My question is:
Why is the Ribbon 1 the same price (actually a few dollars less) as the 626 Ribbon when it has 2 8-inch woofers instead of the 626 r's one? Plus it has a passive radiator in a floor-standing enclosure that needs no stands?
Despite this, does the 626 R sound as good as the Ribbon One?
Andre, Montreal, Canada
Hi Andre,
Both speakers are excellent.
Their performance will depend very much on your set up. The 626R is a fantastic speaker and likes to be on a 20-26 inch stand. It has the luxury of being height adjustable, simply by putting it on a stand to match your listening height.
While it is rated at 42Hz, if it is placed properly 2-4 feet from the front wall and your room will support it, the bass will go well below 30Hz and I have measured response ar 25Hz.
The RM1 by virtue of its twin active woofs and passive radiator will play even deeper and are not quite as dependant on "room loading" to go really low.
While they are a fixed height, they can also be "aimed" at the vertical axis of the sweetspot by slightly tilting them back. If you do so, make sure and place a solid object, (wood block or other) in the space under the front of the speaker to provide an unbroken boundary for the bass wave to travel along.
The reason the the 626R and the RM1 are about the same in price is that the 626R "has" a special 6.5" Mega Woofer (Woven Carbon Fiber) and the RM1 has the standard woofers at a lower price point.
The RM1 with "megawoofers" would end up being $280 more.
Which is better? It really depends on you system, room and preferences.
Some might say that the 626Rs will set up a better soundstage and have an airier image ability. I have not found that to be a "big" difference, although if you have a small room it might be.
Properly placed and set up, both will offer much more than you might expect for their $1500-$2000 price point depending on possible options and upgrades.
