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

"It sounds like the Manley/Canto combo is working for you. I think that rig will be hard to improve upon, without getting into crazy $$$!"

I'd tend to agree. Rebbe, I think you did quite well!

Thanks for the nice feedback, folks! The system is sounding wonderful, although I'm at a loss to describe exactly what has improved in moving to the new amplification. The music seems more "alive," in general. Instrumental textures are more palpable, individual instruments have more "air" around them, and other things I can't quite articulate in words. But the system has definitely taken a huge leap with the new electronics, proving, I guess, that the Ohm's benefit from better associated gear.
It's also very satisfying that Audiogon has made all this possible. I saved a total of about $1400 on the preamp and amplifier over retail. The power amp was brand-new in an unopened box, at one half off retail -- the only thing I lost is the factory warranty. The preamp was, just as the buyer had claimed, "without a single mark on it," and it's a beautiful piece of equipment. That's another great thing about Audiogon: I have yet to have dealings with anybody here, either as a buyer or a seller, who wasn't a pleasure to deal with. It feels much safer buying here than in the wild and woolly world of eBay, for example. So, here's to AudiogoN, and to the bargains it makes possible. :-)

"I'm at a loss to describe exactly what has improved in moving to the new amplification. The music seems more "alive," in general. Instrumental textures are more palpable, individual instruments have more "air" around them"

From this description, I suspect in your case, moving from tube hybrid integrated to separate tube pre and power amp, that it is mostly a result of moving to the juicier/more powerful amp. Of course the manley is a good piece also and I'm sure the two new pieces are getting on quite well together.

Great. Now I'm wanting to try tubes! Doubt I'll part with my solid state amp, though...

Glad you're enjoying them, Rebbi. And thanks for starting this thread, by the way. You had a bit to do with me buying my MWT's (all you other guys too- thanks!)

Zkz,

I had to laugh a bit when I saw your post. I'm a big fan of Blake/Froom and Los Lobos. However.....

I've always referred to "Colossal Head" as "Colassal Bore".

By far, my least favorite Lobos record and seeing it performed live at the Lobos typically crushing SPL was one of the more painful evenings I can ever recall.

Glad you enjoy it, but I'll file this one under "agree to disagree".

Marty

BTW, IIRC Mitchell Froom once toured with Richard Thompson supporting solo guitar with amazing accompaniment on keys. Many, many years back, but a much more pleasant concert memory.