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

Rbf,

The Velodyne auto EQ is a mess.

It only uses graphic (fixed band) EQ and doesn't incorporate the parametric (variable "Q") capabilities of the software. Get a video monitor and manually tweak all paramaters (x-over point, slope, phase, band center, Q, etc) until you see a pretty flat FR. Tweak by ear from there.

This may not be the best subwoofer out there, but set-up this way it is very good. In all likelihood, you just need to work it a bit.

Good Luck,

Marty

PS If this set-up process doesn't appeal to you, you might think about a preamp (or pre-pro or AVR) with Audyssey. Their auto set-up is IMHO just about flawless.

Thanks Marty, although I don't understand apart any of what you said, lol.

To clarify though: it's a matter of setup and tweaks, not having a terrible subwoofer, correct? I figured for $400 I had to be buying at least a solid subwoofer that could integrate well with the Ohms!

Rbf,

IMHO, once you're out of the real budget models, subwoofer set-up is usually more important than the specific choice of subwoofer model (unless you've defied the odds and chosen a truly crappy subwoofer!). Good news - you haven't.

To clarify my post, the Velo sub includes an EQ function. When used automatically, it simply adjusts (IIRC) 6 fixed bands of equal range to eliminate peaks and suckouts. This is a pretty simple approach and IME doesn't work very well.

However, manual EQ allows MUCH more effective adjustment. You can vary the width of each band, vary it's center point, and vary how "steep" the correction is. If you've got a big "hump" centered at, for example 90 hz (not uncommon), you can create a band centered at 90hz and apply correction in the opposite "shape" of the hump. When summed for playback, the combination of the original hump and the "mirror" correction that you've dialed in via manual EQ results in flat FR. Unfortunately, this is only possible via manual EQ and involves a fair bit of work on your part.

All the other stuff - slope, phase, etc. - can also make a huge difference. IME, trial and error, aided by video readout - is the best way to go with Velodyne. In the end, you'll get flat response from the sub and smooth, precisely matched level at the point your cross to your Ohms. If you haven't yet guessed, I'm a huge fan of this approach.

Unfortunately, REALLY GOOD subwoofer set-up is a giant PITA...but also makes a GIANT difference in the end result. The easy way is Audyssey, which includes a very sophisticated auto subwoofer set-up feature. Unfortunately, Audyssey is found mostly in multi channel home theater electronics - which I'm guessing you don't have handy. Shy of switching to Audyssey, you might want to wade thru the manual EQ instructions for your sub (either those in the instruction book or downloaded from the Velo web site).

IME, the process is cumbersome, but worthwhile.

Good luck,

Marty

Marty, is there a brand or model in the sub-$500 range you would have chosen instead?

Anyone on the ohm branded sub?