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What are the best loudspeakers under $4000 to re-create lifelike piano

Over the past 4 months I've spent time with five loudspeakers.  On a scale of 1-10 I'd rate them as follows in their ability (with my equipment in my room) to recreate a lifelike piano.  Tekton Lore - 6.5 (great scale but tonal accuracy and clarity somewhat lacking),    Kef LS50 - 7.0 (moderate scale but slightly better clarity and tonal accuracy)  Kef R500 - 8.0  (great scale and very good clarity and tonal accuracy), Spatial Audio M3TurboS -8.1 (great scale and very good clarity and tonal accuracy and very smooth)  Magnepan 1.7i - 9.0 (very good scale with excellent clarity and tonal accuracy - very lifelike).

In your room with your equipment, what loudspeakers are you listening too and how would you rate them for their ability to recreate a lifelife piano and if possible a few comments as to why?
snapsc
bondmanp
1,836 posts
 

snapsc - If I can chime in while we wait for ASVJerry, Ohm does not use Walsh drivers these days, but they do use the Walsh principle of bending wave propagation, in which the back of a cone driver radiates sound in a quasi-omni pattern.  Getting this type of speaker voiced right requires, IMO, a different skill set than voicing other speaker types.  A few are really good at it, including John Strohbeen at Ohm and German Physiks (which does use a Dicks Dipole Driver). 


Part of the reason so few do this is, perhaps, marketing.  Many consumers expect a bunch of forward facing drivers in a box.  Many assume omni's can't image well (which is false, IME).  And in the early days, true Walsh designs were, um, finicky about associated gear and had some reliability issues.  And then there is the price.  Ohm Walsh speakers are not expensive, and since Ohm doesn't sell a $75,000 Reference model, they don't get a lot of love from the audio press or high-end folks.  Selling factory direct is a two-edged sword, too, which keeps prices low, but means there is no dealer network to talk up the brand.  Just my 2 cents.

jnovak's avatar
jnovak
457 posts
 
Nobody seems to include the "lowly" Snell Type B speaker to this list. I have a pair. I picked them up used for the ridiculous price of $675.00!!! I needed to replace four of the midwoofers which added $300.00 to the cost. They sound like new. The Type B's are unique because they are five sided. The side that fires into the sound stage has a tweeter that adds significantly to the soundstage. Look for a pair or at least a chance to hear them. They compete with speakers that cost tens of thousands of dollars. I'm happy with mine! Joe



mapman's avatar
mapman
22,971 posts
 
I’ll venture a guess at why not more "Walsh" drivers.

The biggest reason is probably that "true" Walsh drivers are 100% omnidirectional. Omnidirectional speakers are an acquired taste and getting them set up right away from walls, etc (to avoid early reflections that compromise imaging)  is not practical for most.

Also the original Walsh drivers were full range but also inherently prone to self destruction and reliability issues over time. Not practical for most.

Hence the OHM "Walsh" CLS driver which addresses those issues and makes the design practical for many and I believe is also patented.

German Physiks DDD "Walsh" driver also addresses the reliability issue by punting on the bass. Those are also very pricey and have the usual omni placement issues so not for everyone.

OHM CLS takes a different approach and punts on the highest frequencies with the Walsh-style driver. A wide dispersion separate tweeter is used. CLS driver also facilitates placement closer to walls by physically attenuating Walsh driver output in rear and side directions inside the "cans".
snapsc OP
687 posts
 
It is interesting/unusual?? that there are so few comments about the modern day ohm Walsh on any forum you look at compared to most other loudspeakers. Not sure what it means but given how long the company has been around its surprising. Given that pianos have air and scale the Walsh would seem to be a good candidate since it has no crossover in the critical frequencies. 
bondmanp
1,836 posts
 

^  Bingo, snapsc.  As I said previously, I think Ohm gets little respect because of their lower price points and direct-sales approach.  Compare, for example, how few reviews there have been of the Von Schweikert VR series, which are likewise priced lower and sold direct, as opposed to their more expensive lines, sold by dealers.  Another common point between the VR series and the Ohms is their appearance.  They look okay, but clearly, neither Ohm nor Von Schweikert have spent a lot on the cabinetry.  That would raise the prices and defeat their purpose of offering great sound and great value.


But the Ohm forums on this site are quite extensive.  Also, until recently, Ohm eschewed exhibiting at audio shows, and does not advertise in print media.  This might explain the scarcity of reviews in audio publications.  They do a bit of web advertising, but, otherwise, it is mainly word-of-mouth.


Ohm is not alone in having a sort of under-the-radar, cultish following.  Tekton and Silverline Audio are two more I would put in those categories.

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