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


Hi,

I'd love to hear the impressions of people who've actually spent some time with these speakers to share their sense of their plusses and minuses. Mapman here on Audiogon is a big fan, and has shared lots on them, but I'm wondering who else might be familiar with them.
rebbi
I like things squared up as much as possible, so when I first installed my 5000s, I set them facing straight forwards. I have been happy with the sound, but being an audiophile ("It's good but maybe it can be better."), the other day I was adjusting them to angle outwards so the label points towards the seating more.

My wife wanted to know why. If they are omnidirectional, what difference should it make? I truly did not have a good answer other than because there's a sticker - that's why. I knew my answer didn't satisfy either one of us, so what should I have said?
OHM Walshes by default are NOT fully omnidirectional There is a separate tweeter that is directional above 7khz or so angled inwards normally. That works to produce widest soundstage by default. I have dabbled with angling out for more direct exposure as well. Nothing wrong with that. I find when I do, soundstage narrows but tonal brightness increases in "sweet spot" due to direct tweeter exposure.

JS changes this configuration to make it more omnidirectional in some special cases, including special requests.
Thanks, Mapman. I knew this, but like I said, I like the squared-off look. I'll talk to John to see if there's any reason the cans can't be pivoted 30-degrees or so. That would take care of it for my room.
Thanks Bondman. I've never been clear on the meaning of "energizing the room." Not being much of a bass head, I have to say I've pretty happy with the low end with my original 2s and the 2XOs, especially within my listening zone (sitting all the way across the room is a different story). My room has a hardwood floor over a crawl space that seems to be conducive to bass. It is also a very live room with lots of wall space to the sides that tends. To broaden the soundstage beyond the speakers. Bookshelves and a fireplace serve to break up the rear reflections.

My vintage Sansui with 90 wpc (@ 8 ohms) handles them with no apparent difficulty. John S told me that this amp should do fine with the 2000s, which are a slightly easier load, but that the bass would be subdued in a slightly oversized room. I haven't heard trace of clipping, even if I play them loud. Old Sansuis had killer power supplies and were allegedly conservatively rated.
Coot, don't overdo it on toeing out. I've found the toeing out the Ohms very slightly improves the treble further away without detracting noticeably from the soundstage or image. You can barely notice, unless looking carefully up close, that the cabinets are not perfectly squared. I suppose the relatively wide dispersion of the tweeters allows for this.