Gilmore Audio planars revealed


The Gilmore Audio speaker have finally been photographed for the world to see: Gilmore Audio

Disclaimer - I'm a dealer for the Gilmores, though at this point I'm still awaiting my first pair, as they haven't begun shipping yet.

The Gilmores push the edge of the envelope for planar technology in several areas. Innovations include an extremely thin (3 mil) Kapton diaphragm; bass extension to below 20 Hz; easy 8-ohm load combined with 92 dB efficiency (you can drive 'em with Atma-Sphere M-60's!); and maximum output level in the mid to upper 120's.

Designer Mark Gilmore is the webmaster of the Atma-Sphere Owner's Group website, as well as of the Sound Lab Owner's Group site. He's been around for a while, but this is his first commercial loudspeaker design (to the best of my knowledge).

I haven't heard 'em yet so can't comment on the sound (I know, that's all that really matters after all). I'm expecting a pair before the end of the year, and will post comments then.

Duke
audiokinesis
I don't understand why a lot you are gaining up on this new speaker. This is suppose to be a fun hobby with friendly people, what happened? Sure the speaker may turn out to be a dud but on the flip side it may be very special. Let's wait until we can hear them first hand and then give our opinion. Meanwhile I say hat't off for someone trying to improve our hobby.
Metralla- Each of the football fans in your analogy moved but they didn't get transported. This type of movement (call it a "wave" or "vibration") is the type I assume anyone in this hobby is refering to when they use the term "moves air". I think most understand that a speaker is not literally like a desk fan that blows air around.

What I thought was more interesting was the claim that the ribbon is lighter than the air it , is totally meaningless. To explain: If one can hear sound eminating from a speaker, the speaker is air. At 127 db, one could hear the speaker from a good couple of miles away. Even with minimal dispersion, the volume of the air within the couple of miles that is is fairly huge and would weigh, literally, tons. So, when Sellerwithintegrity says that the speaker "moves (vibrates, waves)tons of air", he is correct. That the ribbon weighs less than several tons is meaningless. Even the air in my listening room weighs a couple of ounces. I'd be curious for Sellerwithintegrity to define his terms.

The other interesting claim was that the ribbon is .3 mil thick. If memory serves, both Martin Logan and Magnepan (and probably all the other planar makers except Sound Lab) have been using that thickness for years. Nothing new or impressive there.

It seems that these speakers have merit, just got to get past the initial marketing smoke and mirrors!

BTW- Three others have asked before without response- what do these speakers cost????

Jim



I believe people have a healthy skepticism of a very expensive new speaker that makes rather outlandish claims yet appears to be no more than rehash of the Carver and a number of other ribbon/dynamic hybrids.

The manufacturer's dealers have posted on a number of sites touting these speakers, which makes them fair game for comment.

I suspect they sound very good, but wish they would go easy on the pseudo-science, cheap thrills advertising and exagerration.
I don't purport to be a scientist - or even technical for that matter - but I have a question about the claimed 127db output claim.

According to what I've heard people say on this site, for every 3db increase in output, it takes approximately double the amplification (wattage).

If this is correct, even with the claimed 92db efficiency, it would require approximately 2000 watts per channel at 8ohms to achieve 127db.

If this is peak, maybe I could see it...maybe. But 127db continuous output across the rated frequency response seems a bit unlikely.

Besides, wouldn't 127db result in hearing damage?

As for Sellerwithintegrity's request that you bring your SPL meter to CES - If you attempt to achieve 127db with innocent bystanders anywhere remotely close to your booth, be prepared for the impending lawsuits and negative public sentiment that will surely lead to the company's early demise.

Achieving 127db just for the sake of doing it reminds me of the old joke about why a dog licks his b@##s.

What's the point?