Harbeth vs JM Reynaud

Fantastic, went into it thinking of two brands, discovered something else along the way. Isn't it great when that happens...

I bet you love those Omegas, congrats!

@Ihor...the omega super alnico monitors have been on my radar for a long time. Do keep us posted on how you find them. Vocals and acoustic instrumental music in particular. Thanks.

I am approaching 50 hrs break-in on them. Even right out of the box, vocals and acoustic instruments (e.g., guitar, mandolin) sound phenomenal - having no previous experience with single full range driver speakers, I am amazed at what these speakers can do. The 'hype' folks post about what these speakers do with vocals, acoustic instrumental music, jazz combos is absolutely dead-on correct.

@Ihor...Thanks. As far as you can recall...how do the Omegas compare to the Harbeth 30.1, Compact7 and SHL5? Especially... in the areas of scale, image size (large and vivid is good), vocal density and fullness? Smooth and non etched top end would be priority too. Thanks again.

I have never heard the Omega's. I did talk to the owner of the company and he informed me they do offer a 30 day home audition. If these speakers sound as good as the Harbeths they are a steal. I believe he told me the speakers in a standard finish sell for 2000.00. The Harbeth 30.1 sell for 5695.00 in the states.

Pc123v: I only was able to audition the 30.1s at home. Compared with the Omegas, they are pretty similar in imaging (both very very good), vocals were also very good and similar with both. The Omegas might be a bit clearer in the vocals/enunciation (better definition/clarity?). Two differences right now (I am still breaking in the Omegas). 1st, even though the Omegas have a much higher efficiency and folks drive them with <10 watt SET amps, with my amp I do have to turn up the volume much more with the Omegas than I recall having to do so with the 30.1s to get a really full sound. One poster on a different forum this might be an issue with a ss amp. 2nd, while things have been improving as break-in proceeds some aspects of the top end are bothering me (but not others in my family?!). When it comes to a snare, cymbals, a high hat, or brushes, things sound thin and almost strident. In contrast, acoustic guitar, mandolin, and banjo sound fantastic. I contacted Louis (owner/designer/builder) at Omega and he said they still need more break in. They do sound better in this area then they did a few days ago, so I am hoping this continues to improve. If I was coming from a different speaker background (Spendor BC-1 and s5e), and not having home auditioned the 30.1s, I probably would not notice the top end as much as apparently only I am doing, and would be completely satisfied at this point in the auditioning.

Taters: This is exactly why I posted my question in the first place. I don't have deep pockets, this is a family-approved 60th birthday present, and will likely be the last speaker purchase for me. So I want to be as completely satisfied as possible with my selection. That said, $5.7K vs $2K is a big deal and not one to be glossed over.

While some posters on other forums have mentioned the potential for getting a different amp (SET) to get the best out of the Omegas, this is not an option for me. Not that I can't do so, but I don't want to. I got great sound with the 30.1 with my current system, and really like my Unison integrated amp. I had wanted that amp for a l;one time and was finally able to get one and have no desire to change unless there is a catastrophic failure in its electronics.

Ihor,

If you are happy with the Omegas I would stick with those. There is a huge price difference between the two. I wish more people knew about the Omegas. Maybe the price of the 30.1 would not be so high. I don't understand why in Canada does the same speaker sell for 4000.00. I think the U.S. Distributor is price gouging.

Because America has a MUCH greater income equality gap than Canada ,things are priced on what the market will bear in any
given place .

@Ihor. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort. I am somewhat in the same situation as you. I am seeking a pair of standmounts that I can keep a long time...like an end game pair. Wish to avoid thin and strident sounding at all cost. Please keep your findings coming.

Success!!!!  Well, I've made my decision.  The Omega Super Alnico Monitor is the winner. How a speaker can sound this good for such an affordable price is beyond me. After some initial concerns regarding some high end harshness, all that fell away when I hit about 70 hr break-in and made a minor stand adjustment.  This single driver speaker is simply amazing.  As I indicated she I started this post, I have had some pretty good speakers (at least to my ears), have home auditioned the Harbeth 30.1, have listened to Maggies, KEFs, B&Ws, GoldenEar, and others, with extended listening sessions of fellow audiophile buddies as well as in store.  That said, the sound and qualities that the Omega's bring to the table are beyond reproach.  I had my next door neighbor come by a few days ago to have a listen.  His main speakers are Vandersteen 3As ( a move up from 2ce's), and a Klipsch home theater setup.  Well, his wife has been telling my wife that all he talks about is how great the Omega's sounded. Another friend came by yesterday, whose speaker history includes the Spendor BC-1, an older Thiel model I can't recall, the NHT XDA system, and most recently the top-of-the-line JanzSen floor standers.  We spent the entire morning listening to music he brought, and he also was amazed at the clarity, detail, and overall full range that the Omega's produce.  So in closing, my speaker search as ended.  And I encourage anyone considering speakers in the sub-$5k range and especially in the $2-3K range to take up Omega on it's 30-day home trial - you will surprised.  Plus, it is always something extra to support a small, made-in-Amerca business. Tank you Omega and thanks to all who have provide their insights, thoughts, ad suggestions in my speaker purchase journey.

ihor,
Congratulations on selecting the speakers you can live with. I know how frustrating and time consuming it can be. Are you still using the solid state amp? How low do the Omegas go in your room? What is so different you find about the single driver speakers, now that you have heard and own one? What about the high frequencies? You should really post your audio on the "systems" page.

@Ihor. How are the Omegas performing with more break-in? Vocals even better? TOP end smoothing out? Are you noticing female vocals sounding a bit "cupped"? I Guess overall sound a little closed in. Thanks.