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

Bondmanp,

I get the "picking apart" thing... it's natural to do with something this expensive, plus you're acutely aware that you can still get much of your money back (except for shipping those beasties) within your test period. I'm not made of money either!

That said, I've found that the 100's have kept sounding more and more alive as they've broken in. Given that I don't get as much time to listen as I'd like, that's taken much of a year to happen, but it has happened. The Ohms have "opened up" in all sorts of ways. For what it's worth...

Yeah, I think I had my 5s for almost a year before I was convinced they had fully opened up in terms of dynamics.

The 100S3s were acquired second hand and largely broken in it seemed when I got them.

I'd pull the trigger right away on a bigger amp for the 5s in my bigger room if I were not fully satisfied with the dynamics, but whenever I listen, I am. My approach is always if it ain't broke, don't fix it, even though I am still curious what a big monster amp ( or more likely for me a juicier Class D) might do.

I also am very big on avoiding fatigue listening. For me, most any system that is not fatiguing can be enjoyable. But my 5s were my attempt to go for broke sound wise without fatigue, and I could not be happier. That Walsh driver with all that surface area in play to produce all that gorgeous midrange which is at the core of most all great recordings.....ahhh!

Bondmanp- your posts may be long, but when I'm done reading them, I want more. Keep 'em coming.

I think it's important to note shortcomings in the Ohm's (and all speakers, for that matter)- otherwise we become unabashed fan-boys and might as well post on the Audioholics forum. :P

I have very little criticism of the Micro Walsh Talls, although I occassionally miss the bombast that my Deftech BP2006's could impart, especially on movie soundtracks. The Ohm's just don't seem to add to the drama, but rather present what's there- for better or worse.

I've also noted that the soundstage does not move 'into the room' per se. In that sense, it's a bit like a live performance of unamplified music I guess.

I did notice some glare at about the 2 month mark of owning them. It calmed down considerably. Not sure if it's break-in so much as settling into final placement, about 5' 1" apart and 15" from the rear wall (still looks awfully close to my eye, but just right to my ear)

Also I'd say that those cages are kinda boring to look at. I do like the look of a nice set of drivers!

Thanks Mapman, Rebbi & Parasound. I am not putting the kind of hours on the 2000s that many would, so I guess I have a ways to go yet for break-in. Plus, since I am running them with a pair of subs, the 2000s see a 1st-order roll-off beginning at 80Hz, which is probably prolonging break-in as well.

Extremely interesting comment from Parasound on the glare at the two month mark. I am about a week away from the two month point right now. I guess I need to be patient.

I still think that, contrary to what John Strohbeen tells me, the Walsh 2000s will benefit from spiked bases. I suppose that on a flat floor the Ohms would be fine, but my cellar floor is anything but flat, and even with the shims and pads Ohm sent me, they are not totally stable.

Once I make a final decision on keeping the 2000s (which seems likely at this point), I will order the bases from Sound Anchors (they are custom made and not returnable).

I have a combo 2-channel/HT system, and have found the Walsh 2000s fine for films and TV. Right now my center and surrounds are mismatched (Vandy center, surrounds and Paradigm Atoms for the back surrounds). The timbre-matching issue aside, I have no issues with the surround sound produced by my system. Eventually, I will get the Ohm center channel speaker, and watch for some used Walsh speakers for surrounds.