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Omega Super 3 or Axiom M22Ti on Sonic Impact T-Amp

Hi all,

I'm taking my first baby step to become like one of you! ;) I'm coming from a pretty bad sounding (IMO) 15 years old Kenwood Rack System. I already bought the Sonic Impact T-Amp after reading sixmoon's review (actually 2... one for spare in case modding doesn't go too well!) ;) I've tried the speakers from the Kenwood rack system and the little T-Amp does give me some surprises. It really is clear, pretty detailed and have a WIDE soundstage compared to the amp in the rack system. I believe the problem is the Kenwood speaker - it is somewhat muffled and the bass isn't accurate and tight, so this is what brought me here. I want some advise on the above speakers to go with the T-Amp. (I'm also open to other suggestions - but let's set a budget of $600 for a pair of speakers)

The source will probably be my CD collection in Monkey's Audio format (a lossless compression format) that's stored in my quiet harddrive playing back via the Audiotrak Prodigy 7.1 soundcard with onboard 24-bit 192kHz D/A converter, 106dB dynamic range and a pretty flat frequency response across the whole frequency spectrum. I might use the 2nd soundcard (Soundblaster Audigy2 ZS 7.1) on my computer to play some DVD-Audio disc - but I do not own any DVD-Audio at this moment. The speakers will be in a small to medium size room.

I wish to find out how those two speakers compared to each others (if they can be compared) and what characteristics do they have. Also do these speaker do well in the Home Theater area (since I didn't read much about this area - but that's not my primary concern at this moment) Thank you in advance for reading my lengthy post and for any responses that you may have. :)

-=SGI=-

.
sgi
miklorsmith
146 posts
 
I used the TNT audio "Big Fun Box" as the baseline and added every tweak I could find. They are good enough that I couldn't stand listening to my Gallos anymore and sold them immediately.

These are weakest in blazing guitar music, which I don't listen to a lot, but I don't want it crossed off the list either. They'll play it, but the 206 has a mid/treble rise that is highlighted with this type of music. Just about anything else ranges from good to spectacular, depending on material. For instance, I've Never heard female vocals sound so good (aside from my Druids :).

To build these would be fairly inexpensive as far as dollars, but costly in time. To build just the boxes and bolt the drivers in, a la BFB is simple, but to get the most out of them, you'll need some tweaking. Probably a fair amount.

Considering all this, plus the fact that your ultimate product will likely be UGLY (mine sure is), the Omegas are a downright bargain. You'll love the Super 3's, which I believe are better in transient speed (seems impossible) than the bigger drivers. Beware, this will just be the beginning of your transformation. Your interest in the new way will spread like wildfire. Luckily for you, this way is cheaper.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
I forgot to add Louis's customer service is great! All of his speakers come with a 10 warranty. I bought mine used which had a couple of small cracks in the veneer.Louis is refinishing the speakers without question. He even asked if I wanted a different color or laminate. When they return, the Grande 8s will be Red Maple Parisian instead of Sapele with all the new upgrades. Basically I will have a new pair for the cost of shipping..customer service doesn't get much better!

The Super 3s are light on their feet as Miklorsmith
says.They will not give the fullness of a larger cone though. As always there will be trade offs with any speaker.You have to pick your poison. For the record the 206Es get up to 18 khz. This is above most human males hearing. All of these speakers take forever to break in.
I don't think mine leveled off till past 200 or 300 hrs of of hard playing.

Louis let me in on a little secret. For those who want more upper freqs on certain single drivers. You can go to madisound. Buy two LPG 25 NFA textile dome tweeters $37.00 a peice. Also pick up two LPGTHW Hinged Wedge mounts for $7.00. You can mount them anywhere on the speaker's cabinets and swivel to your needs. You also need one 1.5 Microfarad capacitor (per tweeter) to put inline on the positive lead side of the tweeters.Between the speaker wire and the positive terminal. Total cost under $100 dollars. This should give you all the air you will ever need for cheap.

Louis also mentioned a new smaller speaker for $349.00.
This may be something to look at. It uses a 4.5 inch driver if I'm not mistaken.
onemug
784 posts
 
Sgi, Here's another vote for the Omega Super3. I've had mine for almost a year. I've been using them with SET's which make for a nice match. Recently I got to listen to Vinnie's Clari-T thats based on your Sonic Impact. I think you will be highly rewarded with a very musical and non fatiging system. Something to remember about DIY: Louis customizes those Fostex 127 drivers, even in the basic Super 3. I've heard the difference and his are much smoother. Add to that his cabinet skills and the fact they're finished even on the backside. Izza winner.
faugusta
27 posts
 
Luis actually has another speaker that may, theoretically, provide for a more synergistic match with the T-Amp, his TS33. While they are more expensive than the Super 3's, at 96 db at 4 ohms, you will get a lot more juice out the T amp with them than you would with the Super 3's 93 db at 8ohms. The T-amp's wattage nearly doubles into a 4ohm load (between 8-10 watts). Also, beacause the TS33's have dual driver with no crossover in a Grande 6 size cabinet, you will get more bass impact and slam in your room without strain.

I have tried the above combination and it sounds great.

The best advice may be to just give Lius a call. He knows all about the matching the SI with his speakers. Plus he's fun to chat with!

Finnegan
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Good idea Finnegan..I really wanted to hear this model.The last time I tried the dealer only had one speaker.LOL
I don't know what happened to the other. What a bummer! :-)
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