Jmbatkh, the early model Apogee speakers (FRP, Scintilla, Duetta, Caliper) were terribly inefficient, with sensativity in the very low 80s (at best). I have found that these speakers need amps that can deliver adequate current AND power in order to play with minimal distortion at reasonable sound levels.
Seeking thoughts on Apogee Caliber Ribbon speakers
I just obtained a pair of Apogee Caliber Ribbon loudspeakers. I was trying to find opinions and evaluations on them, but there does not seem to be much information at all on this model. I'm just curious if anyone has any information on them. Good speakers? Great speakers? Junk?
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Good advice above, I have owned Apogee speakers for years (Centaur, Centaur minor, MiniGrands, Duetta Signatures)....they all needed good amps, with lots of grunt power. I still own a pair of Duetta Signatures and a pair of Stage....although one of my Stage has the dreaded "Apogee bass panel Buzz". Good luck, Dave |
I drive my Calipers with two Adcom GFA 555 power amps (bridged mono). I figure they're providing about 800-1000 watts per side into the 2-3 ohm load with lots of current. They deliver beautifully. Of course a tube preamp helps (Audible Illusions 2b), proper speaker cables and interconnects, room size and placement and a good turntable or [sigh] a top quality CD player (if you must...) Anyone have a spare Caliper woofer ribbon? I need the right side if viewing from your listening position. My wife bumped one of the speakers with (you won't believe this) a broom handle. (Yup, she's still around...) I figured it's cheaper to keep her instead of training a new one [joking!] I gotta appreciate her. She's the one who picked the Apogees (for their sound). It still works, but when I pump up the volume I get a crackle. Any suggestions for a repair? |
Kai_s, try Rich Murry of True Sound Works in Nevada. He refurbishes Apogee using Graz's (Australian manuf of after market Apogee ribbons). http://www.truesoundworksaudio.com/ the whole process (of shipping to-fro & repair) will not be cheap - you have been warned!! ;-) |
R.I.P. They were more trouble than they were worth to me. I donated them to Habitat for Humanity. I have no idea who bought them or what they charged for them. I'm just glad they are gone. But I DO appreciate the in depth advice that I have received on them. Now, to get back to putting a new metal tread on my wagon wheels. |
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