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

For me its all about the sound. If it sounds best to me that’s all that matters and the OHMs still do for me both at lower price points and highest.

Granted there is a lot of very good sounding competition out there but still nothing I know of that sounds and works as good for me at competitive price points. Good meaning most hours of time spent listening to all kinds of music at any volume over almost 10 years going now with my current OHMs..

JS is definitely goes for delivering his sound as affordable as possible in a way that works best for most in their homes and does not seem to care about what people might think about bling and parts used. In other words I do not think he cares at all about "high end audio" only good sound.

When I read his blogs on his site it only convinces me more that this MIT educated guy knows exactly what he is doing perhaps as well as anyone.

Regarding cost and competition if one is smart about how they go about it there are many ways to get better OHMs for less. My F5 series 3 OHMs, essentially equivalent to current 5000s that list for over $6K (lots of really good $6K speakers out there but none I know of sound the same) ended up costing me $2400 with summer sale pricing (should be coming up again in June) and maximizing trade in for 40% discount trading in two old pair of refurbishable OHMs (my old Walsh 2s and a pair of old C2s I picked up on ebay for about $100 and had shipped straight to OHM for the trade-in).


The Ls I refurbed myself with a pair of $400 Morel woofers sound very good but I suspect a refurbed pair from JS for $500 total would sound even better even with less $$$s in raw parts because I have no doubt JS can design speakers better than I and for less.

There seem to be 2 camps here; those that are interested in the technical side and those that aren't.
I don't see why those that are on either side need to disparage the other. Why not just let the stories unfold and contribute when you have something constructive to say.
Leave your egos and bruised emotions aside and let the chips fall where they may.
This thread is about Ohm speakers and how they sound and not about the feelings of the posters.
BTW, John S. is perfectly capable of defending himself if he wants to and doesn't need any help.

I for one care deeply about technology. Learning and applying it has been my career for well over 30 years. Hifi’s are just a hobby for me. The technology interests me greatly though because understanding it means being better able to enjoy the music.

peter, as a 'senior' myself, I don't remember our conversations but will trust yours. ;)  Time is not kind to our wetware...*G*

For all of my previous rant (and pardon me, in retrospect it does come off a tad harsh...), I do fully agree.  Ohm makes and markets a great line of good products at reasonable price points.  And backs that with a guarantee and (I've heard...well, read...) good service.  A first class act, that. *S*  And more power to them...

I've had the honor and pleasure of some communication with Mr. Harder.  His biggest point and hint to me was that my cones are too heavy, which gets no argument from me.  I'm working on that...*G*  And he's spent much time and treasure perfecting his take on the full range Walsh, and will get no competition from me.  Making the full range version is a daunting prospect for a DIY'er.  The only thing that could be more difficult is to duplicate an MBL101....but I know someone who is doing just that...and ribbon Heil form elements as well by others.

I'm satisfied with what I've been able to accomplish so far, but am fully aware that they've got their imperfections and 'warts'.  But like a parent with a handicapped child, I'm proud that they work as well as they do for what they are.

You can find them and hear them on YouTube, BTW.  Excuse the mess and the lousy audio; I hope to exhibit the next version in stereo with decent mics at least...;)

As stated elsewhere, if one finds themselves in WNC, I've an open invite to any who'd like to hear them in person.  I'm open to critique by ears better tuned than mine.  I am taking a slightly radical approach in what I'm doing, but no one has told me not to do it, either.  Just the opposite, actually...

So...I will carry on...and try not to bite quite as quickly when one speaks of things Walsh. ;)  At least I've had my shots and been neutered. *L*

@mapman Sorry for your loss, too.