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Ohm "Tall "speakers: Overall 2000 responses on a thread from 2008

There is a post from 2008 about the Ohm "Tall" speakers.  It is astounding that this thread garnered over 2000 responses.  Does anyone know if Ohm has improved this model over the last 11 years instead of just sitting back.  

Regardless of the fact that it is officially classified as an "Omni directional" design  how does it rate as an "audiophile" speaker?  The price has increased since 2008, but has the sound quality improved by legitimate upgrades to this particular model?. 

For the record, it has a few new competitors, in particular, the Larsen 4.2 and 6.2 speakers.  Though, they are not necessarily tagged "OMNIS"  they share similar characteristics to the Ohms.

I recently auditioned  the Larsen 4.2. They were impressive for the overall clarity of the midrange, naturalness of timbre, and strong bass for such a small speaker (30 inches tall) which must be placed directly against the wall Soundstaging was good but not great.. 

The  Larsen 4.2 retail  for $2200 which is close in price to the Ohm "Talls"  The model 6.2 retails for $4300  and touted to offer more of the same sound quality as the 4.2.   Larsen does not offer a home trial option 


Thanks,

S.J.  

sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by frazeur1

frazeur1
340 posts
 

SJ-I really do not know what an "Audiophile" speaker is, I have my thoughts on maybe what you are asking, but I will leave that one alone.

I have owned both the Ohm MWT and the Larsen Model 4.2, I responded to your Larsen thread awhile back. I think Ohm make updates when and where they feel the need, the "Thousand" series probably was one of the latest with the cabinets and maybe drivers, best to get the real information on that from John/Ohm themselves.

I think both of these speakers are more alike in many ways than not, both are really great at what they do. Whether or not they are the thing for you is only going to be figured out in you doing the listening to them. You have already listened to the Larsen and have somewhat of an opinion on them, why not take Ohm up with their money-back guarantee and hear them in your own home and system?

Might be worth looking at, or not. But it could be the only way you will ever find what you might be listening for?

frazeur1
340 posts
 
Your reply helps SJ! Helps to put things in perspective overall I think. I can say that in my opinion, I think the Larsen is probably a bit better overall than the Ohm MWT, mainly a bit more meat on the bones in the lower end, and a fuller, more robust midrange. 

Upper ends are probably more similar than not, both do a very nice job presenting a great soundstage, and in my opinion, imaging is very good. Also, both do a very good job with image height, something a lot of speakers do not do quite as well with. 

The Ohm might do a slight bit better on stage depth, but in the end, might be a toss up really, as I felt both, once again, do a good job, especially seeing how the Larsen is a wall boundary type speaker, and the MWT is close to being one, although it doesn’t have quite the same constraints here. 

One thing i might add, the Ohm MWT is not a true Omni, at least in the normal sense, and neither is the Larsen really for that matter, but close enough maybe. The Ohm can be purchased however, with the tweeter made to fire directly upwards, and the attenuation felt removed in the back portion of the can for a more “Omni” arrangement. I had a pair made this way from the factory, and was quite pleased with its presentation for both music as well as using it as rear surrounds for film. It is quite good in that mode! 

Also, looking at pricing and what each model is capable of, I would generally say that the Ohm 1000 is probably more in line capability wise to the Larsen. Of course everyone’s mileage may differ slightly, but that is more my observation based on real listening. 

The above speakers of course, certainly have a different perspective from forward firing, box speakers, so that is something you must determine if you like it enough to live with it or not. I can also see(hear) how you might favor the treble response of the GE speaker, that type of tweeter can be somewhat addicting. But, as anything, the whole speaker has to do its part. 

I would maybe keep keep in touch with John on a pair of MWT’s or 1000’s though, if you can get a listen to them, it at least would give you another data point in your search. Have fun, enjoy the trip! 
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