In response to Schacter's questions:
1. The only version of the ribbon midrange I heard was the current neodymium model. I also heard both the current and previous versions of the spiral ribbon tweeter. The current version has less distortion than the previous version.
2. I did not buy the FF-3 because I was not satisfied with the subtle upper treble distortion that I mentioned. The speakers in my current system remain the 8 year old STR-SE.
3. Brian Cheney suggested I should return to audition his top model that uses the Raven ribbon tweeter instead of the spiral ribbon tweeter. He said he could custom build an FF-3 for me with the Raven if I felt it overcame my complaint. However, I have not had time to return to audition the Raven.
4. I am exceptionally sensitive to high frequency tizz. I decided against buying the highly praised Dodson DAC for that reason. (No, I have not yet decided what DAC to buy instead!) Most people would not notice the subtle roughness in the tweeter, and I doubt it can be bettered at the price of the RM-40. For the price of the FF-3, one's expectations increase.
1. The only version of the ribbon midrange I heard was the current neodymium model. I also heard both the current and previous versions of the spiral ribbon tweeter. The current version has less distortion than the previous version.
2. I did not buy the FF-3 because I was not satisfied with the subtle upper treble distortion that I mentioned. The speakers in my current system remain the 8 year old STR-SE.
3. Brian Cheney suggested I should return to audition his top model that uses the Raven ribbon tweeter instead of the spiral ribbon tweeter. He said he could custom build an FF-3 for me with the Raven if I felt it overcame my complaint. However, I have not had time to return to audition the Raven.
4. I am exceptionally sensitive to high frequency tizz. I decided against buying the highly praised Dodson DAC for that reason. (No, I have not yet decided what DAC to buy instead!) Most people would not notice the subtle roughness in the tweeter, and I doubt it can be bettered at the price of the RM-40. For the price of the FF-3, one's expectations increase.