Unsound, a quasi ribbon is a ribbon that is attached to a mylar backing. A true ribbon is just the foil, without a backing. A planar dynamic is wire attached to a mylar backing. Early Maggies were all planar dynamic. Then they went to a true ribbon tweeter on the most expensive models -- that's indicated with a /R. Then a quasi ribbon tweeter on the less expensive models, that's a /QR, and also quasi ribbon midranges on the more expensive /R models. But they were all still planar dynamic (wire) in the bass. Now they're going to quasi ribbon in the bass, too. So either you have all quasi ribbon models like the 1.7, which is a three-way with a quasi ribbon woofer, tweeter, and supertweeter, or on the higher end models a true ribbon on the tweeter and a quasi ribbon on the midrange and woofer, like the 3.7 (at least, that's what everyone assumes, I haven't seen specs yet). |
Sthomas, they don't normally delaminate for many years, if ever (they don't like moist and damp). Most of the stories of delamination are from people who are buying and refurbishing very old ones. Old dynamic speakers require repair work too, generally it's the woofer surround that goes. And if they do need work, the repair is fairly easy, you can do it yourself or send them off to Magnepan. Most other speakers of the same vintage can't even be easily repaired, because the manufacturer is out of business or no longer supports them. |
qOUTE:
01-07-11: Chadeffect
James63,
they fixed that delamination issue with a new 3m glue about 10 years ago. In the market for one now?
Not true at all. I have owned many later (even 2006 and newer) models, and they still have this issue. I dont think many people even realize it. I have personally caught two pairs of Magnepans making noises that the owner never even picked up on. The issue is still alive and well.
We will find out about the 1.7's, and 3.7's....but if they are just glued on...there will always be some cases of delam. They need to find a way to get them bonded(melted or between two layers) into the Mylar IMO. But I dont understand the physics, or "engineering" of this. |
James,
I don't think you have ever taken a serious look at Maggies. If you had, you would know that they have been using a ribbon tweeter on their high end speakers for more than 30 years (see the MG-III, MG-IIIA, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, Tymphani, MG-20, MG-21, and MG-2.5). Similarly, the Quasi Ribbon has been a part of the Magnepan design for more than 20 years. The only change in the panel design of the newer speakers is going to the Quasi Ribbon for the midrange driver. |
My 3.6's are coming up on 11 yrs old. No delamination/no buzzes or anything funny has happened to them.
The 3.7's do have my interest. |
A quasi ribbon is something that resembles a ribbon but is not a ribbon. In essence I agree with your question W*F is that. They really owe their die hard loyal followers a better description and stop the silly marketing jargon. |
James63,
they fixed that delamination issue with a new 3m glue about 10 years ago. In the market for one now? |
I've always like the Magnepan sound, and especially the 3 series, even though it differs quite a bit from what I typically like. The idea of Magnepan going to an all ribbon(?, what the heck is a quasi-ribbon anyway?) seems like a major change and possible advancement for Magnepan. I'm curious. |
01-07-11: James63
I am not in the market for a pannel speaker.... I just like reading the news. I have heard the entire magnepan line at length. I like them but could never get over the iffy build quality. Hopfully the "ribbon" helps reduce delaminating issues (more surface area per weight to glue).
With that being said I think the 3.7s have potential
Exactly why I sold my Magnepans and lost interest. They sound incredible, but the delaminination is rediculous. I am well aware how to repair these, but I shouldnt have to. Magnepan needs to find a way to bond to the mylar. I am sure there is a much better way then glue.
I would only buy Magnepan if they could ever fix this. Just my opinion. |
I am not in the market for a pannel speaker.... I just like reading the news. I have heard the entire magnepan line at length. I like them but could never get over the iffy build quality. Hopfully the "ribbon" helps reduce delaminating issues (more surface area per weight to glue).
With that being said I think the 3.7s have potential |
The best thing to do is a search on the older model and if you like what you see, then buy one of the many pairs that will be sold for those who have to get the latest edition. The difference between them, for you who may not have heard the earlier model at length, may not be all that meaningful.
The search BTW will reveal all of the issues conerning these speakers. Examples such as how much power you need, i.e. which amps people seem to like, placement, cabling, etc |
