Bohlender Graeber’s ribbon tweeter planar speakers

[mathman]

Hi,

I have someone recommending these to me and i wondered what people thought of them. I understand they are not cheap but i'm still not clear on which set he was talking about. any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated. thank you

 

[AVRat]

They've had good reviews. Never heard them but wouldn't hesitate recommending them.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

They've had good reviews. Never heard them but wouldn't hesitate recommending them.

Never heard them but wouldn't hesitate recommending them? Heck, I'll second that! That's some great advice!

 

[InTheIndustry]

Astounding

I'm a BG dealer in SW Ohio and can vouch for several products in the BG line. I recently loaded up the truck and did an in-ceiling shoot out with several different brands is some new construction homes (as well as my own home) that were near being completed. I did this not because I'm unhappy with BG or any other brand but because we're dedicated towards continuous improvement and I like to bring in different brands to compare.

I can tell you that as far as architectural products go, the BG PD-6C ($600 per pair) is, without doubt, the best in-ceiling speaker for distributed audio I have ever listened to as is their in-wall counter part. And I say that regardless of price point and without location issues. We tried these speakers in a vaulted ceiling, in a tight attic space, and in an open attic space. The BG's performace was uneffected.

We used a wide range of brands and price points varried accross the board from $150 per pair to $1500 per pair MSRP and the BG's performed the best and it wasn't even close. Brands: TruAudio, Parasound, PSB, BG, Sonance, Boston, Dayton Loud Speakers, Phase-Tech, Proficient, NuVo, RBH. The Bass out of the BG 6" trumped that of the 8" PSB, Parasound, Boston, and Sonance by a country mile. With the other brands I only had the 6 1/2" models and the BG killed those too. You have to listen to the clarity of these to belive it. We listened to Clapton, Cold Play, Garth Brooks (live album), Sheryl Crow, a classical mix, a techno mix, and just for kicks even some rap. The source was just a plain entry level Pioneer two channel receiver and Pioneer CD player.

The Bg PD-6C litterally sound like someone put a very high quality bookshelf speaker in the ceiling. Some of the other brands were OK, but for an upper-tier speaker for distributed audio I think you would be hard pressed to find better in a 6 1/2" or even 8" (depending on ceiling hieght) speaker. The BG's blended into the ceilings really well too. A lot of inceilings tend to be too white, or too almond. The Bostons looked good (but are GIGANTIC in cut out size). The PSB's and Sonance looked very good, but again, the BG's blended in with the ceiling really well. They are pleasant to look at while not standing out.

I have not used their box product at all nor have I done the $15K a pair in-wall stuff. For a theater that expensive, I would look at other options. Like Phase Tech dARTS or some of the Meridian product. I hope this helps and if you have other questions or want to give what aplication he recommended BG (and what models) for I could help you more.

 

[InTheIndustry]

After re-reading my post, I feel the need to state that the "regardless of price point" statment is in regards to the in-ceiling BG PD-6C product only and pertains to using it for distributed audio or an in-ceiling two channel system.

There are certainly better in-walls than the BG PD-6i (BG makes several models) but, in my experience, those models come at a higher price point.

 

[mathman]

wow, great information!

the application is for a HT system with the back speakers in the ceiling, front and centers in wall in a basement. the ceilings are about 9.5ft tall and the main viewing area is about 16ft deep by about 20ft wide (although we'll liekly sit 12-13ft from the screen). We would like to use the same speakers for music not just HT. we're looking at the yamaha RXV 1700 for the amp

 

[InTheIndustry]

Has the dealer quoted you price or more importantly, specific models? If you knew the models, that would help becuase Triad makes an amazing in-wall product as does another company named Snell. I like both of those a lot for in-wall theater. But, it all depends on the models if the BG is comparable or not.

 

[bwaslo]

I've got a pair of their Radia 520 and can vouch for them. These are 50 inch dipole ribbons, with cone woofers at the bottom for below 250Hz. They certainly do it for me, best things I've run.

I equalize the high end above 6kHz (using a Berringer FBQ2496), since the long ribbons tend to roll off early at the top. They sound good even without the EQ, but with it, they are really nice. The founders of BG now are at Wisdom Audio, making extremely expensive systems (six figures) using modified BG long ribbons.

I also have a pair of subs handling below 80Hz.

Hey, InTheIndustry, where are you? I'm also in SW Ohio.

 

[tedhontz]

I have owned a pair of BG Radia X3 floorstanding speakers and LOVED them. I've also owned a pair of Z7 speakers and LOVED them MORE. I finally just this week got the big boys - the Radia 520's and LOVE them. The 520's need a ton of power to sound good and a receiver won't do these justice or even close. They are also for bigger rooms. I recommend the Z7 speakers for receiver use and regular rooms. I actually have a pair of lightly used Z7's that are mint and I don't need them anymore since I got my Z7's. I will be listing them on ebay soon. BG also makes a new model called the Z92 speakers though they are also pretty expensive. The 520's sound fuller than the Z7's but at 6X the price they aren't 6X as full or even close. Most bang for your buck would be the Z7. Z92 seems expensive for not much improvement on specs. Thats my $0.02.

 

[Sheep]

I have owned a pair of BG Radia X3 floorstanding speakers and LOVED them. I've also owned a pair of Z7 speakers and LOVED them MORE. I finally just this week got the big boys - the Radia 520's and LOVE them. The 520's need a ton of power to sound good and a receiver won't do these justice or even close. They are also for bigger rooms. I recommend the Z7 speakers for receiver use and regular rooms. I actually have a pair of lightly used Z7's that are mint and I don't need them anymore since I got my Z7's. I will be listing them on ebay soon. BG also makes a new model called the Z92 speakers though they are also pretty expensive. The 520's sound fuller than the Z7's but at 6X the price they aren't 6X as full or even close. Most bang for your buck would be the Z7. Z92 seems expensive for not much improvement on specs. Thats my $0.02.

Almost a year late .

SheepStar

 

[navchak]

Upgrade from X3 to Z7

OK, 4 years later, here is question since I am not able to send a PM to tedhontz and BG owners are far and few in between.

I have a pair of BG 420s from 2001 or so and love them. I also got a pair of X3 (and X1s) about 8 years ago. I use the X1s as surrounds for the 420s along with a 220. I use the X3s in my home office.

Wondering whether an upgrade to the Z7 from the X3s would be worth it.

Thanks....