Info on Aperion Audio Planar-Ribbon Super Tweeter

[Frank Sol]

Any 1st hand experience with these

Good , bad or indifference ?


https://www.aperionaudio.com/products/aperionaudio-planar-magnetic-ribbon-super-tweeter-speaker


Thanks

 

[goodolpg]

Is it a planar magnetic or is it a ribbon?

 

[Frank Sol]

It claims to be:

High-Fidelity Planar-Magnetic Flat Ribbon Tweeter

Specs:

Planar-magnetic "Flat Ribbon" Tweeter

 

[Frank Sol]

FWIW

From our friends over at SH

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/how-i-transformed-my-home-listening-experience.840863/

 

[goodolpg]

It claims to be:

High-Fidelity Planar-Magnetic Flat Ribbon Tweeter

Specs:

Planar-magnetic "Flat Ribbon" Tweeter

Again, that's why I asked.
Is there a combination/hybrid type of planar/ribbon driver? Maybe the so called "quasi-ribbon"?
Infinity EMIT's are planar (magnetic) types but they are not claimed to be "ribbons".

Not trying to cause a fight, I'm trying to learn.
Googling shows a lot of confusion as well.
Thought maybe I had some answers when I found a PS Audio youtube video about planar/electrostatic/ribbon types, but he mentions ribbons early without going into details, then it's about the electrostatic/planar comparison after that.

 

[jazzmans]

FWIW

From our friends over at SH

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/how-i-transformed-my-home-listening-experience.840863/

They look fantastic, and the price is exceedingly reasonable, Hell, a pair of the Dayton planar tweeters that bob carver designed cost 130 a pair, and that's without any enclosure, or adjustable crossover, so I say, go for it. What do you have to lose?

I'm going go go on a limb here and say they're a magnetic planar tweeter, rather then a true ribbon. They look much like the B&G or aforesaid dayton Planars, and are too wide to be a true ribbon.

 

[goodolpg]

I don't mind too much when the "unwashed masses" use incorrect terminology. . Calling a 3" computer driver a "subwoofer/sub" for example.
Upsets me a bit when manufacturers do as they should know better. Audio puffery or deceptive marketing pitches? I'd like to believe a manufacturer actually knows what type of product they are making and selling.
So far I have not found a definitive answer as to whether planar magnetic ribbons is a true type and that's why I'm asking.
Maybe it's not an either/or and there truly is a hybrid type.


Hmmmm. as I just mentioned to another poster on another topic, maybe I'm over thinking this.

 

[jazzmans]

I don't mind too much when the "unwashed masses" use incorrect terminology. . Calling a 3" computer driver a "subwoofer/sub" for example.
Upsets me a bit when manufacturers do as they should know better. Audio puffery or deceptive marketing pitches? I'd like to believe a manufacturer actually knows what type of product they are making and selling.
So far I have not found a definitive answer as to whether planar magnetic ribbons is a true type and that's why I'm asking.
Maybe it's not an either/or and there truly is a hybrid type.


Hmmmm. as I just mentioned to another poster on another topic, maybe I'm over thinking this.

There is no hybrid, if anything the magnetic planar QR is a hybrid of a true ribbon.

a true ribbon is the transducer only, suspended between magnetic poles, period. Magnepan makes one, and has the patent on it. They clearly deliniate with the term Quasi-Ribbon their magnetic-planar drivers.

Many, many manufactures call magnetic-planar tweeters ribbons.

 

[goodolpg]

I did see the Magnepan terminology on their page while Googling earlier, and how they use the term "true ribbon" for one of their drivers.

 

[Frank Sol]

Not trying to cause a fight

Did not think you were

I'm trying to learn.

Me too

 

[mhardy6647]

looks to me like the diaphragm may be pleated (??), a la the "air motion transformer" which has recently regained a fair amount of popularity.

compared to, e.g.,

 

[NH-MAN]

looks to me like the diaphragm may be pleated (??), a la the "air motion transformer" which has recently regained a fair amount of popularity.

compared to, e.g.,

[/QUOT

Looks flat to me.

 

[goodolpg]

Looks flat to me as well. That would make me think planar.
The 2nd picture does look pleated.

 

[SB12345]

Aperion Audio makes both a Planar Ribbon super tweeter (($299pr) and a true Ribbon super tweeter ($599pr).

I'd like to know which to buy, as I have no experience with either. I've been searching the 'net but have yet to find the info that I'm looking for. I know that the Planar-Ribbon unit is supposed to be compatible with main speakers rated at 85dB-93dB while the True Ribbon model likes mains rated at 85dB-95dB and is slightly larger and a bit heaver. My mains are rated at 95dB, but as most everyone knows that figure is probably optimistic.

Right now I'm waiting for more info so I can decide. I think they offer a 60-day free return with shipping paid both ways, but I'd like to avoid the return routine if at all possible.

 

[goodolpg]

That planar ribbon is the one posted above, the first image in mhardy post #11.
Sure looks like a planar NOT RIBBON to me. Sure would like to know if there is a true planar ribbon driver.

 

[StimpyWan]

I've seen add on super tweeters from Ali Express. Most look like AMT based tweeters, instead of planar magnetic or ribbon. They don't seem to have variable crossovers, just a fixed 8K point. But, they do have variable gain. Good prices too (none mine). While I've never purchased through Ali Express, I believe they are considered the Asian version of Amazon.

Ribbon Tweeters

 

[JoeESP9]

It's easy:
If the driver appears to be pleated, it's most likely a Heil type. The original patent ran out and now everybody and their brother is making them.

All planar speakers have at least one sheet of magnets. Eminent Technology and upper range Magnepans use two magnetic sheets (front and back). All planars have either wires or a metallic ribbon attached to a plastic diaphragm.

True ribbons have a 100% metal diaphragm. Usually its crinkled to a sawtooth pattern. The diaphragm is flanked by magnets. Just about all true ribbons are quite narrow. One of the best examples is the Magnepan True Ribbon.

I

 

[bimasta]

Those aren't pleats, they're metal strips. You can clearly see they're flat on a Mylar or other membrane.

 

[tubed]

Magnetic planar tweeter
ribbon trace on mylar

ribbon tweeter w/suspended foil

 

[bimasta]

The question is about the Aperion product, not What is a true ribbon and What isn't? I'm very tempted to get the Aperions: at that price, with those great features, and in that beautiful box, it's a steal. I've seen no bad reviews; it lives up to its claims.

Do I need a super-tweeter? At my age, with my ears stopping at 9 or 10Hz, theoretically I couldn't even hear it. Yet I do. I connected a JBL 077 to supplement a JBL LE-85 horn and it made all the difference in the world. I heard its higher frequencies and it enhanced the Midrange in ways I can't describe without using the word "magic" — and the LE-85 can extend up to 15KHz.

I've no doubt the Aperion will do the same. And I can return it if it doesn't, or I just change my mind.