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

Amp news:

I'm giving serious consideration to trying a pair of Bel Canto ref1000 mkiis that are up for sale. The seller is confirming for me that these are in fact mkiis, which go for a hefty premium over original ref100s due to input stage and power supply enhancements.

On paper, the 100k unbalanced input impedance (200k balanced) of the ref1000 mkiis are an ideal match for tube pre-amps. FWIW the input impedance of my MF A3CR is 72K ohms, also very good. The ref1000s deliver 500w/ch into 8 ohm, doubling into 4.

I figure if I do this, I 'm going to try to go for broke.

We'll see...

Tell us what your critical listener friends said?

+1

Finsup -

Most of the criticism was that the high frequencies might be a tad rolled off. This might be changed by changing the toe-in, but, frankly, I like the frequency balance as is. Note that although the highs are a little rolled off, there is no lack of extension or transient information; it's all there, at a slightly reduced level, which makes these speakers easy on the ears during long listening sessions.

Some felt that the 2000s were not the last word in soundstage depth, although they did exhibit a reasonable amount. Note that there is a large, tube-based RPTV in between and behind the speakers, which has to have a negative affect on depth.

Most of the other criticisms involved my room acoustics and speaker cables (they are too long and not properly positioned).

90% or more of the comments were positive. Some checked items off a list - soundstage, imaging, timbre, frequency balance, extension, PRAT, etc., and found them all more than acceptable for the price, and in some cases acceptable at ANY price - a real strong endorsement IMO.

The last fellow stopped by earlier this week, and generally agreed with the others. That, and a few more hours of listening myself have convinced me that keeping the 2000s is the right move.

Since they are staying, I jumped on a pair of used MWTs offered locally here on Audiogon, to be used as surrounds. I wasn't going to address the surround channels before the center channel and spiked bases, but opportunity knocked, so I jumped. Now my wallet needs to catch its breath for a bit!

Bond,

Thanks for sharing your info.

For me, well, I finally got the urge to spring for the bigger amp. The Bel Canto Ref1000mkiis should arrive in a day or two. That will be fun!

It was between the Wyreds and the Bels, and I decided to go for broke with the Bels despite the significant cost difference and hopefully put my upgrade urges to rest for a while. Yeah, we'll see about that!

I'll post back as soon as I have something to report.

Since they are staying, I jumped on a pair of used MWTs offered locally here on Audiogon, to be used as surrounds.

Woot! Wow that is terrific! I am very much looking forward to your impressions in an HT/MC set-up once you get them in.

It was between the Wyreds and the Bels, and I decided to go for broke with the Bels despite the significant cost difference...

Methinks you’ll have power to spare.

...and hopefully put my upgrade urges to rest for a while

I for one hope not! : ) I am living vicariously through you guys…