@mklinkma - There is a Rega Elicit-R on USaudiomart listed at $1650. If you are interested, you might want to keep an eye on it and consider making an offer around $1500 if it doesn't sell soon.
Options for integrateds for Ohm Walsh Tall 2000s?
Hi, all - back in the pairing game and would love to get some free advice from the experts on the 'Gon. As we've entered our 'empty nest' stage, I've been able to spend more time pursuing my love of music -all types, from chamber music to classic jazz (female vocalists, Bill Evans, Ben Webster, Charlie Haden..) to acoustic to 70s Laurel Canyon to chamber pop, basically anything with melody. That, and the fact that I don't just sit and listen with my head in a vise, led me to a used pair of Ohm MicroWalshTalls. To me, they made music, not just sparkle, and were a good fit for our odd listening space where we moved around and lived - open floor plan, 15x22x9 space for living/dining/kitchen - even while driven by a Marantz PM8004 with only 70/100W for power. Redbook CD sounded great after 20 years with children and a lot of 'life' and noise at home.
Not content to leave well enough alone, my inner audiophile started to emerge. During the pandemic I listened more closely. I started streaming hi-res with the Bluesound Node 2i. I realized that the MWTs couldn't fully fill the space, though they still sounded great with jazz and vocalists. I started a conversation with Evan at Ohm Acoustics, like many of you have done. He was great. We talked about next steps, I sent him our floor plan, he helped me persuade my better half to approve upgrading to a Walsh Tall 2000 (couldn't get her to go for the 3000).
So while our 2000s are being built, I need to figure out the replacement for the PM8004. I've read all of the threads here, many on other forums, and I get what I've read but I'm still parsing all the info. I have a standmount system in my study that satisfies my detail/accuracy listening needs, so I realize that this 'living space' system can remain musical and less technical and detailed. I want music, not pristine sound. My budget is limited - my better half supports my 'hobby' but wants to keep food on the table. My budget is $800-$1500. Lower is better. I don't need a great phono preamp. I don't need a DAC or streamer, I have the Bluesound and like it. I want some more watts, high current and good damping, and balanced sound. I think these needs and wants translate into an integrated, gently used. I've had great luck with used and I don't have access to audition locally or nearby.
I've done a lot of on-line shopping and research. Yes, I've subscribed to Zero Fidelity. I've considered the following, which have recently appeared in my price range:
Class AB:
Yamaha A-S1000, 2000,1100. Was minutes late for a 2000 on Agon. Have looked at an A-S701, not convinced.
Marantz PM 14 or 15 series, not sure there's enough watts there. PM 11 is a physical monster,
Anthem 225.
Parasound Halo integrated. Lots of stuff I don't need.
Belles Soloist 1. Missed that one by an hour or two.
I have a history and some fondness for NAD - my current c356BEE replaced a c326BEE, but not sure about the c375, c388, or M3.
I'm a little nervous about Class D, but:
Rogue Sphinx.
Wyred4Sound STI 500.
What am I missing? The watts of the W4S are appealing, but I really want a little warmth and musicality. Will the 2000 provide that with Class D? I would really appreciate the collective wisdom of those out there who have some experience with Ohms and pairings. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Not content to leave well enough alone, my inner audiophile started to emerge. During the pandemic I listened more closely. I started streaming hi-res with the Bluesound Node 2i. I realized that the MWTs couldn't fully fill the space, though they still sounded great with jazz and vocalists. I started a conversation with Evan at Ohm Acoustics, like many of you have done. He was great. We talked about next steps, I sent him our floor plan, he helped me persuade my better half to approve upgrading to a Walsh Tall 2000 (couldn't get her to go for the 3000).
So while our 2000s are being built, I need to figure out the replacement for the PM8004. I've read all of the threads here, many on other forums, and I get what I've read but I'm still parsing all the info. I have a standmount system in my study that satisfies my detail/accuracy listening needs, so I realize that this 'living space' system can remain musical and less technical and detailed. I want music, not pristine sound. My budget is limited - my better half supports my 'hobby' but wants to keep food on the table. My budget is $800-$1500. Lower is better. I don't need a great phono preamp. I don't need a DAC or streamer, I have the Bluesound and like it. I want some more watts, high current and good damping, and balanced sound. I think these needs and wants translate into an integrated, gently used. I've had great luck with used and I don't have access to audition locally or nearby.
I've done a lot of on-line shopping and research. Yes, I've subscribed to Zero Fidelity. I've considered the following, which have recently appeared in my price range:
Class AB:
Yamaha A-S1000, 2000,1100. Was minutes late for a 2000 on Agon. Have looked at an A-S701, not convinced.
Marantz PM 14 or 15 series, not sure there's enough watts there. PM 11 is a physical monster,
Anthem 225.
Parasound Halo integrated. Lots of stuff I don't need.
Belles Soloist 1. Missed that one by an hour or two.
I have a history and some fondness for NAD - my current c356BEE replaced a c326BEE, but not sure about the c375, c388, or M3.
I'm a little nervous about Class D, but:
Rogue Sphinx.
Wyred4Sound STI 500.
What am I missing? The watts of the W4S are appealing, but I really want a little warmth and musicality. Will the 2000 provide that with Class D? I would really appreciate the collective wisdom of those out there who have some experience with Ohms and pairings. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
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- 34 posts total
I currently have a ohm 3x0 that i got from old man for $200. I’ve run it with low power emotiva basx100 and it sounded ok then i run it using monoprice monolith amp and it was also a bit to harsh to my taste. Then i used my mcintosh mc301 and thats when i notice how good and detailed the sound this old speaker are producing. I currently have this set up in my formal living room with open concept with formal dining total side is probably about 30x20 with probably 20ft ceiling. I dont use sub but for me it is adequate. But you know what else sounds good with my ohm? A really old Mcintosh Mc7106. If you can find a decent condition. I got mine at ebay about 7months ago and it has the sound signature of mc301 but cost way less. I got mine at ebay for $1200 including shipping. Hope that helps |
@reubent - thanks for the heads-up on the Elicit. Did some on-line homework, am tracking it, wish I could do more than read about it. @rendroidz - had not thought about McIntosh. Wonder if it's the reputed smooth style linked to power. The SS Mcintosh with ample watts tend to sell for more than my limit but will check it out. I suppose this is the modern/pandemic version of window shopping. Enjoyable to a degree, learning a lot, not spending money yet. But I am critically listening to my current system to see what needs improvement... and I'm noticing 2 things. More congestion than I expected with some basic roots-rock tracks by Dawes (Stories Don't End) and bass a little weak with Charlie Haden (Nocturne). That's the downside of window shopping - it makes you less content with what you already have. I should be happy with this system, it is muscial and enjoyable, and paid for.... Appreciate all of you. Keep your thoughts coming. -m |
@mklinkma When your Ohms are delivered and you have a few hours on them, make sure to come back and post a review. |
- 34 posts total