Magneplanar ribbon repair?

Ouroboros · 21st January 2004, 09:42 AM

I have a pair of Magneplanar 2.5r speakers, with the true ribbon tweeters. One of the ribbons is OK for the top third, and the bottom third, but the middle section appears to have been dislodged from the guides. I don't know if it has stretched or not (I think not).

I hope I can simply take off the protective fabric and (with non-magnetic tools!) carefully re-position the ribbon.

I know that you can get new bare ribbons from Magnepan, but it looks a very fiddly job to replace.

Any advice gratefully received.

eRiCdWoNg · 21st January 2004, 06:43 PM

Contact magnepan, they have a "core exchange" program, its not as bad as you think. Also, there is a planar speaker asylum. Go to www.audioasylum.com and look for the planar/ribbon/electrostat forum. BTW I have MGIIIAs with the true ribbons, had to replace the tweets a few times cause of external pressure rupturing them (PA/DJ system was too loud).

cowanrg · 21st January 2004, 06:58 PM

i think there is an article here explaining how to repair it:

http://www.integracoustics.com/MUG/M...les/index.html

GRollins · 21st January 2004, 11:16 PM

No, you can't simply re-position the ribbons. The little nubs at the sides are blobs of adhesive that hold the ribbon in place.
Yes, it's a nuisance to re-ribbon a Magneplanar ribbon, but I've done it; it can be done under relatively primative conditions (i.e. a kitchen counter).
You can either send in your ribbon and get a new driver in exchange, or get a repair kit. The kit's much cheaper in the long run, but there's work involved.
N.B.: The ribbon material is very, very, very delicate. It will take patience and gentle handling to get the job done.
Good luck.

Grey

Ouroboros · 22nd January 2004, 08:39 AM

Thanks for the info. I've checked the threads on the 'planar' website and ribbon replacement does sound fiddly. I guess that's why you get the ribbons as packs of three! I don't know if the tweeter exchange option is still available.

I'm in the UK and there's no Maggie dealers over here. It looks as if I'd better give the factory a ring. There doesn't seem to be an email address for them anywhere. Hope they take Mastercard orders over the phone.

Thanks again,
Chris.

21st January 2004, 09:42 AM	#1
Ouroboros diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Nottingham UK	Magneplanar ribbon repair? I have a pair of Magneplanar 2.5r speakers, with the true ribbon tweeters. One of the ribbons is OK for the top third, and the bottom third, but the middle section appears to have been dislodged from the guides. I don't know if it has stretched or not (I think not). I hope I can simply take off the protective fabric and (with non-magnetic tools!) carefully re-position the ribbon. I know that you can get new bare ribbons from Magnepan, but it looks a very fiddly job to replace. Any advice gratefully received.

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21st January 2004, 06:43 PM	#2
eRiCdWoNg diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: maryland, USA	Contact magnepan, they have a "core exchange" program, its not as bad as you think. Also, there is a planar speaker asylum. Go to www.audioasylum.com and look for the planar/ribbon/electrostat forum. BTW I have MGIIIAs with the true ribbons, had to replace the tweets a few times cause of external pressure rupturing them (PA/DJ system was too loud).

21st January 2004, 06:58 PM	#3
cowanrg diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lafayette, CO	i think there is an article here explaining how to repair it: http://www.integracoustics.com/MUG/M...les/index.html

21st January 2004, 11:16 PM	#4
GRollins diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Columbia, SC	No, you can't simply re-position the ribbons. The little nubs at the sides are blobs of adhesive that hold the ribbon in place. Yes, it's a nuisance to re-ribbon a Magneplanar ribbon, but I've done it; it can be done under relatively primative conditions (i.e. a kitchen counter). You can either send in your ribbon and get a new driver in exchange, or get a repair kit. The kit's much cheaper in the long run, but there's work involved. N.B.: The ribbon material is very, very, very delicate. It will take patience and gentle handling to get the job done. Good luck. Grey

22nd January 2004, 08:39 AM	#5
Ouroboros diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Nottingham UK	Thanks for the info. I've checked the threads on the 'planar' website and ribbon replacement does sound fiddly. I guess that's why you get the ribbons as packs of three! I don't know if the tweeter exchange option is still available. I'm in the UK and there's no Maggie dealers over here. It looks as if I'd better give the factory a ring. There doesn't seem to be an email address for them anywhere. Hope they take Mastercard orders over the phone. Thanks again, Chris.

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