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

Parasound63: Funny you should say "I haven't listened to this much music since I was 16." That's exactly what I am looking for. My current rig is not bad, but I never have long listening sessions, usually switch to watching movies, and rarely listen to a complete album. I guess that's classic listening fatigue. When I was 16, I would listen for hours to my system (Kenwood receiver, Technics 'table with cheap Stanton pickup, or Superscope Cassette Deck and New Large Advent Utility speakers) for hours. Surely, this was, at best, mid-fi, but I loved listening. Although time is a more precious commodity these days, I long for a speaker that i can afford that will make me opt for music over video.

Until now, only two speakers I have heard under $10K convinced me that I would listen more often if I had them. One, the Roman Audio Centurian (~$6500 when last available) is out of production. The other, Silverline Audio Bolero, is pricey ($9K list, but probably lower street price).

Based on this thread, I am going to try to get the boss's approval to try out the Ohms. Unfortunaley, based on J.S.'s latest email, the price of entry for me into the world of Ohm just went up from $1700 to $2800, if I have measured my room correctly and understand the room-size application correctly. But $2800 is still a lot less than the other two speakers, so come this fall, I hope to contact John and order a pair od 2000s (or the 1000s if John thinks they will suffice).

If I have the kind of reaction to the Ohms that you, Rebbe and Martykl got, perhaps it will be my last speaker (especially given the 40-50 year life-span of the new line, which is probably longer than my own).

I will keep this thread posted as things progress.

Meanwhile, I am dressing up the acoustics in my room and just got my preamp back from a factory refresh at Conrad Johnson. I want to make sure that everything else is in place before I order the Ohms.

Thanks again, everyone!

Bondman,

I suspect there are still ways to bring the cost down.

You can pick up used OHMs with good cabinets on Ebay or here and get them upgraded.

Or you can pick up up to two pair of used OHMS cheap that meet OHMs trade-in requirements (in general, cabinets are refurbishable) for value up to 40% off towards something from them and do that (that's what I did for my F-5s).

Or you might just pick up a pair of older second hand OHMs that work and get a flavor with those.

And if I remember correctly, I believe Ohm still has updated models available for reduced cost or possibly some remaining S3's or Super 2-S3's, which are updated Ohm 2's. I wouldn't wait until Fall to give John a call

By the way, there is a nice looking pair of Ohm 4's up for bid on ebay- recently serviced by Ohm.

In any case, I can't wait to read your impressions of any Ohm with the Conrad Johnson!

-P

Thanks, Parasound, but I won't have the cash until a bonus check on August 31st. FYI, only my preamp is C-J. My amp is the Odyssey Audio HT3.

Mapman - this must be a no-risk trial for me. I can't spend that kinda money without a way out if they aren't everything I hope they will be. Ohm's 120 day trial is the only reason I am even considering the purchase. Buying used for an upgrade or trade-in means too many complications if I do not like the Ohms in my system. Plus, I admit that I like the idea of rounded cabinets and improved finishes. I don't mind spending the $2800, if the 2000s are all that I hope they will be (in fact, they'd be a bargain at $2800 if they produce the same reaction from me as the Roman Audio Centurians or Silverline Boleros). My current speakers, Vandy 1Cs, were bought new at full retail nine years ago. For the money, it is still one of the better speakers out there, and was maybe the best for under $1000 nine years ago. I do not regret paying retail at all: If a product offers good value at its list price, I am fine with paying retail.

Bond-
Pretty sure you'll be pleased with them. I'm not sure how you feel about the theory of the break-in period. I myself was a non-believer until I got the Micro Walsh Talls. They sounded great right out the box, but the tonal quality definitely changed over the course of 100 hours. The change greatly affected placement My point is, even if you disregard burn-in as bunk, be prepared to break them in for about 100 hours.

At any rate, a comparison with the Vandy's also sounds interesting They were on my short list before I went with the Ohm's.

-P