Ohm "Tall "speakers: Overall 2000 responses on a thread from 2008


There is a post from 2008 about the Ohm "Tall" speakers.  It is astounding that this thread garnered over 2000 responses.  Does anyone know if Ohm has improved this model over the last 11 years instead of just sitting back.  

Regardless of the fact that it is officially classified as an "Omni directional" design  how does it rate as an "audiophile" speaker?  The price has increased since 2008, but has the sound quality improved by legitimate upgrades to this particular model?. 

For the record, it has a few new competitors, in particular, the Larsen 4.2 and 6.2 speakers.  Though, they are not necessarily tagged "OMNIS"  they share similar characteristics to the Ohms.

I recently auditioned  the Larsen 4.2. They were impressive for the overall clarity of the midrange, naturalness of timbre, and strong bass for such a small speaker (30 inches tall) which must be placed directly against the wall Soundstaging was good but not great.. 

The  Larsen 4.2 retail  for $2200 which is close in price to the Ohm "Talls"  The model 6.2 retails for $4300  and touted to offer more of the same sound quality as the 4.2.   Larsen does not offer a home trial option 


Thanks,

S.J.  

sunnyjim
Your reply helps SJ! Helps to put things in perspective overall I think. I can say that in my opinion, I think the Larsen is probably a bit better overall than the Ohm MWT, mainly a bit more meat on the bones in the lower end, and a fuller, more robust midrange. 

Upper ends are probably more similar than not, both do a very nice job presenting a great soundstage, and in my opinion, imaging is very good. Also, both do a very good job with image height, something a lot of speakers do not do quite as well with. 

The Ohm might do a slight bit better on stage depth, but in the end, might be a toss up really, as I felt both, once again, do a good job, especially seeing how the Larsen is a wall boundary type speaker, and the MWT is close to being one, although it doesn’t have quite the same constraints here. 

One thing i might add, the Ohm MWT is not a true Omni, at least in the normal sense, and neither is the Larsen really for that matter, but close enough maybe. The Ohm can be purchased however, with the tweeter made to fire directly upwards, and the attenuation felt removed in the back portion of the can for a more “Omni” arrangement. I had a pair made this way from the factory, and was quite pleased with its presentation for both music as well as using it as rear surrounds for film. It is quite good in that mode! 

Also, looking at pricing and what each model is capable of, I would generally say that the Ohm 1000 is probably more in line capability wise to the Larsen. Of course everyone’s mileage may differ slightly, but that is more my observation based on real listening. 

The above speakers of course, certainly have a different perspective from forward firing, box speakers, so that is something you must determine if you like it enough to live with it or not. I can also see(hear) how you might favor the treble response of the GE speaker, that type of tweeter can be somewhat addicting. But, as anything, the whole speaker has to do its part. 

I would maybe keep keep in touch with John on a pair of MWT’s or 1000’s though, if you can get a listen to them, it at least would give you another data point in your search. Have fun, enjoy the trip! 
Sunnyjim -- I went from a pair of Golden Ear 7s to a pair of Ohm 1000s just about one year ago. I've been very pleased with the Ohms in my setup. They have great voicing and a very natural soundstage -- its nice to be able to move around the room and have the image respond as if one were at a live presentation. The 1000s are a shade less efficient than the GEs but still no problem for my amp (a Bel Canto c5i.) I heartily recommend them.
Misstl I also run a pair of OHMs off a Bel Canto c5i.   Mine are Ohm 100s series 3 which is an 8" driver in vintage Walsh 2 cabinets.    Very nice!  

Thank you to all, (especially frazeur 1 and Mmisstl) for their responses and advice. I will keep you posted. Still would like to hear the Larsen 6.2  to compare to 4.2 and possibly the Ohm MWT.  Could consider the Ohm 1000 somewhere down the line.

Cheers to all,

S.J.