Coaxial Ribbon Midrange/tweeter - Can a small midrange ribbon actually do midrange well?


Fellow Members: my apologies if you may have caught a similar discussion under Piega 511 Coax Loudspeakers. That title may not reflect the general interest I am hoping for.  

I am wondering, from a technical standpoint, how the Piega 511/711 Coax loudspeakers use a relatively small coaxial ribbon mid/ tweeter array driver to cover the entire midrange.  I always thought of smaller ribbons as excellent tweeters only.  If it does cover the entire midrange, can it move enough air to make
an impactful presentation for large orchestra or rock music, for example. Reviews praise the speaker’s agility, resolution and accuracy. It sounds like a most worthy competitor in its price range but I want a loudspeaker that can do most genres well.....not just vocals, chamber music and jazz.  Thank you in advance for your input. 
audiobrian

Showing 3 responses by audiobrian

I truly appreciate the responses so far. The Eminent Tech speakers have a much larger/longer midrange ribbon array than the Piega 511 Coax Loudspeakers. This is why I find it hard to believe this Piega coaxial driver can generate the necessary SPL for more demanding music and without distortion.
Yes, I watched a factory tour video on YouTube explaining ribbon production and cabinet construction at Piega.  The video and emails with Piega indicate the 511/711 coaxial ribbons are actually excellent planar magnetic drivers, aluminum elements printed on a stretched plastic membrane. I plan to audition early 2019. Thanks again. 

Just wanted to give feedback on my audition of Piega 711s.  They are remarkably resolving and transparent, possibly the best I’ve heard; wide sweet spot as well, characteristic of coaxial drivers. However, I felt the speakers were a bit “thin sounding” in the midrange and lower treble. I listen to a good amount of pop and rock & roll music.  When listening to Queen, Freddie’s voice lacked the “meat on the bone” I’m accustomed to.  That said, the Piegas sounded incredibly good with smooth jazz. All drivers and speakers have their own signature and strengths, very true of the Piega coaxial ribbon/planar magnetic.
I think I’d prefer losing a wee bit of resolution in exchange for a more organic/natural presentation..... however I can understand why some would take out their credit cards on the spot and why these loudspeakers were so highly praised in The Absolute Sound!  Thanks again to all respondents.