Aurum Cantus G2Si or Fountek NeoCD3.0

[Jean]

Hi, I can't believe how many years it's been since I built my last speaker set and still been using it but would like to try something different now, using a ribbon tweeter.

I am looking for a ribbon tweeter that won't break the bank but still offer quality/detailed sound. How are these units in terms of sound quality and built quality?

Aurum Cantus G2Si
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=276-400

or Fountek NeoCD3.0
http://www.madisound.com/catalog/pro...oducts_id=1389

Basically I would like something with a round faceplate and under $100.

End result I am hoping for is a high detail 2 way speaker. I have have not narrowed down my choice of woofer(s) yet. I imagine I would want to find something with high enough sensitivity to not pad the ribbon down too much?

Possibly something like fostex FW167

http://www.madisound.com/catalog/pro...oducts_id=1267

I also looked at the usual Seas Excel line but they all have fairly low sensitivity so I am not sure yet...

Is it even possible to make a nice 2 way or would the crossover point required for the ribben be high to dictate a small(er) 3-5" midrange and in the end result in a 3 way?

Any suggestions are welcome!

I've read some good comments regarding the G2Si in this thread

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...t=#post1250454

And some bad Ribbon tweeter/mid suggestions

"Stay away from the Arum Cantus ribbons sold by PE. I returned a pair because the tested so badly. "


Thanks!

[Landroval]

The G2Si and NeoCD3.0 are much more similar than different. I have experience with both, and can't say anything bad about either. The Fountek supposedly has a slightly more robust and durable ribbon ("sandwich"-structure with some plastic in it), while the AC has a traditional and thinner ribbon.

[cotdt]

they both have poor build quality. i would go with the LCY, Raven, or a RAAL

[augerpro]

cotdt why do you think that? I thought the Fountek 3.0 I had was built well for the $89 it cost. And sounds very good if you don't cross too low.

[cotdt]

Originally posted by augerpro
cotdt why do you think that? I thought the Fountek 3.0 I had was built well for the $89 it cost. And sounds very good if you don't cross too low.

The neodymium magnets on my Fountek JP3 have a chrome layer that tends to crack and flake off over time. The mount is also made out of plastic, instead of aluminum. The ribbons are stretched a bit too tight, creating a peak at around 14kHz that goes away if you loosen the ribbons a little.

[Jean]

cotdt - any specific examples from LCY, Raven or RAAL you have in mind?

[cotdt]

Originally posted by Jean
cotdt - any specific examples from LCY, Raven or RAAL you have in mind?

LCY only makes one standard ribbon tweeter model with various size faceplates. In general the smaller ribbons are better (and cheaper) but must cross higher.

[Jean]

Did a quick search and they appear to cost 2x+ as much, so I'll just stick with the first two choices for now.

Originally posted by cotdt


LCY only makes one standard ribbon tweeter model with various size faceplates. In general the smaller ribbons are better (and cheaper) but must cross higher.

My current tweeters are scanspeak 9500s, how would the G2Si's or NeoCD3.0's compare if anybody cares to share ?

I am not looking to replace the 9500s, and I've been very happy with them for the last 4+ years but I am just looking to build something different and of course wouldn't mind if the sound is improved a notch.

[sucitta]

The JP3 is the older Fountek.

The current version has a metal face place and improved ribbon assembly.

Build quality is excellent on this tweeter, especially for $89.00.

[cotdt]

Originally posted by sucitta
The JP3 is the older Fountek.

The current version has a metal face place and improved ribbon assembly.

Build quality is excellent on this tweeter, especially for $89.00.

Thanks for the info. The newer NeoCD3 has a peaky response and a heavier ribbon element though. I'll stick to my JP3 but maybe get the new NeoCD3 face plate.