Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: VMPS 626R Speakers by jonbee

Model:	626R
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1600
Description:	Stand Mounted Hybrid Ribbon Monitor
Manufacturer URL:	VMPS
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee ( A ) on July 08, 2002 at 14:52:05
IP Address: 12.228.10.1

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for the 626R

This is a review of the basic speaker, with soundcoat on the cabinet interiors, and biwired. This is a factory built pair, used only a foot from the rear wall due to spousal restrictions.
The most salient qualities of this speaker are extremely low coloration, lightning-fast response, amazing transparency, coupled with well integrated, powerful and dynamic bass to below 40 hz. Unlike every other planar/cone hybrid I've heard, there is no discontinuity from the ribbons to the 7" cone woofer. The detail and openness you hear at 500 hz. is present at 80 hz. The lack of boxy coloration in the midbass and lower mids is one of the most amazing features of these altogether remarkable speakers. I can truthfully say that those who love the detail, depth, soundstaging and lack of boxy coloration that the best full-range planars offer will find those attributes here. The speakers will play as loudly as I care to listen w/o distortion, but large rooms/headbangers/bass freaks should look at one of the larger VMPS ribbon monitors. There is one area of coloration which was problematical in my room. There is a rise in output of several db. from 5 khz to about 10 khz, on axis. This is very audible to me on axis, and easily measurable with my RS meter. It made strings too steely, and exaggerated sibilance. I found using an exaggerated toe-in (25-30 degrees) largely eliminated this. I have read elesewhere others have found this toe-in beneficial on several models of the VMPS ribbons; the RM series all use the same mids and tweets.
Those familiar with the sound of planars will recognize that the lack of coloration can make lower mids and bass sound a bit light compared to the boxy competition, and these are no exception, but they have an impact in the lower ranges that few planars can match.
Some listeners will find them too analytical; they are highly accurate, and leave no place for distortions or recording anomalies to hide. The differences in recording qualities is more clearly audible with these than any other speaker I have heard.
Compared to my Revel M20s, the 626 has more open and clearly detailed lower mids and midbass. This opens up the soundstage, but also means the 626 sounds like it has a bit less body. The Revel is extremely flat in response, and doesn't require the exaggerated toe-in to sound balanced in the highs. I'm keeping the M20s in another system because they are so enjoyable, but it's pretty clear to me and my wife rhat the 626 R is the more accurate reproducer from top to bottom. The 626 R is airier, and the instruments are spread over a much larger soundstage.
There are continuously-variable adjustments for mid and tweet levels. This means a lot of very fine adjustments to get the best balance. The larger VMPS speakers also have adjustable bass tuning. It is quite easy to get very badly unbalanced sound, but when it's right it's magic.
The black lacquer cabinets had a number of flaws in them; I am returning them to get upgraded caps in the xover and new cabs. They are also available as a kit for a $300/pair discount. I purchased mine through Jim Romeyn at www.ribbonspeakers.net . His prices are very good, his service very commendable, and he has advice on some low-cost tweaks which he claims will enhance them further.
I will post a follow-up when the new speakers arrive, are tweaked fully, and broken in.
In summary, I feel these speakers are a breakthrough. By using a version of the Monsoon midrange "ribbon" and a modified Asian "ribbon" tweeter, along with his considerable woofer and x-over skills, Brian Cheney has done me (and others(?)) a great service. They offer an accuracy fully competitive with the very best I have heard at a (small!) fraction of the price. The imperfections are small and correctable, while the strengths are very impressive. Others will doubtless conclude otherwise (and equally correctly!), but I think these and the other RM models are must-hear designs. Good listening!

Product Weakness: No low bass, on-axis mid-treble emphasis, poor vertical dispersion. Several finish flaws on cabinets.
Product Strengths: Fast, fast, fast... very large soundstage, great top to bottom integration, super dynamics and impact

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bel Canto EVO 200.2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	CJ PFR
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony 7000 as transport, Genesis time lens,Sony 333 SACD,MSB Gold DAC
Speakers:	VMPS 626R, Revel M20
Cables/Interconnects:	Mapleshade Golden Helix,Goertz MI2 and TQ I/Cs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	lots
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 18 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Lots of glass, a bit bright overall
Time Period/Length of Audition:	10 days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster Cable 2000(front end only)
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No low bass, on-axis mid-treble emphasis, poor vertical dispersion. Several finish flaws on cabinets.
Product Strengths:	Fast, fast, fast... very large soundstage, great top to bottom integration, super dynamics and impact