Fostex based speakers: Cain Abby or Omega Super3R

I have been using the Omega Super 3 (Narrow Cabinet - same dimensions as the standard cabinet, it is just turned sideways) for the last 7 months in 2 of my systems. To cut to the chase, it is only when the speakers had about 350 hours on them that I decided that they would be keepers. (Note: Prior to this experience, I did not buy long break-in times.)

In one system (room size 20 X 15 X 8 1/2) the Omegas were paired with a vintage (mid-70's) solid state Marantz 2240 receiver (40 wpc); a Music Hall MMF CD 25 cd player; Signal Cable Silver Resolution speaker cables and IXOS Silver Gamma interconnects. Speaker placement was on top of a bookcase about 12 inches from the rear wall. This system did not begin to sound right until I introduced the silver/copper hybrid cables.

In a second and current system (room size 15 X10 X 8.5) the Omegas are paired with a Prima Luna Prologue Two tube integrated amp (40 wpc); SONY SCD C555 ES SACD player; Signal Cable Classic Signal Wire speaker cable and IXOS Silver Gamma interconnects. Speakers are on their sides and placed inside of two bookcases about six inches from the bookcase rear wall.

The Omegas are not fussy with placement ... they will sound at least good with less than optimal placement, as I have demonstrated. The Omegas are fussy with the upstream equipment and cables that they are paired with. I find, in general, that silver hybrid cables allow for a certain amount of delicacy and improved resolution to the sound ... especially with acoustic instruments and vocals.

When compaired to other monitors that I have owned/still own (NHT SB2; EPOS 11; EPOS ESL 3; B&W 302), the Omegas are the most lively and smoothest sounding and they are very forgiving of how well a CD has been recorded. They are especially impressive with vocals and acoustic music. The Omegas are not particularly warm or rich sounding (compared to NHT's), but I am not convinced that any single driver system is.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Rich

Restock:

Actually, the Omega Super 3's started out in the wide cabinets. I had originally called Louis about the Omega 3's (his original $399 offering) last July and he had told me that he had discontinued making those and was offering the Super 3 in the narrow cabinet (which was just the squat Super 3 turned sideways). This worked out fine, because I had thought that the wide version was always too stubby looking and apparently, I was not the only one.

At the time, Louis had told me he discontinued making the original Omega 3's because they were not really designed to be a true "hifi" speaker, but rather he had originally pictured them being used with computer sound systems and HT applications. He felt that the Super 3s were better suited for the audiophile. It sounded plausible and I purchased the Omegas without having ever heard them.

If you go with the Omegas, keep in mind that they work best with tubes. They work fine with solid state amplifiers, but tubes take them to the next level sound wise ... they open up and you will appreciate their sense of rhythm and smoothness. The Omegas can also be frustrating and will leave you scratching your head questioning your purchase, until you have 200 or so hours on them. I wouldn't have believed it, until I experienced it myself.

Good luck, Rich