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

Joe,

I don't know the W2s, but I believe that the paino timbre issue you observed isn't common to the entire Ohm line. Along with its unusual imaging capabilities, this was specifically the quality that most impressed me about my Ohm 100s. IMHO, the ability to allow a listener to easily identify piano type is usually a good indication of a speaker's timbral capability and, in this regard, I find the 100s awfully good. The "bell-like" tone of an upright is reproduced by my 100s in a way that sounds immediately real to me. With some other speakers I've heard (even some that - I'd say - sound "beautiful") this hasn't always been the case. Just MHO.

Marty

Marty,

Have you ever heard the Magico Minis?

Cost aside, these always leave an impression with me when I hear them and was interested in your take on them if you have?

Map,

I haven't managed to hear Magico yet. David Weinhart Design in Bel Air (not too far from me) carries them and I've thought about dropping in for a listen. Truth is, I don't usually do that unless there's at least a passing chance that I'll buy something. Right now, I'm REALLY happy with the Ohm + Subs, so I've been reluctant to bother Dave. One day, I'll stop by to check out something he sells (maybe not speakers) and ask for a listen. 'Til then, I'll remain curious, too.

Marty

Aren't the Minis something like $25,000 a pair? Yikes!

Actually, now over $30000 pair, up $10000 from last year.

Yikes is right!

Apparently, people are buying them and they were quite ear catching both times I've heard them. Transient attack was one of the best I've heard, yet they seemed relatively easy on the ear regardless. Not all recordings I heard struck me uniquely, but the piano and percussion in particular on a few remastered cuts off Billy Joel's "The Stranger" did.

Last time I heard them about a year ago, on the same system at Sound By Singer in NYC, using a high end VAC amp, VTL pre, and DCS Puccini player (all very pricey as well), the naturalness of massed strings in an orchestral work struck me as well and led me towards a few tweaks in my system as a result.

They are price is no object statement speakers with very high build quality and a useful reference as such I would say.