[Rob S.]

C note:   here's the speaker with the Raal tweeter ( which will require a new XO ) 

http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43785
Do you know what the Be drivers cost?

Rob S.

[Rick Craig]

Outstanding!  I'll email you off-line to discuss specifics.

Can you comment briefly on the SS Be's sound quality vs. both soft dome tweeters and the RAAL ribbon?  Also, I'm surprised you're pairing it with the paper Illuminator driver, I thought you preferred the aluminum cone?

Listening tests will be next week so I'll have an opinion then. The paper cone Illuminator will cross higher than the aluminum cone version and is a better match for the Be dome.

[c_note]

I purchased my RC5Gs about 2 and 1/2 years ago, before Rick was using the RAAL tweeter.  As you said, switching to the RAAL would require a crossover change as well as a new tweeter cut-out on the front panel.  I'm not sure it could be done, and would probably cost a lot of money beyond upgrading the drivers.

I believe Richard Vandersteen uses the new SS Be tweeter in his top-of-the-line $45K Model 7 speaker.  I heard them about six months ago and thought the sound--especially the high frequencies--was extraordinary, much better than Richard's more economical models (as you'd expect, given the cost differential!  )  I anxiously await Rick's assessment of the SS Be's sound.

Also, a plug for Rick: as is, the RC5Gs are excellent, well-balanced speakers.  They easily embarass many speakers I've heard selling for north of $15K and $20K.

[chrismercurio]

I'm pretty sure the Vandersteen 7 uses the same balsa/carbon fiber composite cone found in the other drivers in that loudspeaker. The motor is likely SS though.

[c_note]

Chris, I just checked the Vandersteen product literature, and it looks like you're correct.  Based on appearance, the tweeter looks just like the Be model.  If the Beryllium model sounds as good as the balsa/carbon fiber composite, it will be a special tweeter indeed.

[Rick Craig]

Amazing synergy of these two drivers. The best dome tweeter I've ever heard - effortless with all the detail...

[Opas]

Hey Rick,  Sounds great.  Will you be offering these in Kit form?  Please say yes!    I have the S6's and love them, but sounds like these would be an upgrade!  Would love to build my own cabinets though.  Cheers

[Rick Craig]

Hey Rick,  Sounds great.  Will you be offering these in Kit form?  Please say yes!    I have the S6's and love them, but sounds like these would be an upgrade!  Would love to build my own cabinets though.  Cheers

Yes, a kit will be available. You can email me for pricing.

[Opas]

Will do! Thanks.

[djdube525]

Hi Rick,

Could this be a potential upgrade/option to your TRTs as well?

Dave

[Rick Craig]

Hi Rick,

Could this be a potential upgrade/option to your TRTs as well?

Dave

Yes, that's certainly possible.

[Opas]

Have you had a chance to make any comparisons with the Be dome Monitor vs the Verita yet?  Would love to here your impressions.

[Rick Craig]

Have you had a chance to make any comparisons with the Be dome Monitor vs the Verita yet?  Would love to here your impressions.

I could easily live with either one but the Be monitor's cost puts it closer to the Tempesta and for the small amount of difference in cost the Tempesta is better.

[Opas]

Im looking for a kit.  As I understand it, you cannot sell the Raal tweet. in kit form, which makes the Tempesta and Verita not an option.  If this is not the case, please say so!    I own the S6s and was looking to upgrade.  Any suggestions?  Thanks

[Rick Craig]

Im looking for a kit.  As I understand it, you cannot sell the Raal tweet. in kit form, which makes the Tempesta and Verita not an option.  If this is not the case, please say so!    I own the S6s and was looking to upgrade.  Any suggestions?  Thanks

The Verita's tweeter is OEM only (no kits) but the Tempesta uses a different Raal and is available in kit form.

[vettett15]

Sorry for digging up old posts but I was curious what anyone thought of this Be dome vs the Raal tweeter?

[Rick Craig]

Sorry for digging up old posts but I was curious what anyone thought of this Be dome vs the Raal tweeter?

The two are pretty close but the RAAL has a bit more off-axis extension in the top octave. On some music with your eyes closed you might have trouble telling which one is playing. Not a huge difference.