The Last Arnie Nudell Speakers

[crazycuz2k]

Wondering what your thoughts Dave on Arnie Nudell's latest designed speakers, especially the ones PS Audio is building that he collaborated on with Paul McGowan and Bascom King. Ribbon tweeters, ribbon midrange, built in active servo-subwoofers using 12 inch drivers.

They're targeting the market segments for 5K,10K, and 20K towers. Planning on going to Axpona again this year and I hope they have a working prototype.

http://www.psaudio.com/forum/loudspeaker-forum/new-ps-audio-speakers/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa8nqlLs3wQ

Has anyone had a chance to hear his previous speakers at Infinity or Genesis?

[davef]

Wondering what your thoughts Dave on Arnie Nudell's latest designed speakers, especially the ones PS Audio is building that he collaborated on with Paul McGowan and Bascom King. Ribbon tweeters, ribbon midrange, built in active servo-subwoofers using 12 inch drivers.

They're targeting the market segments for 5K,10K, and 20K towers. Planning on going to Axpona again this year and I hope they have a working prototype.

http://www.psaudio.com/forum/loudspeaker-forum/new-ps-audio-speakers/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa8nqlLs3wQ

Has anyone had a chance to hear his previous speakers at Infinity or Genesis?

Very difficult for me to offer any thoughts on a speaker without evaluating it myself. I will say that at least with the PS audio model you linked to, they are not using ribbon tweeters -- those are AMT's which I am not much a fan of.

[Blutarsky]

My friend Arnie passed away recently. My wife and I heard the prototype speakers at his Colorado home a few times, and they are spectacular sounding and gorgeous. We also went to his funeral, and afterwards we met at his house for a farewell with these speakers playing his favorite music, with Bascom King as DJ.

Arnie was one of a kind with an incredible mind and no hesitation to give his opinions. He left a fine family.

I am no reviewer for sure, but they are one of the best best I have ever heard, especially as set up by Arnie.... This includes the IRS V, and Genesis 1.

Have no fear, a complete PS Audio system with these will be world class, at any price.

B.

[Blutarsky]

Addendum....We heard these with Arnie's ribbon tweeters installed. I don't know the final configuration.

B

[davef]

Addendum....We heard these with Arnie's ribbon tweeters installed. I don't know the final configuration.

B

Yep - I was a bit surprised to see the pics with AMT tweeters installed, considering all the technological advances Arnie and crew came up with to avoid using Heil's tweeter (AMT). The ring ribbon tweeters in the Genesis line of speakers are excellent.

I met Mr. Nudell way back in the late 80's (88 or 89) at Ken Kreisel and Jonas Miller's retail store on Wilshire. Arnie and Jonas were friends and I was working for Ken at this time -- we had a pair of Kappa 9's front and center in the main showroom connected to a McIntosh amp and pre-amp. While this wasn't my first experience with "ribbon" tweeters (I spent a lot of time with ESS AMT 1's with Heil's tweeter) - it was my first experience of what was truly possible with high end audio as the midrange was great and blended well with the planar tweeters. The ESS AMT 1's had a great high end, but the mids were lacking and the speaker lacked cohesiveness.

That was truly the golden age of audio and Mr. Nudell paved the way.

I am truly sorry for your loss and what a way to celebrate the life an industry pioneer.

[Blutarsky]

I now use Davids Ascend Speakers. More wife friendly, and lots of value.

[Blutarsky]

PS Audio debuted their new AN (Arnie Nudell) speakers at the RMAF. They will eventually release a whole line.
https://theaudiobeatnik.com/rmaf-2018-rooms-that-must-be-mentioned-part-1-ps-audio-musical-surroundings-and-triangle-arts/
Paul McGowan and Arnie Nudell were close friends and associates for years. Sad that Arnie couldn't be here for the reveal.

[davef]

PS Audio debuted their new AN (Arnie Nudell) speakers at the RMAF. They will eventually release a whole line.
https://theaudiobeatnik.com/rmaf-2018-rooms-that-must-be-mentioned-part-1-ps-audio-musical-surroundings-and-triangle-arts/
Paul McGowan and Arnie Nudell were close friends and associates for years. Sad that Arnie couldn't be here for the reveal.

Wow -- they look great. I would love to listen to these - thanks for sharing!!

[white_darren]

What are spiral ribbon tweeters?

[davef]

What are spiral ribbon tweeters?

Rather than the diaphragm being rectangular, the diaphragm is round. They are usually referred to as ring ribbon tweeters.

https://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/our-technology/genesis-ribbon-tweeter/

[SunByrne]

Rather than the diaphragm being rectangular, the diaphragm is round. They are usually referred to as ring ribbon tweeters.

https://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/our-technology/genesis-ribbon-tweeter/

For those of us not up on this, what's are the advantages of ring ribbon tweeters vs. the standard rectangular RAAL? Vertical dispersion?

[davef]

For those of us not up on this, what's are the advantages of ring ribbon tweeters vs. the standard rectangular RAAL? Vertical dispersion?

Very different designs. The ring ribbon tweeter will provide more symmetrical dispersion but this tweeter isn't a true ribbon tweeter. It is technically a planar as the voice coil is imprinted/etched onto the radiating surface, rather than the radiating surface itself being the electrical conductor as in a true ribbon tweeter.

Hard to compare the two tweeters as it is an apples to oranges type of comparison.

[SunByrne]

Very different designs. The ring ribbon tweeter will provide more symmetrical dispersion but this tweeter isn't a true ribbon tweeter. It is technically a planar as the voice coil is imprinted/etched onto the radiating surface, rather than the radiating surface itself being the electrical conductor as in a true ribbon tweeter.

Ahh, I didn't realize that. Fascinating.