Ohm Walsh Micro Talls: who's actually heard 'em?

Interesting that as I write this, there are 4 active Ohm threads on the first page.

I started reading this thread sometime around Christmas and just finished it. It has been very entertaining and contains a lot of great information.

One thing about a thread like this is one can loose track of some of the earlier information. For instance, Mapman, I located a few references to the size of your smaller room, but I can't find the dimensions of your larger room. Would you mind reposting?

Bondmanp is one of the few posters in this thread that have made reference to using the Ohms in a combo 2-channel/HT set-up although I imagine others do as well. Has anyone gone all-in for HT using Ohms, and if so, I would really like to read about your impressions.

Thanks
--Michael

"My larger room is L shaped, approximately 20' base and 30' length."

Thanks. In looking at your system pics, Mapman, where is your normal listening position?

Not to derail this thread too much but OK, I'll bite, Kristian: What do you mean by critical listening? Are you referring to active listening to music or a system as I perceive the two labors to be quite different?

Please keep the piano recommendations coming.

Bond, I don't own any Ohms, but nevertheless, consider obtaining Annie Fischer's Beethoven Piano Sonatas on Hungaroton. The complete set is a bit pricey but if you know which sonatas you like, you can select them indiviually.
--Michael

BTW, Bond, I don't listen to classical music all that much and even less opera. I know you are having some difficulties getting piano to sound right. While many acknowledge, arguable, that piano, is the hardest instrument to get right, in my view, if a speaker doesn't do voices well, then I don't think it is going to get much else right either.

Having said that, why don't you throw some flute, oboe, cello, and violin into the mix? Add to that mix, besides some male and female vocals, dance, and some country --both acoustic and amplified?

WRT to classical and opera, borrow or download 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky and Wagner's Gotterdammerung. All that should really show what your Ohms are made of.

Good luck.
--Michael

PS. I am glad someone finally brought room acoustics to your attention. Not wanting to beat a dead horse deader, before changing out to many pieces of electronics and trying all sorts of other tweaks, including cables, etc, treat your room first. No matter what speaker you end up with, you'll be rewarded in the long run with a room that has some of its own problems taken care of.

...Wyred ST-1000 will soon be shipped. Will compare to the McCormack.

Foster_9 -- not to derail this thread but how did your experimenting with the Burson buffer work out between your VTL 2.5 and McCormack? I presume you have taken it out of the chain with the Wyred ST-1000?
--Michael

What's the over/under for hitting 1000?

We have not spent [too] much time discussing room treatments or room correction in this thread although there has been some very helpful information about set-up. Someone is using an equalizer (Mamboni or maybe it's Martykl). I need to get a better understanding about the Ohms. They seem so counter-intuitive to me in the way they interact with the room. For a long time, I took it as a given to minimize the room's interaction. It seems the Ohms approach embraces it all. I am very puzzled.

Bondmanp recently achieved some great results from his post. In fact, he recently emailed me with some very detailed and insightful comments. In fact, I'd post them here if I had his permission.

I plan read more about their design and will talk to John Strohbeen, but I don't want to waste his time asking a bunch of questions, so if anyone else has achieved great success with either treatments or correction such as TacT, Audyssey, MCAAC, or ARC (or not), I would certainly appreciate reading about your experiences. Thanks.

Tell us what your critical listener friends said?

+1

Since they are staying, I jumped on a pair of used MWTs offered locally here on Audiogon, to be used as surrounds.

Woot! Wow that is terrific! I am very much looking forward to your impressions in an HT/MC set-up once you get them in.

It was between the Wyreds and the Bels, and I decided to go for broke with the Bels despite the significant cost difference...

Methinks you’ll have power to spare.

...and hopefully put my upgrade urges to rest for a while

I for one hope not! : ) I am living vicariously through you guys…

Bondmanp,

With your participation in a local audio club, maybe someone there has some amps they'd bring over to try out -- just for grins...

I step away for a couple of days and come back to an explosion of new posts -- and just a post or two away from 1000...

Finally, I get to read some real-world experiences from someone who is using these in a multi-channel set-up. Bondmanp, thanks for describing your experiences in using these in a surround-sound setting. I, too, found your experience interesting in that you are not using matching speakers all around –even using a Vandersteen for the all-important center speaker, all with good effect. Unless you have an acoustically-transparent screen, it will be difficult to use three matching speakers across the front when watching movies/concerts.

So, your report of good results is very encouraging. This sense of transparency and great sound quality is very important. Many of you have previously reported that you get an apparent 3D projection of music into your space and this provides a very wide listening area. Since I typically move around a lot when I listen to music, and often need to sit off-axis, what I am reading from you all is that this “you are there” experience has tipped the scales for me. I am budgeting now for a pair, maybe the 3000s, to start. I hope by this summer I can report back on my own experiences.

Ron,
I would give heed to what Mapman says about the amplification you are using as he has quite a bit of experience with Ohms.

Still, if you are unwilling at this point to consider a different amp, then I think playing around with speaker placement is a must for you. It would be helpful to know the size of your room, limitations, and listening position.

Before you abandon the Ohms, give your ears a chance to get accustomed to their sound and experiment with placement.

Not sure of your budget and what it is that drew you to the Ohms in the first place; you might also want to check out the Ohm Walsh vs. Mirage OMD 28 thread. As has been written there and elsewhere, the Ohm models are voiced very similarly with the main differences being base extension and SPLs. In the Ohm/Mirage thread, it has been noted that the Mirage 28 has good base.

Good luck in your search.

Ron,

I just re-read your 02-18-10 post and I remember why you were looking at the Micros.

I think that offer by John Strohbeen is quite compelling. It's too bad other manufacturers don't do this but that is one of the interesting things about how John runs his company: He is always willing to do things outside the box to give owners (and propsective owners) genuine value for their purchase.

OHM Micro Talls...is the little speaker that could....The micro OHM had a "perspective" of the front or second row of a concert hall while the other OHMs seem to place the listener too far back for me.
Hifidon (Answers

Interesting MWTs (which I have not heard) were more forward. No Walshes I have heard are.
Mapman (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

The reviewer of the Blue Circle BM2 writes "...the BM2’s woofers and tweeter are used in pretty typical fashion.

I am going to agree with Hifidon who further states ""where you like to sit at a music event or movie theater" is relevant to a choice of a reproducing loudspeaker."

So, keeping in mind different speakers, rooms, equipment, different everything, which is more likely to be the more common experience for someone owning Ohms vs the BC BM2: Sound that is a little removed from us, less physically immediate, putting us back a few rows in the concert hall, or sound that is more closer, where we are aware of the instruments presence?

My sense is, after reading the comments and Doug Schneider's review, it is generally the former, but until Hifidon brought the matter up, no one much mentioned it (concert hall perspective). So, those who have considerable experience with Ohms and live musical experiences, I'd like to get your take. When you go to concerts, where do you like to sit?

For the first time in my life, I am going to attend a number of indoor concerts, musicals, etc. in a relatively short period of time, and I am purposely selecting different seats in the hall to gain a better perspective on live music from different seating positions. I expect to be buying new speakers later in the year.

I saw that review. Driving them with a Fisher 500C tube receiver? And his jaw drops? Mind you, I have not heard any Ohm speaker but his experience runs a little counter to posts in this thread about the need for high current to really make them sing.

What to make of this?

Thanks, Mapman. That helps a lot seeing that you are the primary contributor to this thread with extensive experience (pinging Martykl). I take it that where you sit at a concert mirrors, more or less, where you like to sit at home? How's it going with your new amps?

One nice thing about good omnis is you can sit if different locations and get different presentations without moving the speakers, which can make for a nice and easy change of pace.

Too bad the same thing can't be said about concert halls.

BTW, it looks as if Rebbi, the OP, is still on his speaker hunt. I see he is now looking at the new Merlin monitors. I wish him luck on his speaker quest.

Have I been pinged? Martykl

Yes, I was hoping you'd chime in on our own venue preferences. I'd forgotten about Mamboni's own experience, and being a musician at that, I should have pinged him too : )

That was a terrific mini-review of the Series 5000. Given John's description of what his goal is in voicing his speakers, I am more curious than ever, after attending some concerts, if my preference is more for the forward, dramatic sense of presence, or if I will be more drawn to the mid-hall perspective, enveloping, and grander picture of things.

Tvad, now that is funny!

I can understand why many put "accuracy" as the most important attribute for a speaker. As for me, I have heard speakers that measure very, very good that I did not care for at all, and other speakers that measured less so, in some cases, much less so, that I found more appealing.

It is one reason why some earlier assertions about the Ohms not being very accurate don't concern me too much. Once I have a chance to hear them in my own home with my own gear, I'll know if I will still be on the merry-go-round or not for my main room. I'd like, funds permitting, to be able to listen to different speakers for the rest of my life, though, in my secondary room.

PS Not sure what that means

Maybe it's the blue color after you take a wee, Martykl. : )

Sounds like you have a keeper, Bond.

Simon_templar_32, I don't know how I missed your post but I'd love to hear an HT set-up similar to yours. How large is your room?

Some good feedback here. Thanks as it helps put things into some perspective.

An email I received from John Strohbeen:

We've never done this before; but...
If you are ready to order speakers or upgrades, give me a call and we will make a deal if at all possible.

I'll be in the office most of Friday and Saturday to take calls.

If you get no answer, please try later; I'm going to be the only one here. Everyone else is on Thanksgiving Holiday.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

John Strohbeen 800-783-1553

John's Black Friday email admittedly caught me a little flat-footed cash-wise so I did not even call him to "kick the tires" so to speak. Thehungryeye writes that he did some business with John over that weekend?

Did anyone else?

There are also Ohm Walsh 4s for $850.00 and 100 Mk. IIs for $800.00. Both are for pickup in metro San Diego within a short drive of my old home but won't work for me now. Still, curious about the differences between the two.

In fact I own a walsh 2xo, 4xo, pro 200 sound cylner and my best, ohm walsh 300 mk 2 rebuilt drivers by ohm upgraded to the 4000 series.

Armyscout41,

It's obvious from other posts you appreciate the Ohms and, along with Mapman, seem to have owned a number of different models. Care to elaborate on the differences between the models above? Have you heard the newer designs?

Nice and cozy.

Perhaps considering listing your speakers too as part of your set-up. There will be those who aren't following this thread but who will happen upon your virtual system.

I am a little surprised the 5000s don't overpower the room. How did you arrive at selecting the 5000s?

...then you have the on-board adjustments to match to room size and acoustics so room size should not be a problem.
--Mapman

The 4000's are actually the same speaker without the adjustment circuits. So if you know the size of your room and don't plan on moving them, John at Ohm can set the adjustment from the factory on a set of 4000's.
--Carja

Can one set the adjustment or does it have to be set at the Factory? It seems, if one can swing the extra coin, that the 5000 is more to be preferred over the 4000 given this flexibility.

It's conculsion made perfect sense: The ohms you should absolutely listen, but be careful: Once in the ear, is the way far back and not easy".

Regarding using tube amps, yes, many report good results with tube amps.
Mapman

What is the impedance curve (generally speaking) on the Ohms like? Is it farily smooth or do these speakers have any sigificant dips? Has anyone tried using the Speltz autoformers with a tube amp and an Ohm speaker?

I remember he (John Strohbeen) did so back in 2010, but I don't know about last year. However, he closes for a little while from the end of June through mid-July and he has been known to offer a summer sale around that time.

Although I have written that John has offered summer sales, that doesn't mean he will continue to do so. Carja makes a good point: Just call John.

I know Mapman has some great amps driving his; I am thinking your comments don't refer to your set-up, just generally speaking? Or are you saying the Emotiva and Outlaw combo still has a difficult time with the Ohms?

Has anyone tried room EQ with omnis? If so, what were the results?

I mean using something like Audyssey, ARC, or MAAC, etc.

Simon_templar_32,

Mind describing your 7.4 HT system?

Thanks.

That has to be some kind of sound in that theater!

Since acquiring my Rubys, I've wondered about the Omni Harmonizer. I'd love to hear your impressions after you've had a chance to evaluate. I wouldn't have thought to mate it with Ohms.

+1

Just curious, has anyone inserted the DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 DualCore Digital Signal Processor into their system?

I am guessing that most Ohm users do not have overly-damped/treated rooms however, bass correction could still be very useful with the Ohms.

Blue,

I like reading detailed posts such as yours. Just think about using paragraphs - it makes reading a bit easier.

Some good info in your first 03-08 post.

After sitting on the sidelines for a l-o-n-g time, I am thinking about buying a pair. Model is the Ohm Walsh V MKII. I know I can check out the Ohm website for details, but since this is THE go-to place for info on Ohms, I'd like to know what you guys think about this particular model - its strengths, weaknesses, things to look out for, possible upgrades, alternative models. Asking price is $2300. Thanks

Map, thanks for the advice. I think I will give John a call.

Drakef5,
Most Ohm users, if not all, (and I think it is all for those who have tried) report very positive results when giving the Ohms more power. While waiting for your Parasound, why not try an Emotiva amp? 30 day return policy...

Aargh! I go one day without checking this thread or reading my emails and the new web site comes out and the offer to find error comes in my e-mail.

Well, I sent John a list of 26-28 errors. I am hoping at least four of them were ones you guys missed. :) At least it will be cleaned up a bit.

Agree with all the comments above: The site looks much, much better, there should be more photos (what is a pancake center channel anyway?), and some "click-through" links too.

Tobeornottobe,

I am also interested in Class D now that I have a new pair of Ohms. What's the difference between the M2 Series and M3? When you go to D-Sonic's landing page, it features their M2 series but clicking anywhere on the page, you then see some info on the M3 series. All it says on that page: "The M3 Series offers improved Class D technology". Not much help there...

OK guys, long time reader and sometimes contributor to this thread - but only in the way of questions. Well, about a week ago, I received a pair of 5000s.

Bummer.

Why? I had told John I did not need delivery until after the 4th but between John's ears and the shipping department, wires were crossed. I won't be able to listen to them much until after the 4th. In fact. I only hooked them up today.

Still, they are so much fun, even right out of the box. And the sweet spot? It is nearly the width of the room.

You may think I am daft but because I had other work to do and my special needs son was listening to some 70s music on his HTIB, I decided to bring him downstairs and we put on his 70s disc. And I retreated to my office.

And listened from another room. Wow, pretty good from another room.

And then.

Robert John's version of "The Lion Sleeps tonight" came on. I hurried out of the room and began dancing with my son. Ha! Next up. The " Coconut" song by Harry Nilsson came on.

Made me want to make "Midnight Margaritas" about 7 hours early.

So far, even out of the box, the speakers are great.

Back later with some more listening impressions.

Received an email today for John Strohbeen, president of Ohm Acoustics Corp. which I copy here:

We are having a 3-Day SALE with:
20% off new speakers
20% off upgrades
20% off parts and service

An extra 20% off items in our Outlet Store where discounts of up to 30% are already in place on limited items.

20% off Everything!

Ends at 11:59PM on Monday, February 17th.

Use the coupon GEORGE20 when you check out to get your discount.

I'll be at the factory (800-783-1553) on Monday for 11 AM to 6 PM.

John has a few sales per year. The terms usually vary. This looks like a way to save money on just about anything he offers. Other sales have sometimes been limited to certain products, etc.