Ribbon Tweeters / Transformers

[RedJacket]

Some "transformer less" designs floating around...how do they achieve this? Does it have to do with the material's inherent properties, or perhaps lining up smaller micro-ribbons?

 

[theJman]

Are they actually ribbons or planars? They tend to look similar, but they're totally different. Planars don't need a transformer.

 

[RedJacket]

Are there any pure transformerless ribbon tweeters?

 

[theJman]

Are there any pure transformerless ribbon tweeters?

No, a true ribbon needs a transformer.

 

[RedJacket]

In your opinion, where do improvements in ribbon tweeters have to happen in order from them to be more widely used?

- Stronger inherent material
- Dispersion

etc?

 

[theJman]

They do seem to be a niche market product, but for what reason I can't honestly say. Of all the different tweeters types I've heard the ribbon sounds the best to my ears. It's crisp without being bright, powerful yet not sharp. I really like the detail they provide. Ironically, I'm listening to speakers with a ribbon tweeter as I type this. They're the XTZ 95.x series, which will be my next review. It's been years since I heard a ribbon, yet I'm still amazed by them every time I do.

 

[Swerd]

In your opinion, where do improvements in ribbon tweeters have to happen in order from them to be more widely used?

- Stronger inherent material
- Dispersion

I think it's only a matter of price. Better performance than most dome tweeters already exists. As manufacturing methods improve, lower priced ribbon tweeters will become available.

 

[JonnyFive23517]

Here's a ribbon dispersion pattern question. If one could have an identically performing ribbon that had a dispersion pattern of a dome, would this be a good or bad thing?

I can see limited vertical dispersion as being good in the sense it reduces floor/ceiling bounces. I could see it being bad if you're trying to do tiered theater seating.

 

[lsiberian]

Here's a ribbon dispersion pattern question. If one could have an identically performing ribbon that had a dispersion pattern of a dome, would this be a good or bad thing?

I can see limited vertical dispersion as being good in the sense it reduces floor/ceiling bounces. I could see it being bad if you're trying to do tiered theater seating.

I'd say it's not a good thing because it really drops your in room efficiency, but the horizontal off axis response is amazing. I do like the sound of ribbons.