Well, I finally got to listen to both: The Omega Super3 and the Cain Abby.
I received the Omega Super 3 (standard version with upgraded flared ports) about 2 weeks ago, broke them in for 150+h with extremely loud music and burn-in CD's (by connecting the speakers out of phase and canceling the most of the sound). CDP is an Audio Aero Prima, using my Jolida JD302b and a Sonic Impact T-amp (stock version) with batteries and wall wart power supply. Total listening time so far: about 30h.
The Abby's I listened to at Sounds Real Audio in Colorado for only about 4 hours. Source was again an Audio Aero Prima. Amps were the Jolida amp and a Sophia Electric EL34 amp.
First of all: Given the time constraints these are only first impressions, but nevertheless might be helpful for someone here. Other speakers around were Mission 751 monitors and Spendor S3/5.
First thing one notices when listening to the Omega's is their speed. I don't think, I have ever heard a speaker this fast; the Spendor's are close, but could not keep up with the fast changes, e.g. on Korsakov’s "Scheherazade" (Reiner, CSO). Along with the speed the Omega’s display a transparency, detail, and soundstage that I have only heard on QUAD ESL 57’s. On Tori Amos ‘Little Earthquakes’ CD the Omega’s displayed a delicacy to Tori’s voice that was incredible. These amazing ESL like qualities are probably due to the relatively small single driver in the Omega’s. However, this did come with a trade-off: The Omega’s could sound occasionally thin and had a slightly dipped up balance. Of course, this should get better with longer break-in, and could be improved with a warmer sounding amp than the Jolida. The Sonic Impact was a little warmer than the Jolida on top, but actually (believe it of not) gave up a little in speed. Amazingly the Jolida did give the Omega’s a faster, more liquid sound. The problems with the Omega’s are also highlighted in my current room, which apparently pronounces the 4-7KHz part of the spectrum. Overall the Omega’s are incredibly good speaker’s and together with the $30 Sonic Impact make a great system. Also, I did run the Omega’s with a Acoustic Visions MRS10 subwoofer for a while, which did help to provide a little more body to music, although the Omega’s still did not even match the fullness of the Mission’s or Spendor’s.
As with respect to the Abby: As predicted by several of the above posts: Comparing the Omega’s and Abby’s is like comparing apples and oranges (they are both single driver speaker, but their sonic signature is quite different). Listening to the Abby’s, it is quite clear from first sight/listen, that these are large floor standers. The Abby’s produce an incredibly large soundstage and large wall of sound (probably other larger speakers do the same, but compared to all monitors, I have been listening to so far, it was incredible). And they really like to be played loud. Voices and instrument had a texture and fullness that surpassed any of the speakers I listened to so far. The oud on Rabih Abou-Khalils “Sultans Picnic” was fuller and much richer than with the Omega’s. The picking of strings was much more realistic and displayed incredible shades, not heard before. The Abby’s still displayed a lot of detail and speed; however, compared to the Omega’s, they sounded almost slow. Also, as mentioned in several reviews, there are some (cabinet) resonances that are clearly audible. There was no damping material in the ports, which might have helped a little. One, important note on the side: The Abby’s sounded much better with the Sophia: Full, very tight sound with very liquid smooth highs. The Jolida could sound in comparison somewhat rough (with Tesla ECC83, Mullard CV4024). The Midrange had sometimes a strange forward (honking?) sound that was not there with the Sophia. Different tubes (Brimar 6060, GE 5751) smoothed this out quite a bit. Overall, it seems the Abby’s require a very careful amp, tubes, speaker’s cable matching, but a good match will be an incredible reward. The AA Prima, Sophia EL34, Abby was a great combination. I don’t even want to know how good a SET amp will sound. Also, besides their sound, the Abby’s are some of the most gorgeous speakers I have seen. The woodwork is incredible and far beyond what I would expect at this price.
Well, the bottom line: The Omega’s display a speed and transparency that is unbelievable for the price. The Abby’s on the other hand are a real full size speaker. Overall, I enjoyed the fuller sound of the Abby’s more (even given some resonance problems) and after owning small monitors for a wile I will probably go with the Abby’s.
And finally thanks, especially to Jim at Sounds Real Audio for giving me the chance to listen to the Abby’s. Also thanks to everyone for all your recommendations.
Rene
