At the Ohm prices, I doubt it. The drivers in the x000 line are fairly standard woofer/midrange drivers. I was once told that mine (Walsh 2000) were aluminum, but they sure don't sound like aluminum drivers. John Strohbeen of Ohm does not use costly components, preferring to keep the speaker prices down where more can afford them. I have heard the German Physiks, and they are amazing. Kind of what I expected a high-budget version of Ohm speakers to sound like. They use a real Walsh-style bending wave driver. But you need $14K to get the German Physiks starter pair. If I had the money, I would get them. But, in this life, the Ohms are a very good, long-term compromise.
...and then there's a few of us that feel that Ohm 'lost it's religion' long ago. HHR took up the banner, and German Physiks moved on with the intent of the original patent. Flipping a conventional woofer, however 'modified', really isn't a Walsh radiator, y'all.
Take a look under the metal mesh; Google's pics reveal what's there. Look at the patent; it's real easy to find (hint: Lincoln Walsh).
To be fair, the Ohm's are certainly more affordable than GP's. In truth, I've referred people to Ohms. But calling them a Walsh still strikes me as saying your daily driver Dodge is a NASCAR contender.
Just saying...IMHO...and I'm not interesting in a flame fight.
I think the subs are actually side mounted in the lower portion of the cabinets in all cases from what I read and recall, which would makes sense, not directly below the CLS driver can in the upper part as I had indicated above. There are no pics posted on the site that I can find that show the sub and sub controls on any of the models, but that's what I read.
I also use Audyssey with my subs, so I may have my Audiophile club card revoked at any time. OTOH, I get pretty spectacular results, so I guess it's a small enough price to pay.
Whoops my mistake. I read the prototypes are offered for reduced cost. The new line itself is not referred to as prototypes.
In Addition to the use of the powered subs other differences with the line is use of refurbed older cabinets like those from old Ohm Fs which are pyramid shaped and more costly to produce new and the new models are now acoustically sealed not ported.
I'd like to see some pics of the terminal connections and any other sub controls that are provided.
The ohm site still refers to the models with this approach as "prototypes" pending more feedback from users.
It appears the subs are also downward facing in the cans immediately below the traditional CLS driver. It's a very unique design it would appear. It would be interesting to get more info about it. Maybe John has posted something about it on his ohm site blog.
I don't remember knowing that you own Rythmik subs, Marty (of course, my memory is really becoming spotty). Aren't they great?! A bunch of different models now, including the very special DIY OB/Dipole model for planar speaker owners. Little by little audiophiles are learning of them, sub owners in general being more videophile than audiophile, I have come to learn.
Offloading bass to powered sub means smaller external amps can be used and usually means better performance and dynamics all around. It's a very practical and cost effective approach that should appeal to many.
Some very good points. And optional would be key for the 1000 to 5000 line, otherwise Ohm would price themselves out of the "giant-killer" affordable market. As you know, I'm looking to buy a set of Ohms, I would hate for them to move to a higher price point across the board.
Strictly gut but If it were me these would optional additional models that deliver a more robust low end out of a smaller box right out of the box.
Offloading bass to powered sub means smaller external amps can be used and usually means better performance and dynamics all around.
It's a very practical and cost effective approach that should appeal to many. I have F5 series 3 Ohms which are similar to 5015 with no built in sub and one generation older drivers. The 5015s must be the bomb I would think. The powered sub models are definitely something I would consider especially when the day comes to downsize.
I use Ohm 100s with a pair of powered Rythmik subs and I'm a true believer in the approach. I also own Verity Parsifal Encores, SF Cremonas and Merlin VSMs, (as well as a pair of Maggie MMGs to switch out with the Ohms for use with the subs). The Ohm/Rythmik combo gets100% of my listening time.
So Mapman, what do you think? Do these new speakers become a more dynamic top tier Ohm line-up and they keep the 1000 to 5000 line affordable? (they already have very respectable freq response specs).
Or do they all get a subwoofer design? What is your gut telling you?
Not a replacement but enhancements by adding powered sub in existing model cabinets. The f5015 is the biggest and has been around for a year or so already. Sounds like similar approach with smaller models. Adding powered subs allow a certain speaker size to do extended bass better in a larger room. More bang out of any particular size model essentially. Similar in concept to what golden ear does with triton models among others.
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