Amplifier matching with omega super Alnico Monitors.

Hi Rich, thanks for the reply....... I haven't spoke to Louis yet. The speakers are still shipping to me at the moment from the Omega dealer here. I listened to them in the store with the small Leben integrated. They sounded good like that. I suppose if the 518 sounds great with them, I could always leave that in place, and buy a 219ia for the orangutans. I do Like the 518 with the orangs though, so maybe the 210ia for the Omegas. ?? The line magnetic amps are exceptional value for money in my opinion. But I am open to other interesting ideas. 

Myron.

Hi Mark. I always fancied the Frankensteins but I never got the chance to hear them here. I was looking for some 300bs to go with my tannoy westminsters a few years back. I never managed to get any 300bs to work well with the Tannoys. The more current the better was my finding with the tannoys.....It's good to know that the SAMs are worthy of exceptional amplification. The SAMs will be a second system for me, playing in the house during the day. But they will be placed on a credenza (not ideal I know) so a bit more of a minimal system rather than monos.  I'll be using a Mac mini as a music sever into a line magnetic 515cd/dac. Have you ever tried the SAMs with as little as 2 watts ?? I used to own a 45 based set. It was incredible tonally. I'm really going to be playing acoustic, folk, jazz. Nothing too trying. It'll be interesting to get the SAMs into the barn ( when it's finished ) and see how they do in a more purpose built environment with some space around them.

thanks for your reply. :).

That's a good point. The S500 would be very maintenance free for all day use. I see they have an ex dem one for 1500 on there website. I've always been very sceptical of digital amplifiers. I've only ever heard some driving b&w 802s. Not my idea of fun. But I guess things have moved on in the last 10 years though. Definitely an interesting way to go. 

Hi smrex. I think there are many different single driver designs, which will include some huge folded horn design that will provide full range. However these were fully intended to be a compromise for a smallish lounge system. However it’s fair to say they are very good in areas I thought they’d be limited. They don’t go as low as my orangutans or have the silky smoothness up top either. But as a system for relaxing of an evening too. I don’t think I could have done any better. For what I wanted. The Sound field is great. Big, open, free of the speakers. When I’m listening Im not aware of any deficiencies. They are interesting, quite large and very enjoyable. I think I’m going to enjoy them a lot.

If you have anything specific you’d like me to comment on, just let me know.

thanks for your interest.

Myron.

Hi guys, I can see both your points of view. 250 does seem over the top, but if they work well at initial few watts and sound good then $1500 is a bargain and they would run economically and cool all day. That said if I were going for one of Nelsons creations, I'd love to try the XA30.8 on both the omegas and the orangutangs. I read very good things about it. 

Ive got my SAMs in. I'm running the LM518ia, LM515cd as a dac with MacBook Pro Spotify. Auditorium cables.....So Nothing fancy. 

I must say that I am pleasantly surprised by how good these speakers are. Considering they are just plonked on a sideboard they sound fantastic and are doing exactly what I hoped they would. I'm listening to Leonard Cohens album, you want it Darker. It sounds fabulous. I'm not feeling the need for a sub at this point and the top end is all there. At least I'm not hankering for any more top end. presentation is very open and free of the speakers just as i was hoping for.

Mid range is great, ( but the amp excels at that ) Cohen voice is palpable, deep and gravelly, lovely. Moved onto "new skin for the old ceremony" now. Still very good.....I think it could be a late night tonight. Might even open a bottle of wine 

Dont think I could have asked for any more at the price. I'm very happy. I'll post back different findings with different equipment as I go. Please feel free to ask questions and continue to post suggestions. 

thanks for all your input so far.

Myron.

I just swapped a couple of messages with Louis (the designer). He said that the LM518ia was a great match with the SAMs. Which is nice.

Hi all, I think stfoth has things about right. What he suggests rings true for the SAMs as well. They are very nimble speakers. I suppose they are suited to less complex music in the way described above. Solo instruments sound fantastic, tone , leading edges, harmonics.... It's all there. 

Also please be aware that I've only got 10hours or so on them and that the speakers are just placed on a sideboard about 6 inches out from the wall. So I'm sure those hemp cones will break in given time and that they would sound much better on the Skylan stands with a bit of room around them. 

Thanks Rich, I'm still unsure as to my systems evolution yet. I am intrigued by Marks suggestion of the class d red dragon s500, as I've never heard any digital amps I liked. And he's talking about them in the same breath as the 300b Frankensteins , so they must be good. That does interest me. On the other hand I could keep the 518ia with the SAMs and buy something more interesting to go with the devores when I've completed renovations which won't be until March next year I'm guessing. Hmmmm. Think I'll enjoy the Omegas with 518 for now and if I continue to think they sound great, I'll buy something for the other system. Of course if a cheap s500 appears here , then curiosity could get the better of me :-). Thanks for all your thought. If you have any more interesting ideas..... keep them coming. 

Thanks again.

Myron.