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

Hi,

I'd love to hear the impressions of people who've actually spent some time with these speakers to share their sense of their plusses and minuses. Mapman here on Audiogon is a big fan, and has shared lots on them, but I'm wondering who else might be familiar with them.
rebbi
rodm_2001
18 posts
 
Hi Guys,
I am still waiting for my Ohm super sound cylinder (10" driver) to arrive but since a few people here have mentioned that these speakers need loads of power, I have started looking at power amps as potential add.
I am using an Arcam SR-250 stereo receiver rated at 90W per channel into 8 ohms.
I was thinking about using the Arcam as my preamp and add one of the new Hypex Ncore based class D amplifiers as the main driver. 
Seems like the Ncore modules by Hypex have been very well taken by the audio community and companies like NAD and ATI amplifier technology and Nord acoustics have released products based on these Ncore modules. Has anyone here have any experience with this relatively new class D design? would it pair OK with the Ohm speakers? I guess a phone call to John S would also be helpful.
The company that I am mostly interested in is the Nord acoustics. They seem to be very open about all the components that they are using in the amplifier and they can put together a true mono block design (separate power supply and amplifier channel) with Op Amp of your choice (front buffer) into a stereo box for relatively "affordable" price tag.
Any feedback or first hand experience with these products?
Thanks,
 
mapman's avatar
mapman
23,053 posts
 
No experience with those particular amps but your plan is a sound one.

I'd start with the 90 w/ch arcam and see how that sounds first then if still desired 250w/ch or more of good quality Class D meaning robust power supply and high current delivery good down to 4 ohm would be a step up in most cases.  Benefits may be lesser in a  smaller room and/or lower volumes only.

Arcam is good stuff but most receivers and many integrated amps cannot match separates of the same power rating in regards to power suppl;y and current delivery with low distortion into lower impedances which matters to get the most out of the OHMs.  
bondmanp
1,839 posts
 

rodm_2001:  I don't have any experience with these amps, other than hearing them briefly at shows or stores, and not with Ohms.  The only Class D amp I have used with my 2000s was the Arion Audio RS-500.  I liked them a lot, but it was a loaner pair and I was not amp shopping.  I use an Odyssey Audio HT3 (with cap upgrade) for my 2000s, and I love the combo.  But, this is with a pair of powered subwoofers, so the power demands of the 2000s is not as high as if they were run full range. 


Mapman uses bel canto Class D amps, and he seems to really like the combo with his Ohm 5s.


But, I would hold off on the amp purchase.  Try the Ohms with your receiver first, for at aleast a couple of weeks.  Then, if you think they are somewhat broken in and you still want more, try to get a more powerful amp that you can return, or borrow one from someone.  FWIW, I briefly hooked up my 2000s, without the subs, to an 80 watt per channel Onkyo receiver and was surprised by how little was lost when I went to the lower power and left out the subs.

rodm_2001
18 posts
 
Bondmanp and mapman,
Thanks for your quick inputs. your suggestions are spot on. I am going to play with the Ohm and Arcam combo for a few weeks and then decide if I really need more power.
Just did a quick research on the bel canto and sure enough it appears that they are also using a custom Hypex module, possibly the nCore NC1200 or the older UcD models.
From Mapman's experience with the bel canto and the fact that Ohm speakers are not very sensitive speakers (88db @ 2.8v ), Class D amps should be a good fit. 
peterr53
184 posts
 
Hi rodm...

You might get lucky and your integrated will be ok, but that's all it's going to be.
 I gurantee that you will need way more power and or current to have them come alive.
I do have a pair of 2000's on loan and I don't have a problem using 400-500w when playing 
loud or if I use a very dynamic cd. Just my 0.2 cents.
I did actually use a Marantz 130w per ch amp, and it fell on its face as soon as I cranked up the volume YMWV

More power always equals more fun.......🇸🇪
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