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Ohm Walsh Microtall or Vandersteen 1C

So having gone to my local audio store yesterday and auditioning the Vandersteen 1C and the PSB Image T6, the PSB model is out. I was leaning heavily towards going back next week to buy the 1C, but I started down a path of reading about the Microtalls, and I think I have to call them tomorrow and order a pair.

I'll be running with just a Peachtree Nova, using a Macbook Pro (optical out), Ps3/Xbox 360, and turntable as sources. They'll be used to play music as well as for 2 channel HT.

I really enjoyed the 1C sound, which had warmth and clarity. The PSBs felt a little too neutral and cold to me. I think while I imagine that I want a real analytic, detailed sound to let me hear every little note and drum hit, in reality I want a speaker that lets me get lost in the music and just "live" while I have music on. I can use headphones for the analytic listening :)

Will the Microtalls work for watching video, in the sense that dialogue will still sound as if it's coming from the center? I know I could always add the center channel and a sub later to help out with HT, but that's not in the budget now.

What will I lose with the Microtalls vs. the Vandersteens? I was also wondering if I wouldn't be better off waiting until I could afford the 2ce Sig II (or finding some new) and going with the Ohm for now while I'm at a $1000 budget.

Finally, do I pay return shipping on the Ohms if I don't like them? What is that cost? Thanks!
rbf1138
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,590 posts
 
I do not know Vandys well, but I read a 1c review that indicated some breakup noticeable at higher volumes with more challenging kinds of music. OHM 100s were also referred to as well indicating a similar situation. SOme other third speaker type as well.

I was thinking that the author might have been confusing an amplifier clipping issue with the capability of the speakers. I have heard this with my 100s where they deliver whatever I throw at them with my 500 w/ch amps but my 180 w/ch amps will give up way before the OHMs do.

Can't speak for Vandys or others in this regard but I will say that I think the OHM Walsh design is exceptional in its ability to go loud without stress, compression or breakup. Part of this is due to the high crossover frequency which puts most of the burden on the wave bending Walsh driver and asks very little of the soft dome tweeter. It also provides outstanding coherency through the midrange which is a unique aspect of the OHMs I would say. Vandy 1Cs cross over much lower I believe.
rbf1138 OP
64 posts
 
Well, I went ahead and ordered the Micro Talls today! Very excited to try them out (and hopefully like them enough to keep them). When I mentioned using them with a Peachtree Nova, John immediately said, yes, many of our customers pair the Micro Tall with that piece of kit.

I'm also heading over to a local dealers place tonight to hear some Rega speakers (RS3 and RS5) and some KEFs, Quads and Wharfedales just to have the peace of mind that I auditioned several brands of speaker before making a final decision.
rbf1138 OP
64 posts
 
Quick followup: What justified the price hike from $1000 to $1400 of the SE version that I just ordered?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,590 posts
 
I believe drivers, sizes and pricing changed with the release of the latest 1000 series including microwalsh. I think size of mw stayed the same. Se edition may have some extra cosmetics. Not sure.....
rbf1138 OP
64 posts
 
So I just got to hear some KEFs, Regas and Wharfedales in the same price range as the MWTs. The standout to me was the Wharfedale 10.7s, even above the pricer KEFs and Regas. The midrange was what really got me, the bass wasnt too tight or too bloated, and the highs werent fatiguing or cold (as I found the Regas to be). They werent as fast as the Regas, but they sounded more laid back and sweet to me than the more forward and clear Regas. The KEFs didn't really factor for me.

If I end up not liking the MWTs, it'll be the Wharfedales for sure.
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