VMPS kits

ricmon · « **on:** 16 Nov 2005, 07:06 pm »

Has any body assembled a pair of RM40's? If so how easy or difficult was the build? The RM30.s are the same price as the RM40 kit. It seems to me that the RM40 kit would be the way to go for the same price.

Ric

warnerwh · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Nov 2005, 07:13 pm »

If you're an experienced diy type person then go for the kit. It's more complex than it first appears to the average person, hence the large discount.

JoshK · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Nov 2005, 09:47 pm »

I've completely taken apart my RM40s (factory ass'd) and put them back together (with upgrades). It isn't hard but its a lot of work, hence takes a lot of time. Keep that in mind.

Have you ever built crossovers before, or at least assembled any? There are some subtleties to keep magnetic field interactions down. I don't know if VMPS provides a layout diagram for the xo with the kit but it might make it easier.

ricmon · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Nov 2005, 11:54 pm »

Josh are you saying that there is some xover soldering that needs to be done? That could be a problem. If this is not neccessary or not to many to solder and only the speaker connections need soldering I might be able to do it.
Ric

SCooper · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 12:47 am »

I built the "kit" RM-40's last year. You do need some soldering skills but, I was pleasantly surprised at how little assembly was required. Brian told me whenI ordered them that it would require about eight hours a side.. I think it was a little less. Had a couple of questions along the way about some identification of drivers but Brian was on e-mail on the weekend and I had my answer promptly.

JoshK · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 12:53 am »

I am assuming any kit requires you to build the xo. This would require soldering. Unless the xo's are preassembled.

Corbin Johnson · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 12:11 pm »

If you're considering building from a kit to save money, why not buy one of the three used RM40's on Audiogon? The used prices are close to the price of a kit. If the used pair doesn't have all the upgrades, just buy the upgrades from VMPS and add them. This has got to be easier than building the kit from scratch.

Corbin

ctviggen · « **Reply #7 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 01:05 pm »

Two of those are pickup only. The other one has five (!?) sets of binding posts. (Why five?). It'd be easier to redo that, though, than build your own. However, Ric might be the type of person who'd like to build his own. Once I get done with my (massive) list of household chores, I think I'd rather build than buy. Wasn't there also an RM40 kit for sale on here?

woodsyi · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 01:06 pm »

Quote from: Corbin Johnson

If you're considering building from a kit to save money, why not buy one of the three used RM40's on Audiogon? The used prices are close to the price of a kit. If the used pair doesn't have all the upgrades, just buy the upgrades from VMPS and add them. This has got to be easier than building the kit from scratch.

Corbin

I don't know. I have completely gutted my RM40 to send the innnards back to Brian for a cabinet upgrade. Since then I have also done the midwoofer upgrade which required soldering. While I was at it I soldered Bybees to each driver. With this much "experience" I would plan out the upgrades and do the kit after the CD wave guide comes out. I think it would take me as much time to do the BH/WM2 upgrade as it would to put a kit together. It would actually be nice not to have anything inside when you do the cabinet damping upgrade. It would be even better if you can get Brian to install the damping upgrade in the cabinet with the kit.

ricmon · « **Reply #9 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 03:26 pm »

I looked at the speakers on audiogone, but the shipping cost of plus 200lbs is costly. This made them almost the same price as new. But youy guys are giving me the confidence to really concider the kit.

JoshK · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 04:01 pm »

Where are you located?

ctviggen · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 05:22 pm »

Here's the kit I was talking about:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=16004&highlight=vmps

woodsyi · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 05:26 pm »

He sold them. Circle facilitator should put sold sign on it since d.s. can't post.

ctviggen · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 06:34 pm »

Thanks for the info! I was seriously considering a RM40 center channel (ok, maybe not "seriously", but it would be fun to have it).

ricmon · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 07:36 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

Where are you located?

I live in DC.

woodsyi · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 07:46 pm »

Hey there are a bunch of us in the greater DC area that have RM40s. You can get local help pretty easily through MAAC. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=22240 You can even hear them before you buy them.