryston as it is only 14 years old now. 

This happened on the original tweeters that Brian installed as well.  This time I had the Marantz Av7703 hooked up with XLR's to the Bryston 6BSST and the other two times it was with the Sunfire TG III connected to the bryston.    Source material was a "Beck" SACD being played with an Oppo 205 in all cases.  Oppo was connected by RCA's from the analog out stereo L and R outputs to the receiver CD L and R inputs.

Any help would be appreciated as I don't even know how to take the RM40's a part to check anything. 

Could someone please describe how to take the RM40's apart to look for damaged components?  I have a good FLUKE MM and I am pretty handy and can solder basic stuff. 

What tools do I need and does anyone have instructions on how to change out or instal new caps like TRT's?

Thanks and please feel free to call me also as it may be easier to figure out a solution

Scott
(408) 221-9878

Title: NOS Spiral Ribbon Tweeter
Post by: John Casler on 1 Nov 2017, 02:48 pm
Just found I have 2 NOS Spiral Ribbon Tweeters from the widow.

$39 each plus shipping
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: SpeakerDoc on 27 Feb 2018, 12:58 am
Quote from: LosGatosSTI on 19 Oct 2017, 03:45 pm
I ordered G2 tweeters from Parts Express and replaced them.  Had awesome sound again for about an hour then poof...two red fire balls at precisely the same time (one from each tweeter ribbon). 

What the heck is going on here? 

Both tweeter ribbons burn up at exactly the same time.  Do I need to put in new TRT caps or something?  Is it a problem with the bryston amp?  I am still under warranty with Bryston as it is only 14 years old now. 

This happened on the original tweeters that Brian installed as well.  This time I had the Marantz Av7703 hooked up with XLR's to the Bryston 6BSST and the other two times it was with the Sunfire TG III connected to the bryston.    Source material was a "Beck" SACD being played with an Oppo 205 in all cases.  Oppo was connected by RCA's from the analog out stereo L and R outputs to the receiver CD L and R inputs.

Any help would be appreciated as I don't even know how to take the RM40's a part to check anything. 

Could someone please describe how to take the RM40's apart to look for damaged components?  I have a good FLUKE MM and I am pretty handy and can solder basic stuff. 

What tools do I need and does anyone have instructions on how to change out or instal new caps like TRT's?

Thanks and please feel free to call me also as it may be easier to figure out a solution

Scott
(408) 221-9878

Hi Scott,  are you still on here?  Might your amp be oscillating?
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: SpeakerDoc on 27 Feb 2018, 01:07 am
I'm looking for an Aurum Cantus G2si faceplate so that I can put the ribbon tweeters back
to normal rather than de-horned.
Looking for faceplate, but will take a blown one, or one with a good faceplate at a good price.

Thanks, Pete
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: mthomas15 on 10 Jul 2018, 09:16 pm
Hi,

I am the 2nd owner of some old VMPS 626's with dome tweeters and am hoping to reburbish them. What drivers and tweeters can/should I use to replace in these? I'm hoping to restore without breaking the bank. I'm fairly technically inclined but haven't done this before - is there a manual or resource I should reference? I also have a pair of Supertower IIIs in need of work, but figure I should start with the 626's. Any advice or suggestions is much appreciated.

Thank you,

M Thomas
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: oldhvymec on 13 Jul 2018, 04:05 am
Hello,

1. Do they function properly?

2. Is there something wrong with the drivers?

3. Rough, or smooth finish? Carbon fiber, (rough),  graphite, or a poly (smooth).

Just so you know even the NOS is getting older now. The foams have a much shorter shelf life. The rubber style (depending on the  composite material), can outlast the glue or binding agent. Silicone last a LONG LONG time.

There is a guy that bought a lot of the old factory surplus, close to the old factory site. Name is Pat. I can find his number somewhere.

I inquired about XOs and such, he had NO factory XOs

He had drivers and factory cabinets. Most of the stuff was older, but pretty well taken care of.

He post here in the VMPS speakers for sale, section.

Regards
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: RobertR on 14 Sep 2019, 06:26 am
I need a replacement 12 inch woofer for my FF1.  Does anyone have one?
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: Stimpy on 15 Sep 2019, 02:18 pm
Quote from: RobertR on 14 Sep 2019, 06:26 am
I need a replacement 12 inch woofer for my FF1.  Does anyone have one?

AC member Pat Malaga advertises that he has 12" woofers.  You can send him a PM inquiry to check.  Pat usually has California craigslist ads too, listing stock.  But I didn't see any current ads when I just checked.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: RobertR on 16 Sep 2019, 10:47 pm
Thanks, I sent Patrick a message.
Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: GeorgeAb on 3 Jul 2020, 08:30 pm
Since this is the place for all things related to VMPS driver support-ability.  The bass woofers used in the Large Ribbon Center speaker are MCM Audio Select 6 ½” woven carbon fiber cone woofer 55-1545. Looks like original phase plug is removed and VMPS custom plug glued in.  Likely the same woofer used in the Ribbon Dipole Surround speaker as the enclosure size is identical to LRC. Note the enclosure size is larger than 6”enclosure size used in RM-30 which used the 6" Misco dirver.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=211304)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=211298)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=211299)


Title: Re: Original and Replacement Drivers for VMPS Speakers
Post by: davidc1 on 21 Aug 2020, 01:38 pm
Quote from: 7x57 on 18 Feb 2014, 12:44 am


Somebody made all the drivers for VMPS. Just because VMPS went out of business does not mean VMPS suppliers went out of business. In a loudspeaker like Ohm, which makes the unique Walsh driver themselves, then if Ohm went out of business you would be out of luck as far as factory replacements.

Bohlender-Graebener will probably keep improving their ribbon panels, because it's a competitive marketplace, and if not, somebody else will step in. With VMPS gone, there is a void in affordable neopanel speakers that somebody else is bound to eventually fill.

I know this is 6 ys old...sorrry...but Ohm is still around, aren't they?