can omega super3 reproduce orchestral experience?


wondering if and how the small fostex driver will be able to reproduce the slam of a live orchestral cresendo. friend is looking into a pair of speakers for less than 600 bucks. using mediocre tube integrated 40wpc EL22's, 14x17 room and does no want to have to use a sub. HT use is not a priority. We heard lots about the omegas and there is a pair used right now for under 600. Any thoughts would be appreciated. we have considered quad 12L's, vsa vr-1's, totem rainmakers, ohm mini floorstanders, decware mg944's, hornshoppe speakers and many more. The sound he wants is big soundstage, space between instruments, smooth trebles, neutral, and an ability to SLAM when called upon. Any ideas? omega's fit the bill?
fickle75

Showing 2 responses by jax2

Not a chance. Speakers that small, single driver or not, just can't possibly move the volume of air to produce the illusion of some kind of 'SLAM' much less the impact of a live orchestra. That's not to say they'll not be fun to listen to, and do a fine job at reproducing a recording, but I don't think it's going in the right direction if your friend is looking for "SLAM". A good set of floorstanders might serve him much better. A 40wpc tube amp is going to need a pretty efficient speaker to produce a sense of "SLAM". I've recommended them before, and will again: Soliloquy 5.3's if you don't mind that the company is no longer in business. Used prices have been a bargain lately because of that. They are efficient enough (92db) and capable of some serious low end in room of that size. If you hold out long enough you may be able ot find a pair for $600-700. All the qualities he wants would be there, though I don't really recall being wowed nor disgruntled by the treble so don't know about that one. Images great...smooth, natural,yeah, certainly. Great all around speaker and very tube-friendly.

Good luck.

Marco

With the right amp, Horn Shoppes can do justice to AC/DC, in-the-room acoustic bass,

I think if this person is looking for "SLAM" no single-driver speaker is going to provide it. The Horn Shoppe horn goes down to only 70hz which is not even beginning to sink into the bass region. Even stuffed into two corners of the ideal room you are not going to make that bass go that much lower. I'm not dissing those speakers, they just aren't goint to give you low, impactful bass.

On the other hand, If your friend does decide to try any of these single driver options, he should consider buying them here (most mentioned on this thread are available at the bottom of this page) as his money will go to a good cause. There are many other nice alternatives available there as well.

Marco