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

Hi guys. I don't want to sidetrack the dialogue on preamps but I thought I would poke my head in and say hello. I just picked up a pair of circa 1990 Ohm Walsh 2's for $100. I listened to them last night with my Eastern Electric M520.. not the best match, I know. I found they showed promise with certain characteristics of sound so I intend to upgrade with current parts from Ohm to bring them up to the same spec as the Walsh 2000's. I'm going to rework the cabinets as well and use a very dramatic veneer ala Duevel. Should be a fun project. I'll keep this thread updated on my progress.

Mamboni,

Thanks for the if. The 500W Wyreds could well be the way I go. The value is there and your recommendatio with the 5s makes for a strong case. Thanks!

THE, nice $100 pickup. Upgrading will make a big difference. It did when I went from original Walsh 2s to my current "Super" Walsh 2s (1003 drivers). Keep us posted!

thehungryeye,

Welcome to the wonderful world of Ohm and our monster thread! ;-)

Okay,

Here are my main choices as I see it:

I can get a Manley Shrimp tube preamp - excellent reviews - for $1100 here on A'gon. It has an output impedance of 50 ohms, good fit for the Bel Canto. And a guy on Audio Asylum is using just this amp/preamp combo and really likes it. Advantage: maybe great sound, and I get to mess with tubes. Disadvantages: a little over my budget, and no remote.

OR: I can snag a Bel Canto Pre3 preamp for $999, plus shipping. Advantages: barely within my budget, aesthetic and acoustic match and remote control, so no getting up and down to adjust volume. Disadvantage: don't get to mess with tubes. :-)

What do you think? Hurry, please! :-)

Reb,

That's a tough one!

I suspect either will sound very good and thr right choice is the one with the features that best float your boat!