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

I heard about John Potis passing here a while back. There is a thread here on A'gon regarding it.

John Potis answered email questions I had about amps for the OHMs also. He was very helpful and very enthusiastic....seemed like a really good guy.

I was going to mention John's passing on this thread... His review was the only resource at the time, for me. Like the rest of you, he answered my emails and helped me decide on the Ohms.

There's actually a very nice tribute to him on Positive Feedback in the current issue: www.positive-feedback.com .

Would love to hear from Ohm owners .. should I get a new subwoofer? First off I'd like to say I'm very happy with my modest little system right now and have no NEED to change anything. That being said, out of curiosity I've been playing with my old sub (Velodyne CT-120) which I haven't used for music in a long time. Being in a tweeky mood I hooked it up using a Polk ICBM-1 (also left over from HT) and have it crossed at 60. So .. I like what I hear. Mostly, I hear the MWTs doing their magic and when the sub kicks in the sound has more depth and body. Not muddy, but what does one hear below 60?

So really my question is .. will a higher end sub give me significantly better bass below 60 or is this a diminishing returns scenario? The Velodyne is the only sub I've owned and I have no friends who own one so I feel somewhat clueless here.

Without listening to your system in your room, a "go/no call" call on a subwoofer is tough. If you DO decide to go with a sub, however, I'll offer a piece of advice.

The Velodyne SMS-1 sub controller ($500-600 on line) offers room analysis, PEq, and a flexible x-over which will allow smooth integration (and low end response optimization) of the sub of your choice. IMHO, it's a great tool and - for most set-ups - probably allows a midling sub to outperform a higher quality sub via superior integration. (This is obviously a generalization, but I suspect that, more often than not, this is the case.) I use mine to cross Ohm 100s to a pair of Velodyne SPL 800R subs (which are not great performers by hi-end standards). I am sufficiently happy with the results that I haven't upgraded the SPLRs, even though superior SVS subs are available at modest cost and I have other uses (home theater) for the SPLRs.

BTW, you can always upgrade your subs after the addition of the SMS. Other than the Velodyne DD series (which includes an SMS like function), I know of no sub which offers this type of integration tool.

Just my take.

Marty