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Vandersteen Model 2D?

Just wondering if anyone might have some insight on what might be next for the model 2 series: either when a new revision might come out and what possible features they might add.
Seems like the model 2ce sig IIs have been out for about a decade now? (please correct me if I'm wrong) Do you think the next major revision is around the corner? 
You think it will be called 2ce sig III? I personally like the idea of a model 2D.
As far as upgrades, might a carbon tweeter be a good idea? I think it's likely important that Vandersteen keep these below the the 3K price point, so perhaps that is out of the question.
I know the model 2's are the quintessential all-arounders, but if there is a weakness, would the consensus be that is the tweeter? If so-it seems like that would be a good area to focus on.
Just having fun kicking around ideas for new model 2s. Looking forward to hearing others thoughts
 
bstatmeister
cedargrover
302 posts
 
I was at a recent RV seminar and he discussed his goal of bringing pistonic cones to his entire range, i.e., elevating pistonic behavior to the same importance as time/phase correct behavior.  I think that is going to require a technology different from the current carbon / balsa cones, which are *very* expensive to produce.
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
I was at a recent RV seminar and he discussed his goal of bringing pistonic cones to his entire range, i.e., elevating pistonic behavior to the same importance as time/phase correct behavior.  I think that is going to require a technology different from the current carbon / balsa cones, which are *very* expensive to produce.
Did RV give any type of ball-park time frame on this?
beetlemania
834 posts
 
elevating pistonic behavior to the same importance as time/phase correct behavior.
Some designers think that pistonic behavior is *more* important, but might as well achieve both if you can!
require a technology different from the current carbon / balsa cones
Yes, RV's carbon technology is unlikely to trickle down to affordable price points. Thiel drivers got pretty close. The CS3.7 midrange was said to have a break up point "well above" 20K cycles. This behavior is especially important with XOs using slow roll-off filters (ie, first order).
I have Thiel CS2.4s. The midrange diaphragms on these are not ribbed like those of the CS3.7. Still, the aluminum is stiff enough to that the break up mode is well suppressed despite the first order filter (chart 3):https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/measurements/thiel_cs24/
cedargrover
302 posts
 
OP, I don't recall him mentioning a time frame.  I would see if you could get John Rutan's attention (@audioconnection) -- he is super knowledgeable.

 @beetlemania, interesting background, thanks.....
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,928 posts
 
pistonic not much good IF ya throw it all away with a filter that screws up phase because non pistonic is out of phase behavior...they are same thing, one is mechanical.
now having said that, obviously w very worthy goal and a reason why the CF/ Balsa drivers are a wonder.... I can tell you they are electrostatic like in purity...

but yes they are expensive....the balsa must be top grade, indeed aerospace grade, ditto the CF, CNC machining required for tapered cone - optimized for mass, stiffness, and as others aptly pointed out breakup modes far away from filter set points. Autoclave required for cobonding and oh ya, cobond to end grade balsa is a trade secret, nobody else doing it..because it is hard and requires years of R&D = ¥€¥ or $...then all that needs to be integrated into an aerodynamic ( patent expired ) driver. Think this thru you go to all the trouble and expense to design/ build a pistonic driver only to let an out of phase reflected back wave go right thru the cone....

but yes, some of us stay up late thinking about how to build that driver for less money...........
Kaizen is life
or so my sensei says, he would know......Chihiro Nakao 
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