[brj]

Brian/John -

I was talking to someone about the RM30s today, so I was scanning your pricing in order to figure out the current configuration options, and I have to say that I found it rather confusing.

For example, the RM30s apparently isn't offered without the Megawoofers anymore, but the base price doesn't include them?  (It says the upgrade is required - how can it be an upgrade if it is the only option?)

In addition, I thought that MLS was now the only current source of RM30 cabinets, in which case, MLS cabinets can't be an "upgrade" either, can they?  (I also thought he had more veneer options than I see listed now as well.)

Then there is the issue of the Supermax OXO and BCSE packages... does the selection of both of these options pay for the Bolder silver wire twice?  (And possibly the Megawoofers if they are now part of the base price.)

Also, I thought the powered bass unit was now available for the RM30s in an external enclosure, but I didn't see that listed.

Basically, I was trying to figure out the list price for the minimally and maximally configured RM30s and wasn't able to do it easily.  If you could clarify just how the base RM30 is configured and priced, and then what upgrades & costs are available, I'm sure it would be appreciated by many - thanks!

[Brian Cheney]

Pricing is confusing.

RM 30C in oak, cherry, and mls satin black is $3500pr.  This version is now standard with the WCF cone 40oz 6.5" Megawoofers and is recommended if you run a sub or have a small listening room.
M version with side 10" is $380pr.  Recommended for larger rooms.
mls piano black, birch, macassar ebony or rosewood $400pr
Satin veneer ultrahighgloss finish $300pr
OXO is $450
Bolder wire for cabinet is $400, for cabinet and OXO $700
PBS either builtin to OXO or as two free standing monoblocks $1200pr
Auricaps $550 or TRT's $1200 set
BH5/SR71 $240 set

Some dealers offer package prices on the accessories, so talk to your dealer.

Current RM30C's have a blocked cutout for the side woofer which can be added on later to convert to the RM30M if desired.  In my demo I run the 30C with a powered sub and feel this is the optimum configuration.

[brj]

Thanks for the response, Brian!

RM 30C in oak, cherry, and mls satin black is $3500pr.  This version is now standard with the WCF cone 40oz 6.5" Megawoofers

This is a minor discrepancy with the sticky: $3195 + $380 for the non-optional megawoofers "upgrade" = $3575

[John, if you don't mind a suggestion, I'd wouldn't even list the megawoofers as a non-optional upgrade on the RM30s anymore - it just confuses things.  You no longer list the FST as a non-optional upgrade to the spiral ribbon, after all.

Actually, now that I look at the price list some more... you might want to just list every speaker model individually with its base price, and then list immediately below each base model every upgrade and upgrade price for that specific model.  Trying to list models in one section and then upgrades in another is confusing when the upgrades aren't offered on every model or differ in price according to model.]

Satin veneer ultrahighgloss finish $300pr

So, just like there is a $400 charge to move from satin black to gloss black, all wood veneers have a satin finish by default, and $300 is the cost to put a high gloss finish on them instead?  (This is new, as the only high gloss veneer I've heard discussed was the Rosewood, which I thought was a limited run.)

OXO is $450

Are OXO enclosures finished the same way as the main cabinets for the quoted price?

Bolder wire for cabinet is $400, for cabinet and OXO $700

And, it appears, for the cabinet only in non-OXO configurations for $400 (listed down below in a separate area).

PBS either builtin to OXO or as two free standing monoblocks $1200pr

Another question... in terms of the Powered Bass System as implemented on the RM30, I assume it powers the 10" woofer of the RM30M.  Does it also power the 6.5" mid-woofers of the RM30C & M?


The other upgrade that I assume would be included in a "maxed out" RM30 but didn't think to mention explicitly - the wave guides.  Currently, the CDWGs are considered upgrades for all speakers and are not included in any base prices or packages (BCSE, etc.), correct?  Ok, but I assume that if you order a new RM30 with CDWGs straight from the factory, there is no extra $125 passive radiator charge?

Current RM30C's have a blocked cutout for the side woofer which can be added on later to convert to the RM30M if desired.

That sounds like a good idea, although I've only ever seen the RM30M version.  How is the cutout "blocked"?  Is this just a dummy grill cover?

Thanks!

[John Casler]

Hi Brian (BRJ)

Sorry for the late response.

I have been working on redo-ing the price list, but haven't had the time to complete it.

It will hopefully be a little more clear, and easy to understand.

The current list is simply an older versions that just kept "growing".

Hopefully, I'll find the time soon, and get it posted.

[John Casler]

Here are a couple other answers (short term)

So, just like there is a $400 charge to move from satin black to gloss black, all wood veneers have a satin finish by default, and $300 is the cost to put a high gloss finish on them instead?  (This is new, as the only high gloss veneer I've heard discussed was the Rosewood, which I thought was a limited run.)

The new finish being discussed here is the "PIANO GLOSS" finish which is now available on "ALL" finshes for $300, and is not limited to Rosewood.

All $400 upcharges are to move from Standard cabinets/finishes to MLS cabs and veneers.

Are OXO enclosures finished the same way as the main cabinets for the quoted price?

Current OXO boxes are High Gloss Black and are not matching veneers.

And, it appears, for the cabinet only in non-OXO configurations for $400 (listed down below in a separate area).

Bolder Silver is available in two options:

1) "In cabinet" to woofers only = $400
2) Covers both OXO and "FULL" in cabinet wiring = $700 (this is called the SUPERMAX option and is essentially Bolder Silver all the way through, OXO and on "all" drivers, not just woofers)

Another question... in terms of the Powered Bass System as implemented on the RM30, I assume it powers the 10" woofer of the RM30M.  Does it also power the 6.5" mid-woofers of the RM30C & M?

PBS is modded to cover all of the bass systems and frequencies, including the 6.5" and 10" woofers.

The other upgrade that I assume would be included in a "maxed out" RM30 but didn't think to mention explicitly - the wave guides.  Currently, the CDWGs are considered upgrades for all speakers and are not included in any base prices or packages (BCSE, etc.), correct?  Ok, but I assume that if you order a new RM30 with CDWGs straight from the factory, there is no extra $125 passive radiator charge?

All VMPS Ribbon Speakers now come equalized, dehorned, and include the passive radiators for the CDWG.  They also come standard with the CDWG included in the price.

These items are only "extra" for older models that did not include them.

That sounds like a good idea, although I've only ever seen the RM30M version.  How is the cutout "blocked"?  Is this just a dummy grill cover?

I haven't seen that yet, so Brian will have to answer that one.

[Brian Cheney]

I agree the Options and Upgrades list has gotten out of hand.

Think this: $3500 gets you the base model RM 30C in oak, cherry, or satin black, the latter an mls cabinet.  $450 gets you the outboard crossover.  If you need first-octave bass, add a sub.

After that it's all gravy, since you have the meat.

[spons]

How is the cutout "blocked"?  Is this just a dummy grill cover?

I haven't seen that yet, so Brian will have to answer that one.

Does anyone have pictures or a description of this "blocking"?

[Brian Cheney]

The RM 30C mls cabinets have the side woofer sealed off and covered with a round grill.  It has the same appearance as the RM 30M.  This saves us double inventory and makes it easy to upgrade a C version to an M version later on if desired.

[John Casler]

Pricing is confusing.

RM 30C in oak, cherry, and mls satin black is $3500pr.  This version is now standard with the WCF cone 40oz 6.5" Megawoofers and is recommended if you run a sub or have a small listening room.
M version with side 10" is $380pr.  Recommended for larger rooms.
mls piano black, birch, macassar ebony or rosewood $400pr
Satin veneer ultrahighgloss finish $300pr
OXO is $450
Bolder wire for cabinet is $400, for cabinet and OXO $700
PBS either builtin to OXO or as two free standing monoblocks $1200pr
Auricaps $550 or TRT's $1200 set
BH5/SR71 $240 set

Some dealers offer package prices on the accessories, so talk to your dealer.

Current RM30C's have a blocked cutout for the side woofer which can be added on later to convert to the RM30M if desired.  In my demo I run the 30C with a powered sub and feel this is the optimum configuration.