I’d speculate that you would prefer the Omegas. There is a good reason why Klipsch’ marketing slogan was “pissing off the neighbors since 1946”. They go to 11.
Since you need to put them up against a wall, if you go with CAMs, you will want to plug the rear ports (I use socks). Otherwise, the close proximity to the wall can cause an unwanted chuffing or boomy bass effect. The downside is that the plugged ports will attenuate low frequencies. An alternative is to go with front ported speakers.
I have seen custom front-ported Omegas, so you might call Louis at Omega for advice. If you’re open to other brands, Focal’s Chora 806 and Aria 906 are front ported, reasonably priced (the 806 anyway), and reasonably efficient.
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Although I’m a klipsch fanatic, I would say to pass on the Heresy in your situation. 7 ft is pretty close and horns need a little distance between you and them. That said, I would also look for something without a rear port, so I’d pass on the Omegas too. Since your room is small and you are almost near field, maybe even a sealed box. Bass will be less and tighter but less likely to annoy the neighbors. |
I would go CAM or alnico in the 3xrs cabinet w front port. Certainly call Louis at Omega. |
The Heresy is a much better speaker honed over decades. Whizzer cones are a cheap inaccurate way of making treble. The crossover between the woofer cone and the whizzer is mechanical. Only the whizzer is producing treble as the woofer cone can not move fast enough but, the whizzer is still moving with the bass, doppler distorting everything it does. However, you do not have to add an electronic crossover and another driver. Cheap. IMHO the Omegas are all about profit. The Heresy's were designed by a man who was truly passionate about sound. The Cornwall and Heresy are Klipsch's best speakers and they represent great values. You will lover the Heresy's. They sound like a much larger loudspeaker. Add subwoofers and a 2 way crossover down the line and you will be rocking for sure! |
I disagree with mijostyn. Louis of Omega is also passionate about sound. If he was in it just for profit, he would be pricing his speakers more similar to the single driver Voxactiv, Charley, and Cube speaker brands. I have not heard the CAMs, but did pick the SAMs over Harbeth M30.1s after a lengthy home audition of the Harbeth several years ago, and have never regretted my choice. Not sure whether mijostyn has ever actually listened to any of the alnico Omega speakers, and I find it very off-putting that he calls them cheap and he states that Louis is only concerned about profit (so Klipsch doesn’t care about profit?). Philoh, please give Louis of Omega a call (as others have suggested) and chat with him about what you are looking for. You will find out that he is also passionate about sound, and will be very helpful whether you go with his product or not. |
^ thanks for speaking up ihor 😃 |
I’ve heard Heresy 3’s in a small space and up close. When I walked in I thought in no way would they sound good but they were awesome. Completely disappeared and engaging. The fact they are tilted up probably helped and they had some impressive electronics feeding them. So think the Klipsch are doable. Haven’t heard the Omegas you mentioned |
Thanks for all your thoughts and insight. I’m gonna throw another high sensitivity option in that I’m considering: the Zu Omen II. How do they compare for low level listening/apartment situations? General thoughts on them vs the Omegas? I’ve read mixed things regarding whether or not the Zus are forgiving in terms of placement etc. Any further insight on them is appreciated.
Additional info I didn't mention regarding the room: Despite the listening position being 7-8' from the speakers, the room itself is actually a bit larger at around 11'x18' with very high ceilings (I'd guess >15') and with openings to adjacent rooms. |
Louis does make a front ported Super 3i monitor, known as the Super 3i+. It’s been shown and offered on his Facebook page, a few months back. Slightly larger volume of speaker box versus the regular Super 3i, with a front port.
I’ve been mulling this one over, as I really enjoy my Super 8 HO monitors, listening from 7 feet, low to moderate volume, driven by a First Watt J2.
I do like Klipsch, and I’ve heard all the newer "IV" versions of the Heresy, Forte, and Cornwall. I have not heard Zu as yet, but they are on my list.
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I have owned several pairs of high-efficiency horn speakers, including Klipsch Heresey IIs and IIIs as well as Omega 6 Alnicos. Both are very good but they are very, very different speakers. This is another example of you can't (ok, shouldn't) pick without hearing both. Room, placement, music selection, how loud you play and source are all considerations for any HE speaker.
I will also make a shout out for a couple of other speakers in this genre: Coherent speakers, made in Canada, are also great and also different.
And right now I'm using a pair of JBL L200 T3 speakers, which are a home version of the 4425 studio monitors. These are simply the best $800 speakers I have ever owned - 2-way using a 2" CD horn and a 12" woofer. Way more bass than the heresy. Taller cabinet but approx. the same footprint. I have driven them with tube and SS amplification, all good. Highly recommended, if you can find a pair |
Own a pair of the Heresy 4s, they are boxed up in a closet. 7 feet apart is fine but don’t put them against the wall they will sound awful. Three feet away from the wall and put an acoustic panel behind them to prevent smearing, put on some classic rock and enjoy. Make sure you toe them in. |
