Ohm Walsh vs. Mirage OMD 28

Cool, Branislav! Keep the posts coming!

I own the Walsh 2000s, but have not heard that particular Mirage model. Major differences to consider are the use of metal tweeters in the Mirage, and the frequency of the crossover, which is way up at 8kHz for the Ohms. Although both aim at a quasi-omnidirectional dispersion pattern, they are radically different designs. One thing about the Ohms, is that IME, every model sounds the same, with the only difference being max SPLs and deep bass extension.

If you can find a seller of the Mirages that will allow an in-home trial, like Ohm does, you could compare them yourself, in your room with your gear. IMO, that's the best way to choose a speaker.

My Ohms sounded good in a number of positions, but careful placement will bring out their full potential, as will acoustic treatments to your room. As usual, Mapman makes some excellent points.

I have seen Ohm setups with a lot of absorptive materials not only at the first reflection points, but almost all around the front and side of the room at ear level. Remember: the "first reflection" point for an omni is not the same as for a conventional dynamic cabinet loudspeaker. I have the traditional first reflection point more or less covered, as well as the front ceiling corners, but plan on adding more foam panels along the side and rear walls at ear level in the future.

If you have a tuner, you use that for extended break-in sessions.

My theory is this: If a speaker sounds good right out of the box, it should only get better with break in. IME with the Ohm Walsh 2000s, there were odd sonic characteristics that came and went during break in, but they never really sounded bad, especially once a friend helped me reposition them.

I would suggest you play the Mirages as much as possible in the two week period, and when you're listening, try out all kinds of familiar recordings. If you're still grinning like an idiot after two weeks of that, the Mirages are probably keepers. If you keep them, and then lose your enthusiasm later on, I think you got them cheaply enough that you could sell them without taking a big hit.

Speaker selection should come before amp selection, so if you keep the Mirages because you like the sound, you can upgrade to more powerful amps in the future. That will probably expose another week link in your system. Welcome aboard the upgrade merry-go-round!