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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
leahy's avatar
leahy
80 posts
 
With the right amp, Horn Shoppes can do justice to AC/DC, in-the-room acoustic bass, and a pretty good job with orchestral music. They just have to be played loudly to get a really full sound. That was my only issue.

Cain Abbys are excellent, and I can get better bass at low levels, but they won't rock like the Horn Shoppe Horns. I have not had the good fortune to hear the Omega line.

My compromise has been a few Triangle speakers. I have owned the Titus, Zerius, and currently own the Altea ESW. These are very dynamic and offer a lot of emotional connection with the music. A used pair of Zerius could be a great bargain at around $400-500.

Red Wine Audio and some nice EL84 vintage amps have been a great match with all of the above speakers.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
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
mapleseed
1 posts
 
I own a pair of Omega Super 3 Bipoles and they do a good job with orchestral music. The Bipoles do not have a crossover but have two Fostex 4 1/2 inch drivers opposing each other contained within a single enclosure but each driver has its own sound box. It is almost like having two regular Super 3`s back to back. The bass output is substantial but you won't get the visceral impact of a large driver. The bipole configuration does create a very large sound stage. Go to the Audio Circle forum for a detailed discussion of Omegas.
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