Very, very nice. It's like looking at my MWT's bigger brother.
I especially like your understated layout. Very tastefully done. |
I've been researching the Ohms and speakers in general for a few months now. I've listened to the Sunfire CRM-2's, maggie 1.6's, various Martin Logans and other brands for a while. The Ohm's intrigue me more than any other design I've come across.
This thread has been GREAT. I actually log-on twice a day to check for updates, and so far I really like what I'm reading.
I'm about a year away from making any sort of purchase, but I appreciate all of the input you all are giving one another. Good stuff! It is making me a bit impatient to make a purchase though... |
Any updates? I am very interested in the Ohm's, and have my eyes set on the 100-S3's. I've noticed that some people rave about them, and then ultimately choose something else. |
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that's funny- you answered every question I didn't ask. Even down to the Sunfires and the Maggies- which are the other speakers I'm considering.
I think the bass is the most important aspect I'm concerned about. I really want a full-range speaker w/o a sub, but the flexibility to add one down the line if I have a larger room.
Thanks for the detailed answer!
-P |
No problem.
There is 'life' outside of audio. Or so my wife tells me... |
Marcus-
That's a great idea. But sitting 6 ft back, I'm concerned that the 100's are not as good for nearfield.
I'll be calling John when I'm closer to making a purchase around June or so.
thanks again!
-P |
I second that about the suspense.
I'm a few months away from being able to make a purchase, and am undecided between to 100's and the MWT. I'm really concerned about bass, but then again $700 can buy a lot of sub, especially for a small room.
No pressure, Rebbi, but your experience will have a lot to do with the decision. |
Yeah- the nearfield experience is also vital to me.
I'm only sitting about 5 to 6 feet away from my current speakers (DefTech BP2006's), and really expect the Talls to be the best choice. Additionally, any house we're likely to move to next will have the same size or smaller room- roughly 15 x 12.
Still, it's exciting to wait to read his impressions. |
I myself am hoping that they do well with my Parasound HCA-2205. I know a lot of people here debate SS vs tube and all that, but for my money current is king when driving any speaker, let alone one with a sensitivity below 90 db.
Class D might best what I have, but I have no desire to change my amp. It's the only part of my system that I think is a 'for life' product. At 60 amps of current and 220 watts per channel, I see no reason to change it. Unless a Theta Dreadnaught were to fall in my lap, that is...
Oh- and before I get the fan-boy groans, I assure you all that I really am not one. I took the username out of enthusiasm and before I began lurking on forums. I had no idea how dumb it was until I read a few links :( |
Um, I think he's been following this thread for a while...
Does ANYBODY have more information on the Signature Edition? I took a look at the Audible Emotions site, and the look of them is certainly impressive. From the picture, it looks like a higher quality cabinet. But I wonder what's in them...?
-P |
I have my own minor update. My wife just spoke to me about my pending speaker decision, and asked me if I'd made my mind up yet- the Talls or the 100's. After describing what I know about both, she thinks the 100's are a 'no-brainer'.
Now I just need to pay off a couple more bills, save a few more pennies and commit. Hopefully a couple more months. In the meantime, I seem to have acquired some WAF, a very rare thing indeed... |
Thanks Rebbi!
So- any thoughts on the 100's vs. the MWT's? I think the Talls would work for me best in nearfield listening- but I personally have a hard time letting go of the deeper bass that I understand the 100's deliver. |
Ok Rebbi and fellow posters-
I'm feeling Ohm-sick.
I just sold my Definitive BP-2006TL theater package to a grateful buyer and am using my old Pinnacle Classic Gold References. I have a little cash towards my purchase.
But I keep going back-and-forth on the MWT's or the 100-S-3's. If I got with the MWT's, I can probably purchase in the next 2 weeks. If I hold out for the 100's, it could be 2 months.
Any guidance out there? |
Yeah. The $300 is what will make me have to wait... |
Whoa! Those are good ideas!
-Thanks! |
Thanks all!
They should arrive around the 13th or so. I got them in black to match the rest of my equipment.
Again, it boiled down to size. I know the 100's aren't huge, but we move every 2 years or so (military household) and I can never predict how large a room is waiting for me to use. Small and portable as practical is my goal. |
Finally! MWT's on order.
Thanks for the help, everyone.
-P |
Rebbi.
Now that some time has passed, do you have any last thoughts on MWT's? You had mentioned that they don't give up much to the 100's. I'm just wondering what you think now.
Hope all is well with your family!
-P |
Rebbi,
Good to read about your folks. Mine seem to be in the hospital weekly, so I know how it is.
I'm pretty sure I'll 'start' with the MWT's. My wife actually likes how they look, especially the size. I do plan on adding a sub- probably the HSU STF-2 or the VTF-1. I'd add a sub no matter which set of speakers I got. In any case I should be able to order them in the next 30 days or so.
Down the road, I plan on using the MWT's for surround and get 100's for the mains, assuming I have a larger room to work with when we relocate next year.
Thanks again for all the work you did on this thread- along with the rest of the people who chipped in.
-P |
I just got them last night!
I'm hoping to post my impressions this weekend. I can say this: Mapman may be understating his love for them.
Almost all of my expectations were exceeded during the half-hour I had to listen. Bass, treble extension, clarity, fit and finish are all above average so far.
More later, and thanks for asking!
-P |
Hi all!
There seems to be a curse with these speakers- I've had almost no time to just listen to music!
But I am right now. 'Starship Trooper' off of Yessongs. I have never heard Chris Squier's bass sound so full and tactile before. I can hear the pick on the strings. Everything seems so balanced and present. I'm even gushing enought to write that they sound bright AND warm at the same time- depends on the instrument and recording situation, I guess.
I don't believe in break-in per se, and suspect that's more a function of becoming used to a particular speakers' crossover, coloration and distortion. I have absolutely no complaints about muffled treble or bass.
Speaking of bass, that's the thing that I find most unreal. I quit looking for a sub about 15 minutes after hook-up. No need in my room, at this time. If one falls in my lap for an insanely low price, I won't hesitate, but it's certainly not required at this point.
Best bass and sound seems to be about 1 foot off the rear wall. Pants don't flap, but I feel it in my chest.
Oh! And I'm not even using my main system. A humble Harmon Kardon AVR-20 is driving them. These just shouldn't sound this freaking good!
-P |
right now I'm listening to Deep Purple 'Made in Japan' I am definitely drawn to live music with the Ohm's.
I had an issue with imaging last night while watching TV. Dialogue was coming from both speakers rather than placed in the center.
Took measurements a while ago, placed them in an equilateral triangle from our listening position (about 6') and wala!- dialogue in the center.
Best bass is still about 6" off the wall, but then soundstage collapses a bit because they are behind the TV and stand. Hence, a sub could be in the future, but still not a necessity.
More later.
-P |
Sorry all. Someone stole my phone number (I'm serious), and I have no internet at home until we get it resolved.
All I had time to do this long weekend is watch a movie. they're not kidding on the Ohm site when they state that a sub is needed for movies. Even my wife commented on it (she's getting spoiled, and notices when something doesn't sound right)
Musically, they exceed all expectations. Surprisingly, in the bass. If bass is within their range, it is satisfying and substantive. Below their cutoff frequency, and bass is non-existent. |
For what it's worth, here's my latest update.
Right now, I'm just listening to music more than I'm 'listening' to the Ohm's. I simply enjoy listening more than I have in years, and the speakers seem to stay out of the way. I don't know a better way to put it.
In comparison, the DefTechs (BP2006) that these replaced seemed to always get in the way of enjoying things musically. I was always aware of them, and never entirely happy.
Next phase for me is hooing-up my parasound equipment and hearing what these sound like with 220 watts and high current. After that, a sub for movies.
-P |
Yeah, that's what I'm hoping for. According to John, that's what I can expect.
Which brings to mind something else that is worth metioning again. Buying the Ohm Micro Walsh Talls gave me something more than a great speaker. It also got me something of an advisor as well.
I went with the MWT's due to size, WAF and the fact that I move a lot. John at Ohm supported the decision, but pointed out that the 100-S3's would probably be the better fit for what I want overall. I have no doubt that he's right. But he also took the time to explain what would happen, in each scenario, from placement to toe-in to amplification. He also advised me on the difference between my Harmon Kardon AVR-20 and the Parasound HCA-2205 that I will ultimately be using (Friday even if the room is not finished.
In every case so far,what he said would happen did indeed happen. That gives me reason to assume that future advice will also be accurate.
I'm not saying that one should call him and waste his time with endless questions and opinions. I am saying that he you're truly serious about buying his product, he is an honest broker and an accurate advisor. No one is perfect, but he's darn close in my book.
-P |
I've had the opposite reaction so far with my MWT's- an almost toal lack of tonal shift unless I sit on the floor. Even then, to me it's minor
I account for this due to the speakers I had before: Definitive Technologies BP-2006 and Pinnacle Classic Gold Reference, both of which had significant tonal balance shift based on position.
As an aside, I got to hear my old Def Techs last night. The guy I sold them to and I have become friends, and listen to music together every now and then. I miss the bass, but that's about it. They sounded unnatural and fuzzy. They really seamed to smear high-treble, especially cymbals. He loves them though, and I'm glad they went to a good home. |
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No doubt. All I'm saying is that, compared to other speakers I've heard or had, the tonal shift is minimal. Not to mention imaging and soundstage, which completely collapse with most speakers I've heard as soon as I stand up or even move to scratch an arm or something. :)
Actually, the single best-sounding speaker I ever heard while audition was the Sunfire CRM-2.. The sound still haunts me. However, moving anywhere outside the axis of the drivers and everything seemed to collapse. The sound was good, but the magic was gone.
With the Ohm's, it's simply not the case. At least not to the extend that I've experienced with any other speaker.
Oh yeah- for what it's worth, I do seem to get a bit more 'air' when I toe them slightly out and have the tweeter cross further into the room. |
Espresso- that's awesome! It's very exciting to read about all the folks buying Ohm's. I hope everyone posts every detail about their experiences with them.
-P |
I'm not sure if this is acceptable technique or not, but this is something that's working for me.
Obviously, I'm obssessed with bass response, and I've noticed that the Ohm's are faithful to the source material. If the recording is lean on bass, the Ohm's reveal it. My past speakers tended to make most recordings sound the same- but not the Ohm's.
Anywah- they are light enough and easy enough to move that I can adjust bass, soundstage and imaging by moving them. Closer to the back wall, more bass but smaller soundstage. Move them out, less bass but WIDE soundstage and the 'floor-to-ceiling' effect.
I don't know if this is crazy or not, but for me it makes more sense than boosting EQ and adding distortion.
Any thoughts?
-S |
Rebbi-
I know my last post may have been rambling, but I think we're experiencing a similar thing. For me, they sound great no matter where I put them, but different locations result in different qualities.
I'm fairly comfortable with the idea of moving placement depending on source and desired result. I'm just not used to it. Any other speaker I've every had or heard needed to be in just the right location, and I had to sit in just the right spot. The Ohm's- not so much.
On the other hand, I'm not exactly an audiophile, and my knowledge is fairly limited. So, I'm open to the possibility that an 'Ohm Guru' could show me the 'right' way to place them. But that's why I went with the Ohm's in the first place- they're not sweet-spot dependent for good results.
Once I hook-up my beast of an amp, I think I'll be in a better position to dial them in. But delays in remodelling seem to keep pusing that even back further and further.
-P |
thaks everyone for all the help, input and advice. My wonderful experience with the Ohm's is making me want to learn a bit more before I spend more money on future upgrades.
I just ordered Jim Smith's 'Get Better Sound' after reading a lot of positive reviews.
Hopefully, that and time will further enhance the experience.
-P |
I had a great experience last night, and it's making me re-think my belief that there is no such thing as a break-in period.
I was listening to Porcupine Tree "The Start of Something Beautiful" off the 'Deadwing' cd. I actually had too much bass, and had to attenuate a little. This is a first, even though I've listened to it at least 3 times previously. The soundstage and detail also seemed greatly enhanced. I think I have about 60 hours on them now, and must admit that the sound is improving- and not just a little bit.
Later that night, I convinced my wife to listen to the same track, and she was greatly impressed. She told me that she kept expecting the speakers to distort during the synth breaks, and was impressed with how clear and pleasant the sound was.
After we were done with the PT, she actually requested to listen to The Catherine Wheel 'Wishville'
So- even if the speaker improvements are more psychological than physical, the elusive WAF is increasing measurably!
-P |
No doubt about Deadwing. My old Deftech surrounds could not handle it in multi-channel. I actually hooked up my Pinnacle towers to handle surrounds at that point.
My experience with Definitive Technologies was not good. And Deadwing more than anything else brought out their defects.
The MWT's seem to handle anything and everything. But I (painfully) have to wait a few more days before I can hook up my main amp. Maybe this weekend...
Thanks for everything, Map. Seriously. I feel that I owe you one for all the help you've been.
-P |
Good advice for anyone, Map.
However, 'Arriving Somehwere' IS my #1 demo track when audtitioning speakers.
-P |
Yeah. Then this thread would have been maybe 3 responses long...
:) |
Rebbi- how far apart do you place them?
After experimenting and a surprise suggestion from my wife, I find theat I have them ridiculously close together at 5 feet between the tweeters.
But it does wonders for soundstage and imaging |
Ya know, Rebbi, if I posted every amazing moment I've had with the Ohm's, we'd be at 1000 responses already. They are THAT good, aren't they?
Mine seem to be changing character a bit. The bass is filling-out nicely. On some recordings, the treble almost seems harsh, but then mellows out. I guess I've never had speakers good enough to experience break-in until now.
The biggest improvment is moving them in closer together, but as I've written before, they seem ridiculaously close at under 5 ft. But, I can't argue with my ears or the imaging. Sitting nearfield as far as I do, at 6', could be the reason why.
Listened to Cowboy Junkies 'Lay it Down' this weekend. Used the vocals for placement and imaging. As much fun as I can imagine having moving speakers 1/4" at a time.
-P |
HI all. I obstained from writing any more on this thread until I hooked up my main amp- a Parasound HCA 2205. Well I did, so I'm back.
First of all, my hat's off to the Harmon Kardon AVR-20, which helped to break them in and give me a sense of the overall sound and placement.
However, with more power, and importantly more current, my MWT's blow me away. At lower volume, the sound is rich and full. At higher volume, above 80 Dbs, I felt that the highs were a bit forward with the HK, but everything sounds nice, even and balanced with beter amplification.
To be fair though, I'm also using the burr/brown DAC's in the AVC-1800 instead of my cheap and old Sony DVD player.
At any rate, I'm done with this phase of my upgrade. Next up is replacing my DVD player. And then I really am done for a while...
The MWT's continue to exceed expectation. It seems I rarely feel that way about anything these days. The Ohm's decimate my Deftech BP-2006's, and I feel that it's the best possible upgrade I could have made, especially for the price.
-P |
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It's always nice to read an update on the Ohm's on this thread.
Right now I'm enjoying a Porcupine Tree binge on my Micro Walsh Talls. I'm even listening a little louder than usual-95 Db's peak. I still can't believe the way these little speakers fill my room. |
Thanks Foster. That was worth the wait
My master plan is to get the 100's after I move to Virginia next year (assuming I have a large enough room) and run the MWT's for surrounds. OR- get another pair of MWT's.
In either case, I'm pretty excited about what I read about the new drivers.
And yes- it seems that Ohm's like a lot of current. I also notice it in the mid-range region. The only word that comes to mind is 'smooth'. |
I'm finally experiencing the imaging and soundstage capabilities, and it takes a bit getting used to.
I'm used to 'monkey coffins' that image instruments and vocals precisely in the middle. Very, very artificial. A real guitar will revel its location, but the sound is not locked into a sweet spot. All this means is that I'm used to speakers that behave this way.
The Ohm's do not. They do this weird disappearing act, in which the soundstage seemingly overtakes the whole room. A solo acoustic guitar or vocal isn't locked-in to a specific position, but more-or-less inhabits space between the speakers. But if something is recorded to the extreme right or left, it can be a startling experience.
There's also no compression. What I mean is, bad recordings sound bad, great ones sound awesome. I'm still used to box speakers making EVERYTHING sound ok.
I love every characteristic I'm referring to. But it's like falling in love with my wife- it seems there's always something new to experience. And get used to...
-P |
This must be an exciting time for Ohm, and I hope they sell thousands of the new speakers.
Myself- I'm totally happy with the MWT's, and won't be trading them in any time soon.
If my next house has a large enough room, I will certainly be buying the 1000's (or any other model, depending on room size)
-P |
yeah yeah, I know :)
Sometimes it's hard to grasp how silly things sound until I see them in writing. It was a bit like bragging that my display light comes on...
-P |
Same here!
I couldn't be more happy- I haven't listened to this much music since I was 16.
I had two friends over this weekend (both of whom bought a set of my old speakers) It got a bit awkward as they realized that the Ohm's were superior to the ones I sold them, but not for long. We had a great time, and listened to music until about 1 am.
Now I'm moving on to learning about the wonderful world of DACs and music servers.
Thanks to all!
-P |
And if I remember correctly, I believe Ohm still has updated models available for reduced cost or possibly some remaining S3's or Super 2-S3's, which are updated Ohm 2's. I wouldn't wait until Fall to give John a call
By the way, there is a nice looking pair of Ohm 4's up for bid on ebay- recently serviced by Ohm.
In any case, I can't wait to read your impressions of any Ohm with the Conrad Johnson!
-P |
Bond-
Pretty sure you'll be pleased with them. I'm not sure how you feel about the theory of the break-in period. I myself was a non-believer until I got the Micro Walsh Talls. They sounded great right out the box, but the tonal quality definitely changed over the course of 100 hours. The change greatly affected placement My point is, even if you disregard burn-in as bunk, be prepared to break them in for about 100 hours.
At any rate, a comparison with the Vandy's also sounds interesting They were on my short list before I went with the Ohm's.
-P |
FWIW, today is the last day of my 120-day in home trial period. It never was an issue for me though, since from the first note they (MWT's)weren't going back.
The versatility of the speakers when it comes to placement in fascinating for me. For general listening and WAF considerations, they're about 9" from the rear wall and about 5' apart. But for powerlistening, moving them into the room to 18" from the rear and about 6'3" apart expands the soundstage and seems to give more 'presence' in the midrange.
I use a very, very cheap (but surprisingly good)sub for the bottom octave, crossed-over at 50 Hz. It works well in my small room, although with a larger space I know I'll need better quality and output.
In all, I'm very pleased...
-P |
