jbhiller,
In full disclosure, we manufacture our own AMT drivers and AMT based loudspeakers here in the USA. We have lots of experience with ribbon technology as well.
As you may already know the ingenious AMT drivers were invented by the late Dr. Oskar Heil.
As with most things in audio there are many solutions to most design challenges. In many cases the implementation of a technology is more influential on sound quality than which technology is used. Yes, different driver designs have different characteristics but how they are used in the overall loudspeaker design is what's important.
The AMT design is fairly versatile but is almost exclusively used for tweeters. Generally speaking, I would say that a well engineered AMT can be just as detailed and resolving as the best ribbon drivers and would describe them as "lively" or "high energy". This is one of the reasons some speaker manufacturers find it difficult to integrate them into their loudspeaker design.
We designed our AMTs to be extended range drivers. In our Apollo line the AMT array covers from 120Hz to 24KHz. IMHO, AMTs can be excellent M/T drivers. As low mid-range and upper-bass drivers they are even more excellent but they have to be designed and built for the task.
IMHO, I wouldn't get caught up in what they are made from or whether the substrate is Mylar, Kapton or cardboard. Go experience a pair. Only you know if they are right for you.
Mike
