Comparing Ribbon Tweeters - Golden Ear vs. Ascend Sierra

The dispersion of any radiating surface is related to the frequency and dimensions of the radiator. AMT’s are typically wider than ribbons, but they come in a variety of lengths. Some shorter than ribbons, some longer. 

Also, I don’t think limited dispersion is a negative at all, unless you happen to have a perfectly tuned room. :)

And yeah, the better one's have amazing dynamic range with little distortion or compression. 

True, but as most AMTs are more square compared to most ribbons being tall and skinny most AMTs are going to have more limited horizontal dispersion than most ribbons, there are, of course, always exceptions.  

Also true that the room will certainly have an effect, and in certain rooms high directivity is a bonus, but in others a wider horizontal dispersion can add to the experience, plus offer a wider sweet spot.  

Over on AVS there was a controlled blind test between the JBL M2 and the Revel Ultima Salon 2.  Going in a lot of people were thinking that the M2, with its controlled directivity, was going to win the day, but the Ultima Salon 2 ended up taking the honors.  Now, that's not a ribbon or AMT speaker, but domes still have wider dispersion than compression drivers with controlled directivity waveguides. 

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/89-speakers/2907816-speaker-shootout-two-most-accurate-well-reviewed-s...

Do not underestimate the waveguide on the revels. You get very good and controlled off axis response.

Would I trade my current AMT speakers for a Revel? Never. :)

Best,

E

I have not heard any GE speakers, but as a satisfied owner of Ascend Sierra 2's, I can say that the RAAL tweeters are very detailed and not fatiguing.