Gilmore Audio planars revealed

Hi Duke,

Since I was the first to fire a shot across your bow in this thread I now propose we simply allow you to show your wares at CES and other venues. I take no offense at your rebuttals while I still view the parsing of words such as "it's lighter than THE air it moves" akin to what the meaning of IS, is. I've repeatedly expressed that these may indeed be top drawer speakers, and we'll find out reasonably soon, which is good enough for me. What leaves me opened minded is Albert Porter being a Texas dealer. I doubt that Albert would be in this position unless someone who he respects a great deal made this recommendation, and Albert comes closer to soaring with eagles than hanging out with turkeys. I apologize if I've offended and wish for this thread to end on a happy note, urging all members to reserve judgement until we receive comments from trusted sources based on listening tests.

Most of the folks here would snicker at my modest two channel analog system until they heard it but few would question what I've built with my own two hands in my "street legal" race car. Having followed engine, chassis, power trasmission and traction progess since the mid 60's I've discovered that equipment manufacturers who use figures to lie also use partially clad, "fun bag" equipped models to avert the interested party's attention away from their outrageous claims. All of this may not apply to Gilmore speakers but simply be a poor marketing judgement call to folks like myself.

I trust that you are so close to and excited about this potentially great product that you don't understand our healthy skepticizm when faced with marketing statements that may push the envelope for credibility. That's how I'm reading your replies.

There isn't anywhere for this thread to go but way downhill from here unless we all back off a little, give everything the benefit of the doubt and reserve judgement. Since you have picked an especially powerful username I trust that you are hearing great things when auditioning this product.

Peace to all and especially you Duke. I know this hasn't been easy on you. I give you a lot of credit for taking the heat here. You've tried to explain each problem area. The only thing you have not addressed is price. How about a ball park figure here, say within $5,000?

Patrick

in this message you wrote "We are able to attain big excursions, cleanly -- plus or minus 2 inches!" but then in your latest message you say "One clarification: Total excursion is 2 inches or plus or minus 1 inch."

clarification?

then you launch an all out attack, calling him "silly" and demanding an apology. yeah.

i'm looking forward to your response to my post, mr. "integrity".

Two points:

1) Doppler distortion:
Re ribbon: Doppler distortion, which results in intermodulation distortion, doesn't really go into effect until around 180Hz. We crossover at 200Hz for that reason among others, so it is not a factor for the ribbon.
Re woofers: Yes, doppler distortion is a consideration, but there is minimal doppler distortion from our planar hybrid woofers because of the actual technology employed. This is linked to how the planar membrane itself is constructed and excited -- I can't say anything else because to do so would reveal proprietary intellectual property. Also, remember, any distortion is shared among 4 woofers -- overall distortion will be perceived as less for that reason vs a single driver topology. Finally, the fact that the woofer's excursion is 2 inches maximum doesn't mean that it is out there flapping around at the limit all the time, if ever. Most of the time, even at very impressive spl's with very demaning source material, the 4 woofers are cruising along at levels way below maximum performance levels, thanks to their synergistic design. At very high spl's, there is of course increased distortion, but the signal to noise ratio saves the day -- when the distortion is relatively high overall, it is still not relatively high compared to the signal. The Gilmore speakers, especially the model 2's, can play bass louder and cleaner than any other dipole or planar for sure and any home audio dynamic speakers we know of.

Concerning a forum participant's concerns that these speakers should not be called planars -- I think that the silliness of this perspective has already been pointed out by other forum participants. Let me add three other considerations. There is no box,the panel is flat and the radiating elements are all on the same plane -- thus the term planar.

Thanks again.

you wrote "Vertical dispersion starts at 60 and 40 inches respectively and horizontal dispersion is 60 degrees."

60 degrees horizontal for what frequencies? what vertical angle from the line perpendicular from the panel? in other words, how much above and below the top and bottom of the ribbon?

i'm sure mrs. gilmore appreciates the mention.

Patrick, according to their web site the Model 2's introductory price (ready for sale on Jan. 2, '04) is set at $17,500 (for a limited time) and $19,500 thereafter. The Model 3 will be introduced in Feb. for $12,500 and then go to $14,500. They also give dimensions for both models.