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Omni Speaker Options

Have decided to move away from "box speakers" to create a system centered upon omni-directional speakers. I have heard MBL 111Es and like the transparency, resolution and dynamics. And I have seen some good prices for 111Es on Audiogon for preowned. But before I drop money on an MBL, I have to ask the question: Are they the only game in town? Have not heard German Physiks (high end) or Ohm (lower end). For those that are knowledgeble about omni-speakers, are there other brands that should be auditioned before I make the MBL investment? How does your recommended speaker compare to 111Es? The listening room is 26 feet long, 17 feet wide and 14 foot ceiling.
amilcar
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,977 posts
 
I guess the other obvious choices would be Ohm and Duevel. Also worth considering are Morrison Audio and the Mirage OM28.
jdoris
972 posts
 
The Blue Circle Penny has been getting some buzz; I'm intrigued, though I've not found much info on it.

John
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Beolab 5 sound good and look cool and have impressive dynamic bass (just don't push them too hard in the mid range)
mlsstl
1,436 posts
 
My only caution for an omni speaker is room interaction can be a bigger than normal issue since the speaker radiates in all directions. In some situations that can give a great sense of space while in others it can result in an uneven frequency response and vague or wandering imaging. It all depends on where things are bouncing around.

I say this having owned a pair of omnis (Ohm F) and also a pair of dipoles (Maggies) in the past. I enjoyed both greatly but neither would suit me in my current listening room.

Ideally you'd want to try the speaker in your listening room before making a final decision (or know there is a solid resale market if you buy used.)
pedrillo
560 posts
 
I too looked for options, I believe if the mbl's do it for you then stick with them. No other speaker does what they do!!!!!
Being a big mbl fan I'll mention some speakers I like, not sure if that helps: Wilson Alexandria xa, but those are the only Wilsons I like, the Verity audio line, Magico mini's, Vienna Acoustics. The only speakers to have dethroned the mbl's are the Alexandria and just recently heard the Symposium reflection, awesome speaker, very dynamic and life-like. Worth giving a listen!!
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