Ohm F remodel options

If you find a place (Miller SOund?)that can reliably restore an original F driver properly, please let us know the details of what is done to accomplish that. As I indicated, OHM Fs are a piece of sound engineering history and should be preserved if possible. IS it possible or is the sound of a properly functioning OHM F only a valued thing of the past at this point?

My understanding is that Dale Harder replaces the original driver with his own new and approved version. It may sound fantastic at that point, but it technically is an "OHM F" in general appearance only at that point. His driver is a new, different and I would assume much improved design.

My OHM F-5s use original OHM F cabinets. Though the Walsh 5 drivers have level adjustments to enable them to fit into smaller rooms, the main sound advantage of these are in larger rooms. OHM does fit smaller drivers into the larger OHM F cabinets as well. This probably provides additional bass extension versus a smaller cabinet via porting. Whether this is beneficial compared to the same CLS driver in a smaller cabinet will probably depend on the room size and layout and listener preference. Personally, I would prefer having a smaller driver and cabinet in a smaller room in that the omni Walsh drivers sound best with room around them to "breathe" IMO. For normal listening, putting my F5s in my smaller room had no practical or sound advantage over the smaller 100s that normally reside there.

Despite many claims to the contrary, these are unusual and classic drivers, very, very few have the know how to restore them. I've heard about nightmares from others who have had supposed experts completely destroy them. If the cost of restoration has you contemplating an Ohm replacement, please reconsider. Perhaps you can sell them as is, to someone willing to do it right. Original Walsh drivers are hard to find and deserve appropriate restoration. Though Dale's version might not be an exact replica of the original Walsh driver, it appears to be much closer to the original design goals than the new Ohm subsitutes.

Is there is anyone out there who has actually heard dale Harder's new Walsh speakers? Does he do any audio shows?

I would really like to know what they sound like in comparison to the newer OHM CLSs, but have not heard any accounts to-date.

Unsound- you're probably right.

Holding on to them until I find someone able and willing to restore to original condition is an option, if I can't get it done myself. I'm holding out hope that I can be that person. But first, I have to find someone that I absolutely trust to do the restoration. I'm hoping that over the next few months the fine folk here at the 'gon can help.

I have exploratory emails to both Dale Harder and Miller Sound.

Mapman- you raise I point I hadn't considered. When I move to Quantico it might be feasible for me to take a drive over to Parma and check out the Harder facility, and listen to his speakers in person. I was born in Cleveland (Lakewood) and plan on traveling to NE and NW Ohio while on the East Coast anyway.

-P

So far:

Millersound has no interest in dealing with the F's. Very polite about it though.

Speakerexpress believes that they can refurbish to original spec. Minimally invasive, and by far the most cost-effective.

Dale Harder seems genuinely enthusiastic, and wants to talk about the options. He just seems to love the F's, and his passion is incredible.

One thought I do have: I want them to remain Ohm F's, and as close to original specification as possible. Otherwise, they won't be Ohm F's...