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
No. I was very tempted but had no real need what with two larger pair already.

I did buy a Chord Mojo portable DAC and a nice aluminum 45 record adapter and some music.

Also I got to hear German Physiks for the first time. Those are speakers I could live with but very pricey. The sound was spot on in every way running off Merrill Class D amps. They had a prime spot in a somewhat larger room that was right off the atrium. They have a new US distributor located in North Jersey so perhaps they will start to make a bigger showing here now.

I also heard Tekton for the first time. Double Impacts I think., I liked those very much as well. 10 watt tube amp had them playing nicely in a smaller hotel room. These could be the ticket for someone with a lower powered amp that wants more sound for the dollar. Not a lot of WAF appeal though. I found the sound very engaging. MEAT ON THE BONES which so many smaller setups often lack and perhaps just a nice smidgeon of warmth. Only problem with these larger speakers in the smaller room was I could hear location of individual drivers though the overall soundstage and imaging was quite good.

The Vanadoo powered speakers sounded very good for their size and represented a very good value. Also had a nice discounted show price as did Benchmark again this year (10% off)

In all most rooms had good sound. Class D and tube amps were often the culprits and hard to distinguish without looking. One or two rooms perhaps that I thought clearly under performed.

I still say these shows need to promote more of a range of gear at various price points to draw more people. The vast majority of gear was very pricey still well beyond what most normal people would consider. Lots of good sound but I found myself often questioning the value proposition. Very nice show for an audiophile in any case.




How do you like the Mojo?  I have been pondering buying an ifi Black Label DSD DAC, for home use, not portable.  This is a a direct competitor to the Chord.


I really like the German Physiks.  That dealer/distributor is Larry Borden's Distinctive Stereo, a home-based dealer in River Vale, NJ.  I have been there with my audio club and heard the GP speakers.  Very impressive, and Larry, a former reviewer, knows how to set up speakers.  He is also a really nice guy.  The New Jersey Audio Society is meeting there again in January.  Let me know if you would like particulars.  You can see his very large demo room, and meet some of the crankiest, funniest audiophiles in the country!  Merrill of Merrill Audio is also a member of our group, and attends many of our meetings.


+1 on the Vanatoos.  I heard them a couple of years ago, and decided if I ever need a pair of compact, powered speakers, they're it.


I think I am going to try to go to the CAF next year.  I have a brother in MD who would probably join me.

The Mojo sucks me in and makes me smile every time.   Have only used with headphones so far.  Seems to bring out the best in most everything.  Will try in my main system soon.   

Thanks for your thoughts, Mapman.

BTW, interesting story behind the German Physiks: The designer of the Dicks Dipole Driver specifically set out to design a Walsh driver without the cost constraints that Ohm works under. IOW, a no-holds-barred Walsh bending wave design. The results speak for themselves. The entry level German Physiks lists for ~$14,000, so if you can find a demo or used pair, they might be affordable. On the GP web site, there is a DDD driver unit for sale without a bass driver or cabinet, that you pair with a woofer/subwoofer. Someone better at this stuff than I might be able to save a few bucks with that.


All that said, I remain thrilled with my Ohm Walsh 2000s. At least I will be when my amp gets back from the repair shop.

My wife and I had dinner at the Hilton Friday night after arriving in Rockville. Afterwards we walked through the quiet Atrium checking things out (show had been over that day for a few hours) and a gentleman with The Audio Company greeted us and offered a private listen to the "Million Dollar" VAC Von Schweikert system in their feature room off the Atrium. We of course took him up on it and got the private screening. Needless to say it sounded great and my wife and I were very impressed. The rep was very gracious! My wife was ready to write the check!