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

The D Sonics and the Wyred 4 Sound Class D amps seem to be the most high value in terms of watts/dollar when looking at 500 watts/channel. The Arions I am now borrowing, IIRC, are priced at $4500/pr, with the tube hybrid version priced at $6K/pr. The other well-regarded Class D amps are also pricey, like the Merrill Audio and the Bel Canto. As I said though, I am not ready to pronounce Class D as the winner. Therefore, I am also considering more traditional high wattage amps, like a McIntosh (used) or the Sanders MagTech. The Sanders, in particular, are competitively priced with the Class D amps under consideration. Well, all moot. Who knows what will be available, and at what price, when I finally have the wood to drop on a new amp?

Hello all. I've read this thread all of the way through, and d have really enjoyed it! A person can learn about all sorts of things. Speakers themselves, electronics, room treatment, and music, to name the most obvious.

Here's where I am: 13 year old NHT 2.9's that have served me well, but aren't doing it for me any more. I went from NHT 2.5's to the bigger brothers, so have lived with NHT sound for almost twenty years.

I am looking at speakers in two completely different directions. Either the Ohm or Decware omnis, or an active system like the Emerald Physics. My electronics are digital, a modded Pioneer DVAX10, one of the first all-format players, ARC LS-16 pre, and ARC HD-220 hybrid amp. I think I've got electronics covered either way, so...

Has anyone listened to these two speakers side by side? They will do double duty as HT speakers as well, and that gives me some pause when it comes to getting a matching center with the Emeralds.

I've made about a dozen CD purchases while reading this thread, my favorite is Porcupine Tree, Deadwing. Really great!

I forgot to mention that I spoke with John at Ohm, and it really is as you guys say: he is very interested, personal, and seems like he'll go the extra mile for you. I think the Emeralds are mail order from one dealer, based in Hawaii. That gives me just a little pause as well. I really seam to be pointing myself towards the Ohms! Still, anyone who has heard both care to comment?

Thank you!
James

Ult,

I think you have a lot of options with your gear, particularly that amp, OHM included.

I think your listening room/acoustics and listening habits may be the thing to determine the best solution.

One thing very unique about the OHM line is how it scales up and down based on room size.

Emerald physics is most different from the other two. It relies on digital equalization as I recall. That could provide a lot of flexibility to deal with room acoustics compared to many alternatives. I recall they are open baffle but use more conventional directional drivers, which might result in a smaller sweet spot for listening compared to omnis.

Decware design is more variable from model to model with their more omni designs it seems. Haven't heard them so cannot compare meaningfully, but I do like the line a lot, especially for products that are designed more around tube amp technology. OHM is not so much nor is Emerald Physics, but your high power hybrid amp would seem to put you in a good place to have options.

Glad you liked "Deadwing". Its still my favorite PT album overall, though FOABP is up there two, though a much harder listen.

Hello, Mapman. Thank you very much for your response. I called John just a few minutes ago and he's setting up some 300-5000's for me, the older cabinets and the newest drivers. I figure some adjustability should help me get things right. So... In a month or so, I'll be part of the fold! I really hope I like the sound, and I'm cautiously optimistic, though I know it may take me a bit to get my head wrapped around the new sound presentation. I imagine I'll be playing with placement and room treatment for some time, but I'm really looking forward to it. First new speakers in more than a dozen years!
I have quite a bit reading to do.

As to more Porcupine Tree, I think my "new music" budget has been seriously curtailed for a bit!

James