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

Rbf,

Here's the good news:

You're about to experience omnidirectional loudpeakers - and very fine examples of the breed, as it happens. I think almost all listeners are initially struck by the unique spatial presentation characteristic of this design approach. IME, many people immediately fall in love with it, but a few do not. Since the Ohms are sold with an in-home/money back trial period, you'll quickly ascertain which side of the fence you fall on, with limited economic risk.

As to some people bailing after enjoying the speakers for a period of time, well....welcome to the world of audio hobbyists. There are many different ways that manufacturers "skin the cat" and no single approach covers every base. After some period of time, it's not uncommon to want to try something a bit different than what you've been living with...even if you've still got a good thing going.

There's always a certain excitement inherent in something new.

In your case, at the moment, your new relationship will be with the Ohms. If it's a fling, send 'em back. If it feels like a keeper, keep 'em. As to whether or not that lovin' feeling fades over time, I suspect that you'll just have to wait and see.

Congrats on the purchase!

Marty

(Now going on year 5 with Ohm 100s and not looking around, except for the ocassional glance at MBLs).

I bought my first Walsh 2s in 1982.

Circa 1986 or so, when I got a real job and some money, I started a fling with Magnepans and kept both until about 3 years ago. I also added a pair of B&W P6s and Triangle Titus along the way in that my house is wired for audio in multiple rooms.

The Maggies were kings until about three years ago when I got upgrade fever again. The Maggies and Walsh 2s were both 20 years old + by then.

I sampled everything at all price points. Read some reviews of the latest OHMs and decided to try them. The rest is history. Others sound nice but the OHMs sound like music and rule.

If that makes you feel any better.

Hey even Christy Brinkley's husband was not satisfied. Go figure! There are always plenty of fish in the sea.

One of the things about this speaker that just calls to me is summed up when John Potis writes that "...these Walsh speakers are designed for those who want to enjoy their music while they live their life." That really appeals to me. I don't generally listen to music just sitting in one spot and concentrating (analytical?). For that I use headphones. The purpose of these speakers will be to have music playing in our livingroom while we have dinner, when we come home from work, when we have friends over, etc. While we LIVE! The idea that they'll sound pretty great just filling a room is so appealing, and when I go audition other speakers and the salesmen have me sit in a specific seat and insist that I not get up and move around the room to make an assessment defeats my purpose for buying speakers in the first place.

The OHM is a unique design due largely to its use of the wave bending wide range Walsh driver.

The omni presentation combined with ability to be placed relatively close to walls if needed is probably the most unique feature.

Second is the wide range omni Walsh driver covers most of the audio range where music occurs with one driver. That results in a highly coherent room filling sound that is distinctive.

It will not sound like any other speaker exactly. Few speakers sound exactly alike so a choice based on preference must be made. More so with the OHM because it is so unique. Audio is all about making choices that best suit your needs. The thing with the OHMs is that if you like what it does, there is really not much else out there like it to choose from. Decware has a speaker at a good price point that appears somewhat similar. THat is about it. There are other omnis and other speakers that use Walsh driver technology but those cost a lot more.

Rbf,

If you go back to your original post of the mwt's vs the vandersteens, you'll find my post about fine tuning your set up. I discovered this accidentally when I was moving the speakers around. I moved them out from the wall for the best bass, and then when I started moving them away from the side walls, when I hit 33 inches off the side walls, I had walked out of the room to do something, and when I came back and turned the music back on, it sounded like the whole room had become a speaker. I was stunned, and said "This is what they're supposed to sound like". This technique worked with both the mwt's and my current 1000's. The sound just permeates the room. I find it very appealing and addictive. The Ohms also , to me, sound more like a performance than a recording, and that's what seperates them from all the other speakers that I've heard.

As far as upgrading your current equipment, I have my 1000's paired with a modest 100 wpc Yamaha reciever and a Sony DVD/CD player and the sound is impressive. I decided to put more money into the speakers and upgrade my electronics later. Believe me, even with modest associated equipment, the Ohms sound amazing. Keep us informed of your progress, and we will try to help you with any questions or problems you may have. Good Luck Joe