@vinnydabully
Not really sure why we refer to some form of Ribbons as not true ribbons, whether its an open (dipole)design or backed (which causes cancellation) or a folded ribbon (AMT), it seems to me that it is still a ribbon. As far as strengths and weaknesses, I believe that many have been addressed. One which can be both is speed. Ribbons are fast, There have been several companies that produced ribbon speakers that when used with a tradional cone woofer, mid woofer or sub, had issues with the speed of the ribbon matching the speed of the cone driver. Next, it was mentioned that a ribbon without some sort of transformer was a problem. The amplifier sees the ribbon with such a low resistance that it is basically an open load and will cause most amplifiers to have a real fit. Never hook a ribbon driver to an amplifer without a crossover in front of it. Directivity is effected by ribbon length, so combining directivity with panels that are dipoles, it is not always easy to get optimum set up in many rooms. Ribbons done right can be a revealing experience. I do recommend everyone to sit in front of some very good ribbons at some time in their audiophile walk. They are not for everyone, but when done right and well set up, they can be a great experience.
I hope this helps,
Tim
Not really sure why we refer to some form of Ribbons as not true ribbons, whether its an open (dipole)design or backed (which causes cancellation) or a folded ribbon (AMT), it seems to me that it is still a ribbon. As far as strengths and weaknesses, I believe that many have been addressed. One which can be both is speed. Ribbons are fast, There have been several companies that produced ribbon speakers that when used with a tradional cone woofer, mid woofer or sub, had issues with the speed of the ribbon matching the speed of the cone driver. Next, it was mentioned that a ribbon without some sort of transformer was a problem. The amplifier sees the ribbon with such a low resistance that it is basically an open load and will cause most amplifiers to have a real fit. Never hook a ribbon driver to an amplifer without a crossover in front of it. Directivity is effected by ribbon length, so combining directivity with panels that are dipoles, it is not always easy to get optimum set up in many rooms. Ribbons done right can be a revealing experience. I do recommend everyone to sit in front of some very good ribbons at some time in their audiophile walk. They are not for everyone, but when done right and well set up, they can be a great experience.
I hope this helps,
Tim