Durability of ribbons?

SWG255 · « **on:** 21 Oct 2003, 08:58 pm »

Hi,

I suppose this is misinformed paranoia, but ribbon microphones have a reputation for not being particularly durable, and that's why they aren't used as often in other than controlled studio sessions. It is probably apples to oranges, but how durable are the ribbon mids and tweeters used in the VMPS speakers like the RM40s? Are they susceptible to damage in shipping, or if the speaker is knocked over? Obviously improper application of amplifier power, especially hard clipping may damage them, but assuming this doesn't happen to the drivers, how long should they last?

This brings me to another side of the topic. How hard will it be to knock over the RM40s? I have two cats, and although i can't picture them jumping onto the towers from the floor, they might try, or they might be able to jump from my basement's stairway landing onto the speaker which will be on the left side of the room. (they do this now with my shorter current speakers)

What kind of grille cloth is mounted on the RM40s? How is it affixed to the cabinet? Do the speakers sound noticeably better without the grille cloths?

Thanks.

John Casler · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Oct 2003, 10:55 pm »

If you are talking the FST ribbons, yes they are delicate. They will arrive you with clear tape over them to keep the "suction" of opening the box and "undressing them" from causing damage.

As a large WARNING!!!! DO NOT CLEAN/DUST THE FST WITH A VACUUMN CLEANER or say bye bye to your ribbons.

As far as a cat knocking them over, unless you have a 45# BobCat, you have no worries. Nothing short of a St Bernard has a chance of knocking them over.

Grill Cloth is of the standard cloth variety, and is attached via nubs on the grill frame that fit into the female on the speaker baffle.

They are for show and listening to background music only and any serious listener will remove them for listening sessions.

andy_c · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Oct 2003, 07:33 pm »

Hi,

I have a related question. I'm looking at VMPS speakers to replace a pair of Magnepan MG-III speakers I bought in the mid '80s (that's 1980s, not 1880s

). The long-term reliability of the MG-IIIs has not been good. The midrange panels buzz and the ribbon tweeters are gone. The MG-III manual says the following regarding ribbon tweeter reliability.

"Because the foil element in your MG-III line source tweeter is only 2.5 microns thick, it is very fragile. It's the price we pay for ultra-high performance. Most users will find the ribbon will last for several years, others may find it needs replacing every two years or so."

How does this compare with the reliability of the VMPS ribbons? I'd prefer to trade off some sound quality for the sake of long-term reliability. I've been considering the RM-2 and the Tower II 20th anniversary edition. Because long-term reliability is a high priority for me, do you think the Tower IIs would be a better choice? Also, the Tower II has a ribbon supertweeter option. Would long-term reliability be a consideration with these as well? Would I be better off with the standard piezo supertweeter?

Thanks,
Andy C

warnerwh · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Oct 2003, 11:17 pm »

Search the archives as I believe the question has been asked before by me. It may have been at Harmoniddiscord.com though. Brian's response is that the main ribbon panels should last indefinitely.

SWG255 · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Oct 2003, 03:18 am »

Hi,

By the "main ribbon panel" does he mean the midrange ribbons? Does that mean the FST has less longevity?

Thanks.

Brian Cheney · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Oct 2003, 03:25 am »

Neither the mid panel nor the FST have lengevity issues. For a tweeter the FST is quite rugged and no one has burned one out. Out of 2800 mid panels I have three that failed from overpowering. The FST diaphragm can be stretched by accidental transients like unplugging an interconnect with the power on, but that will smoke most tweeters.

Raven tweeters are of similar design as the FST and have very good reliability over the past 5 years.

We replace any stretched diaphragm for the FST under warranty.

andy_c · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Oct 2003, 03:47 am »

Thanks very much Brian. Looks like it's the RM-2 for me then!

John Casler · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Oct 2003, 05:05 am »

Quote

I've been considering the RM-2 and the Tower II 20th anniversary edition. Because long-term reliability is a high priority for me, do you think the Tower IIs would be a better choice?

Quote

Thanks very much Brian. Looks like it's the RM-2 for me then!

Good choice!

Many times I suggest Tower IIs for those who love their Rock and Roll loud, but if you liked the Maggies (detail that is) then the RM2 (or higher) is for you.

Tyson · « **Reply #8 on:** 27 Oct 2003, 05:13 am »

Off topic, but what do you think of the rendition of Hurt by Cash? I think it's genius.

Andrikos · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Oct 2003, 06:25 am »

Poor dude looked like he was 150 years old.
The guy definitely lived his life to the fullest, may he rest in peace...

John Casler · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Oct 2003, 07:17 am »

Quote from: Tyson

Off topic, but what do you think of the rendition of Hurt by Cash? I think it's genius.

I grew up with Johnny Cash and Jimmy Dean and Hank Williams, but really never "latched" on to the music.

Liked it and enjoyed it but never "got into it", like Elvis, or the Beatles.

I heard a cut "Hung My Head", and bought the CD 3 hours later.

The 'haunting lyrics" to this song are scary, sad, but incredibly raw and impactful.

This album has more "heart" than most anything I have heard in recent years and it is the perfect "crown" to a talent, who I didn't appreaciate fully until now.

I haven't even made it all the way through the album yet and recognize that Cash can't even sing, but he can perform a song with more emotion in a voice that has little range, and is sometimes in an "off key" monotone.

How the hell does he do that?

I think it is because he performs with his heart and not his head.