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Bruce Thigpen and ET have a new LFT speaker, version 9, which replaces version 8. The new speaker was shown at Winter CES, and is now shipping. It has a new neodymium tweeter, replacing the ceramic magnet versions used in older LFTs. Price has gone up for the first time in 15 years, by $300 per pair, to $1995 without the optional Sound Anchor stands. Still a bargain.
We have a pair coming soon; will report on sound in the next week or so.
Follow Ups:
I have ordered the 8b's and still waiting for them to arrival. Bruce told me it would take 4 up to 6 weeks . I am looking for a mid-price amp and the Sunfire and the 7 Bsst come to mind. My pre-amp is the Bryston BP26. Anyone uses the Sunfire with the 8b's ?
Sounds to me like there is not much difference in sound between the old and new. I wonder if it is just a way to finnaly increase the price of the LFT8's? A price increase with out a "model change" would be hard to sell. Hence the "New" LFT8B with better tweeter. It seems that the only physical difference is the magnet material, magnet layout, and the way the ribbon is mounted. The tweeter now goes up to 50khz or so instead of the 35khz or so of the old. I deffinently think that Bruce should and has the right to increase the price of a great speaker and/or great bargin. Sounds like he found a smart way to make the long over due increase. There may be a slight different sound, but not neccesarily any better.
When you actually compare it and "hear" it...I could take some of your comments a bit more serious.The problem I have is...the tweeter sounds so good as it is already. I modified my tweeter section with Cardas Caps which wasnt a $400 upgrade(more like $150)and it is a better sounding tweeter now.
And talking to Bruce...he really seems to like this new tweeter. As he should :)
I agree, I need and want to hear the new tweeters. I have had LFT 8 and now have the LFT8A's. I also like the A's tweeters alot. My guessing on the sound of the new tweeters is based on conversations with Bruce on how they are made and the difference in sound. Both tweeters have high extension above the "audioable" level, so I do not think that should matter so much. Based on the different magnets and mounting of the same ribbon they could be and probably is a different sound to the upper freq.. It still makes sense to me that this is good way to have a model change and get a well deserved price increase on an already great high end bargin. I like to save money as well as the next guy, but mfg. like Eminent Tech deserve to make a profit also.
the current "A" tweeters go up to around 50K anyway, or so I was told in a conversation I had with Bruce(a while back) re my concerns about using my Sony SCD-1 in its high frequency "custom" setting mode(which increases the freq on SACD playback to 50K) vs. the "standard" mode(20K), as the Sony manual warned against possible tweeter damage because of the extended freq beyond normal levels.
I didn't want to risk frying my 8A's tweeters, especially if they wouldn't benefit anyway, because of the tweeters limited response to 35K (as published in the ET manual); to which Bruce revealed the above mentioned freq number and told me I had nothing to worry about.So I don't think freq extension will play a big roll in the new "B" version but that doesn't mean it won't sound better. As I plan to put myself on the buy list as well! ;)
Maybe my Dog will only notice the difference? LOL j/k Bruce
I wonder how two pair of them will work with my LFT-VI's!
$800 worth of tweeter upgrade....Hmmm, I'd be thinking of selling those 6s on Audiogon; just let me know before you do....:)
Well... I haven't had the change to compare my 6's to my 8's yet, but I suspect I'll prefer the 6's... and they retailed for over 2x the then-price of the 8's, so 2x for the tweeter upgrade would not be out-of-line.In any case, if I decide to go for it, I'll buy one set 1st and try in the 8's and see how I like them. If good, then I can consider a 2nd set of the tweeters to upgrade my 6's.
Greg in Mississippi (usetabe Minneapolis)
P.S. Of course, none of this is happening soon... I have a house to buy first!
I have a brand new set(Less than 3 months old, less than 50 hours playing time). I have these listed in the classified section. I will try to make some one a good enough deal that by adding the adding the new tweters they will still be cheaper thand buying a new pair from a dealer. The still retain what is left of the three year warranty.
there $1899
As posted on his site:
3/17/07Eminent Technology is now offering a tweeter update for all versions of the LFT-8 series loudspeaker.
With the addition of the new tweeter, the LFT-8 is now designated the LFT-8b. Any previous LFT-8 can be updated to the “b” production version by the additon of the new tweeter.
The new tweeter incorporates neodimium magnets and extends the frequency response of the LFT-8 to 50Khz.
The tweeter upgrade includes three level settings and does not require removal of the woofer or any internal changes to the LFT-8's crossover. No soldering is required. The price of the upgrade is $399.00 which includes the tweeter, wiring and level module. Contact Eminent Technology for further information.
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I'd like to hear some feedback myself before a purchase.Though I can not help but think if Bruce is offering it, it will be well worth the $399. Add the fact that it just pops right in w/o any hassle is even better.
I remember when he updated to the new woofers, they made a huge difference in keeping the bottom end from "bottoming out", though I believe it didn't cost as much, plus I think he wanted the old ones returned if I'm not mistaken. No mention on the site of returning the old tweeters.
Well..I did talk to Bruce and as you would expect...he perfers the new tweeter. Can't blame for saying that...LOL. So far the only benefit on paper is greater extension...maybe better in other areas? If you dont like it.. you can return it for full refund. I hope I do like it..cause I dont want to resolder the old one back > <
And are you really running your 8's with a Melody SP7 EL34 based (Class AB) Stereo Integrated Amplifier @ 45 watt per channel?
Yes and YES!!!!!!!!!! :).. SOunds incredible to...and have compared it to many systems that far exceed it in price and just laugh at how good I got it.
Oh man...I am soooo jealous, can't wait to hear your report!!Did Brude explain to you how it wires up into the speaker w/o being soldered?
The new black cable goes where the old one goes (Low, Mid and High) < The old white cable is ground and is snipped off where it is soldered originally (midrange panel). The new white cable has a spade and is piggybacked on to the white cable that is set to ground on the bass module.OR!!! possible better results you can remove the solder from the midrange panel and snip off the spade from the new cable, to solder it on instead off piggybacking...but only if you KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING!!!!!!!!! How much better will it sound soldered?...Not sure.
Now sound quality from Bruce's view...less peaky/flatter response, smoother,overall better.
Click on this link for a visual
good info & thank you.I went to the web site earlier and pulled up the page, but it didn't explain the connection process, though it looked pretty self explanatory. I guess I just wanted to save Bruce another phone call, unfortunately he always seems so busy when I call.
Well, I guess it's up to you to give one of the first field reviews of the new and improved ET tweeter. Can't wait!!
BTW, still have a hard time believing 45w(and yes I know tube) can drive the 8s, but hey if it's working...who am I to doubt a fine fellow ET inmate. ;)
I kinda just do get it really...why so many people think power is an issue with the ET's. I have discuss this in depth with Bruce actually.They are a friendly 8 ohm load...yes they are 83 db. So what? It's not like there Apogee's..or even Maggies for that matter. Apogee's/Maggies like Watts..ET's Like VOLTS! As in Tube amperage... Heck I bet I would be happy with a 12 watt amp with my ET's
I can't even go passed 10 o'clock with my dinky 45 watter before it becomes too loud for me. I guess I am lucky I don't need ear blistering levels? It's actually bad for your hearing..so they say.
This week I am biamping, but in the last few months I have been using a 50 watt Class A amp with great results.It will be nice to hear your thoughts on the new Tweeters. 50kz, that's pretty high. Higher than the Maggie ribbons i think, maybe shouldn't say that to LOUD!!
At least, not higher than the full-length ones. Those are rated out to 50KHz as well. At least so a reliable bat told me.
Still, $399 for an upgrade of a tweeter like this seems like quite a good deal. I think I might need to get myself up to Boulder (Colorado) one of these days and check these out.
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