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Options for integrateds for Ohm Walsh Tall 2000s?

Hi, all - back in the pairing game and would love to get some free advice from the experts on the 'Gon.  As we've entered our 'empty nest' stage, I've been able to spend more time pursuing my love of music -all types, from chamber music to classic jazz (female vocalists, Bill Evans, Ben Webster, Charlie Haden..) to acoustic to 70s Laurel Canyon to chamber pop, basically anything with melody.   That, and the fact that I don't just sit and listen with my head in a vise, led me to a used pair of Ohm MicroWalshTalls.   To me, they made music, not just sparkle, and were a good fit for our odd listening space where we moved around and lived  - open floor plan, 15x22x9 space for living/dining/kitchen - even while driven by a Marantz PM8004 with only 70/100W for power.  Redbook CD sounded great after 20 years with children and a lot of 'life' and noise at home. 

Not content to leave well enough alone, my inner audiophile started to emerge.  During the pandemic I listened more closely.  I started streaming hi-res with the Bluesound Node 2i. I realized that the MWTs couldn't fully fill the space, though they still sounded great with jazz and vocalists.   I started a conversation with Evan at Ohm Acoustics, like many of you have done.  He was great.  We talked about next steps, I sent him our floor plan, he helped me persuade my better half to approve upgrading to a Walsh Tall 2000 (couldn't get her to go for the 3000).  

So while our 2000s are being built, I need to figure out the replacement for the PM8004.  I've read all of the threads here, many on other forums, and I get what I've read but I'm still parsing all the info.  I have a standmount system in my study that satisfies my detail/accuracy listening needs, so I realize that this 'living space' system can remain musical and less technical and detailed.  I want music, not pristine sound.   My budget is limited - my better half supports my 'hobby' but wants to keep food on the table.  My budget is $800-$1500.  Lower is better.  I don't need a great phono preamp.  I don't need a DAC or streamer, I have the Bluesound and like it.  I want some more watts, high current and good damping, and balanced sound. I think these needs and wants translate into an integrated, gently used.  I've had great luck with used and I don't have access to audition locally or nearby.   

I've done a lot of on-line shopping and research.  Yes, I've subscribed to Zero Fidelity. I've considered the following, which have recently appeared in my price range: 
Class AB:
Yamaha A-S1000, 2000,1100.  Was minutes late for a 2000 on Agon. Have looked at an A-S701, not convinced. 
Marantz PM 14 or 15 series, not sure there's enough watts there.  PM 11 is a physical monster,
Anthem 225.
Parasound Halo integrated.  Lots of stuff I don't need.
Belles Soloist 1.  Missed that one by an hour or two.
I have a history and some fondness for NAD - my current c356BEE replaced a c326BEE, but not sure about the c375, c388, or M3. 
I'm a little nervous about Class D, but:
Rogue Sphinx.
Wyred4Sound STI 500.

What am I missing?  The watts of the W4S are appealing, but I really want a little warmth and musicality.  Will the 2000 provide that with Class D?  I would really appreciate the collective wisdom of those out there who have some experience with Ohms and pairings.    Thanks in advance for your thoughts!






mklinkma
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,426 posts
 
I have 100 series 3 (8" driver) and 5 series 3 (12" driver) Ohms. One generation prior to current. 100s are close to 2000s in size..

The Marantz is fine to start with on paper....the bigger speakers alone will help to better fill the room. Adding a powered sub is always an option to take it to a higher level.

For more "warmth", I’d look towards a tube hybrid integrated like Rogue or similar, or separate tube pre-amp and amp. Some use moderate power tube amps with Ohms but added subs seem to typically be in the picture more often there. Certainly an option.

I use an Audio Research sp16 with my Class D BEl Canto amps and Ohms and that adds just the right touch of midrange "warmth". Lot’s of possibilities there though.

Ohms love some power and current to deliver their best but amp need not cost a fortune. For example D-Sonic offers exceptional value in higher powered Class D amps that should work well. Many others out there as well.

I’ve used a Musical FIdelity amp with my Ohms in the past. That also might be a good choice to go all SS.

One thing for sure is the Ohms will generally respond and sound different with each combo used to drive them. They don’t take much to sound good but will reward you when fed well.

I currently use 60 w/ch BEl Canto c5i to drive the 100s in a large open family room/kitchen area with good results well up into the 80s SPL a good 6-8 feet away.  Sound is more electrostat like....clean and fast....

ALso use 500w/ch BEl Canto ref1000m (with the ARC tube pre-amp) which is the bomb with the larger Ohm 5s.  As mentioned the ARC tube pre-amp is wonderful with the Ohms and adds just a touch of midrange "warmth".



jimcrane
169 posts
 
A couple of quick points:
1) I googled “Wyred4Sound STI Ohm” (without the quotation marks) and found a thread on AudioKarma System Building discussion about Ohm speakers and Wyred amps that had favorable comments and no negative ones. (My query was not the most artfully drafted.)
2) Did you ask the folks at Ohm Speakers what they think of pairing with Wyred or other Class D gear?

Good luck!
reubent
7,050 posts
 
Listen to @mapman , he knows Ohm! And he's a decent guy too..... ;~)

If you choose to go with a solid state integrated amp, the Rega Elicit-R ($3000 MSRP) is a great, well balanced integrated. Has everything you need and sounds fantastic. It is just at the top of your price range used (Approx. $1500 +/- $200). I've owned more than 10 integrated amps, including Anthem (X3), Musical Fidelity, NAD, Rega (X3), Plinius, Bryston and many others. I would take the Rega Elicit-R over all of them, hands-down. It has enjoyed a space on my audio rack for 3 years now, and no sign of it leaving.......

Good luck with the new speakers and the hunt for a new amp.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,426 posts
 
@reubent thanks for the kind words.

Have not heard Rega amps but they are well regarded in general and should work well.
rill
7 posts
 
I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in...
I have been using the newest Ohm 3000's for several years now and I have gone through multiple amps.  Parasound Halo>Yamaha A S2100>Yamaha A S3000>Wyred4sound STI-500v2>McIntosh MA8900.

In your budget, and based on the amps you have mentioned, I would recommend the Yamaha A S1100 (not the 1000 or 2000) if you don't play really loud, or the Wyred4sound. They are on sale for $1299 new right now, although I added the wiring and speaker terminal upgrade. To be honest, I'm not really sure how much difference the wiring and terminals make. It's a bit of a money maker for them, as there really isn't much wire in the amp. 
The STI-500V2 certainly has the horsepower, but sometimes it just sounds just a little too perfect...kinda hard to explain. 
I would consider the MOSFET Yamaha's to be more musical, but the way they build them, they just don't have much headroom. I bought both of my Yamaha amps recertified from Accessories 4 Less and they were like brand new. I don't see any available there at the moment.

Good luck!
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