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Ribbons caught my att.- should I buy or build?

Amazing how this hobby can present us with millions or billions of options.
Recently I get wind of infinity's cult following, I suspect the ribbons have something to do with it. Dali is making some awesome speakers using ribbons as well.
I remember a friend telling me that the infinity's rs-1b as good as they may be are a bit dated and driver replacement is necessary if one wants sota. I figured why buy an old pair infinity if the drivers will be replaced anyway. Would it make sense to just start from scratch, and where would I start looking for ribbon drivers?
Or would it be more cost effective to go with dali's or piegas or vmps or what other designs are out there?
I would like to have the best sound possible, my other option is mbl 116's. Nothing else ever sounded like the mbl's. Obvious I have a price ceiling, would like to keep it under $10k.
pedrillo
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,333 posts
 
Yes, larger Maggies work best in larger rooms like most speakers with large sound radiating areas, which would include the big Infinitys as well, and also require careful placement for best results.

I think I read somewhere recently though that Magneplanar delivers smaller models, like MMGs, with ribbons as well these days and these might work better in a smaller room. This might be a very cost effective way to test the waters.
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
Which ribbon design would work in a small room? Dali ?
musicman07
126 posts
 
Another company that uses ribbon tweeters a lot is Selah Audio. Rick sells prebuilt speakers (& subs), and kits. Will also work with you for a custom build.
arthursmuck
451 posts
 
Selah and GR Research are two good places to look for direction on a DIY project. I own the GR Research Custom Arrays. Call and talk to Danny at GR and Rick at Selah.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I am not sure I would start DIY with a Ribbon. They are typically more challenging than conventional drivers. I'd start a DIY project with paper or poly cones first.
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