I just received a pair of brand new Heil AMT-1 from ESS Labs, but on one of them, I noticed a strange defect(?). It appears almost as if somebody marked an "X" with sharpie/marker on the flat diaphragm before it was folded. I'm sure it functions fine but a bit concerned about resale value. So far no reply to my email and no answer on the phone. Anyone else ever see this sort of thing?
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You're worried about Magic Marker on the pleat material--and you're calling that a "defect"? For your "investment", I simply wouldn't worry about that. I certainly wouldn't call it a "defect".
I would be a lot more worried about the longevity of the diaphragm. You can test it by running it at 100 dB (pink noise)/1m for 10-15 minutes. If it survives that, you're probably good to go for 50+ years.
You can read about this in this thread:
Double Stack ESS AMT-1 with Wings--Possible Kit for Heritage
I have a total of six AMT-1 drivers, four of which I use in my surround loudspeakers, and two of which I haven't used yet that are in cool/dry storage--acquired on or before January 2020. I don't plan on letting any of them go.
Chris
I would be a lot more worried about the longevity of the diaphragm. You can test it by running it at 100 dB (pink noise)/1m for 10-15 minutes. If it survives that, you're probably good to go for 50+ years.
You can read about this in this thread:
Double Stack ESS AMT-1 with Wings--Possible Kit for Heritage
I have a total of six AMT-1 drivers, four of which I use in my surround loudspeakers, and two of which I haven't used yet that are in cool/dry storage--acquired on or before January 2020. I don't plan on letting any of them go.
Chris
Whatever this X mark is, ESS emailed me back to approve an exchange for new AMT. I wasn't worried it would affect its sound, just that if I try to sell it later, potential buyers may not like the "X." BTW, I decided to order another pair to stack 👍
This thing is 14.5 Lb each, MUCH heavier than I expected and will need some sturdy base/mount strategy.
This thing is 14.5 Lb each, MUCH heavier than I expected and will need some sturdy base/mount strategy.
Love those custom stands, but (for whatever Youtube SQ is worth) that setup does sound like lower midrange is too lean..
Yeah not sure about the actual application in this case, but gave me an idea about mounting mine. I'm adding them to some OB baffles, on top with some tilt, and wondering if they will be effected by the vibration of the baffle. I could do something similar to this, behind the baffles.
@johnvb This company makes OB mounting plates...
https://pureaudioproject.com/product/heil-ess-amt-mounting-plate/
I don't see them in their shop section. I'm sure they're way overpriced for what they are though.
https://pureaudioproject.com/product/heil-ess-amt-mounting-plate/
I don't see them in their shop section. I'm sure they're way overpriced for what they are though.
I actually sent PAP an email regarding those a few days ago...no reply yet. Their OB using the AMT is their newest model (according to the site), and the wording on the page you linked gives me the impression that they are available to the pubic (non-PAP owners).
Maybe next week I will try phoning the US distributor.
Maybe next week I will try phoning the US distributor.
I happy to report on ESS Lab's excellent customer service. I was able to send the "defective" AMT and receive a replacement within days and start my project!
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...e-ess-heil-amt-reissue-tweeters.413303/page-2
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...e-ess-heil-amt-reissue-tweeters.413303/page-2
If that really is just magic marker, then there's no problem beyond an aesthetic one.