The RM40 has been around since being introduced in Jan 2002 at the CES, where it was awarded the "Best of Show High End".
That RM40 had dual "sprial" ribbon tweeters, a Bud Bailey Cabinet, and x-crossed over at around 155hz from the Neopanels to the Woofers.
As good as that speaker was (and popular) today's RM40 with the Brian Cheney Signature Edition Upgrade package, is a significant improvement over that "award winning" speaker.
With much improved MLS Cabinets, new FST Tweeter, TRT caps, Silver wiring, Vitrified Passive Radiators, Crossed over at around 280hz to a new Midwoofer, and many other improvements, this speaker will satisfy many an audiophile or videophile in the quest for sound you simply have to hear to believe.
I recently was lucky enough to acquire a pair in MLS Macassar Ebony (which I have lusted for for some time) from a client upgrading to the RMv60.
Now I had one of the 2002 type RM40s for some time, in my system and although it has been some time since I had them, I remember their strengths, and areas I felt needed improvement.
The newer RM40 with a retail list of around $6600'ish, and a street priced even better through participating dealers, is a "matured" version of that original of 2002.
With a good room, well selected electronics and set up to your tastes, this is a speaker that is very hard to beat.
Some have said the RM40 was being left behind with the advent of the RM30 and the RM v60, but in a "well appointed" version, this speaker is every bit as current now as any speaker on the market if you enjoy its strengths, which are many.
Some who have read my post before, might know that I have enjoyed my RM30's, with a dual pair of VMPS LARGER subs, and have been MORE than happy with the performance, to the point of wandering how I could make it better.
Well let me assure you, the RM40 has a lot of life left in her. Since switching to the RM40s in my main system, I have not even turned the subs on except to find out that they were not needed, except for HT, which is actually a whole other system (but in the same room)
So I just felt that maybe I should make a comment or two about how this speaker has matured and improved over the last 5 years, and in my "biased" opinion, is one of the best speakers on the planet in its price range.
It has a striking Presence and is not a speaker that "hides" in the room. They represent a pair of Audio Duoliths that when energized can transport you to far away musical places and times, like few others. They can also "Rock the House Down" if the music calls for dynamic range, "full body" and speed of attack.
So, to be sure, the VMPS RM40 is not a Dinosaur in any way shape or form, but a formidable maker of music and incredible sound.
And so it fits its position under its new sibling the RM v60 with perfectly incredible sound. It also fits well above the RM30 for those who have the space for its special abilities.
Can you tell I like mine?
For those who own them in their various incarnations, you all know what I'm talking about. But do know, that if you are in the market for that "special speaker" that can transport you to the venue as well as any thing ever made, this might be a great speaker to consider.
I am excited that tomorrow is Sat, and I'll finally get a chance to plop in the sweet seat, and run through some Reference Cuts with a new pair of amps, I just received.
If I get a chance, I post about them too. Fresh out of the box, they have been stunning, and about as good as I have heard.
Fun, fun fun without a T-Bird.
