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

Hmmmm....

Let's suppose, theoretically, that a guy with a birthday coming up in a few months, who owned Ohm Walsh 100 s-3's, was toying with the idea of getting a higher powered integrated amp for his speakers. This guy currently has a Unison Unico, which is a tube-SS hybrid that puts out 80 watts/channel into 8 ohms. It plays plenty loud in this guy's small-ish room, but he's curious about what more power "breathing room" would do for the Ohms.

What would you suggest as a move up? Or should he just stay put?

Parasound - Your idea is actually a very good one. First, I agree, it should aid in the burn-in process. Second, my comments would be more relevent if I listen to them full-range. That said, you've got to hear the Vandersteen 2Wq to understand how well they work. Completely different presentation from your typical home theater burp-box, and very easy to blend with one's main speakers.

Rebbi - I would certainly try some out to see if an upgrade is worthwhile. What kind of budget are looking at? Does your Unico have pre-outs? If so, you might consider a separate power amp, especially if you like the Unico's character.

Zkzpb8,

Thanks a lot for the suggestions! I'd be looking to keep this under $1500 for an integrated amp... I figure I can still get around $800 for the Unico here on A'gon, which would take the sting out of the purchase price.

I was thinking of the C375BEE -- Sam Tellig just gave it a glowing review in Stereophile -- seems like a lot of bang for the buck. And I stopped into a local dealer who said he'd let me take it home overnight to see how it sounds in my system.

Never looked at Audio by VanAlstine but I will.

I spoke to Wally at Underwood. I don't know if he's still selling mods to the Unico. He's stopped selling Unison retail -- told me that the MSRP's had risen so much recently that they just weren't a good value anymore.

Bondmanp,

Sadly, no pre-outs on the Unico.

Rebbi,

I think that you can buy a new Bel Canto integrated amp in your price range. I've used this combo (Bel Canto s300 w/Ohm 100 S3)and it works very well. The S-300 offers a pre-out (if you ever want to add a sub), but not a power in (if you want to actively roll off your mains when you add that sub). Kind of a "glass half full".

The good news is that you might even be able to go with Bel Canto separates at/near your price point if you buy used. Check the A'gon listings. This set-up offers full (bi-amping or switching to a different power amp if you so choose in the future) flexibility going forward, and a stacked pair of small, matching Bel Canto chassis echos the uncluttered look of an integrated.

Good Luck,

Marty