Jana, Q1: name all the audio components that you would currently want to own. Headphones, speakers, amps, preamps, dacs, cables, etc. Not really a question but fuck it. Q2: At what age and how did you start to notice differences in the quality of recordings. Q3: Name all the artists your currently listening to + name 10 of your all time favs.
Good Morning and Happy Holidays I hope somebody from the group could provide guidance's, some years back I purchased a PSB T6 which is 4 ohm and a XT2 which is 8 ohm I am using a Marantz pm 6005, when I payed CDs the T6 start playing even with the volume at zero? playing both speakers with the same amp could damage the amp? any suggestions? I hope somebody could provide feedback.
Hello, I am the co-designer of these speakers. They were the third project after my MicroWalsh speakers which were a project that I started while John was away on vacation - I was like Micky Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice - I was doing precisely what John told me NOT to do while he was away :P (Waste time and money trying to design a smaller version of his speakers). Well, I got lucky and my attempt was remarkably successful. Once John returned from Vacation I was excited to show him and from that day forward, for the next year or so, John and I worked together in the lab usually puting in 11 - 12 hour days until the product was ready to release. The 2000 is the first speaker developed at Ohm using computer simulation - John and I got to LISTEN to the speaker and make changes in real time without actually having to build crossovers - it was a remarkable and wonderful time in my life and I miss John very deeply - I wish he could still be here with us today.
hey, mind if i could talk to you more about this somewhere? it sounds very interesting, i love these things and i'd love to know more about it if this is true
One of your peers, Zeos Pantera, has used Ohm Walsh talls as his main speakers for a few years. He tests 100+ nice speakers a year, but none of them have bumped the Ohm Walsh's from the top spot.
Lincoln Walsh was my best friend as a teenager. He gave me my background in music, as he owned and designed the Brook 10-C3 audio amplifier company. When he invented the speaker now known as the incarnation of the Walsh original transmission line driver system, it sounded great then. Better now. From 1948 when he sold his amplifier to my father, it was only a mono system... but compared with other systems, boy... did it SOUND great. Good bless Class A.
I recently received my Walsh tall Minis after a six month wait. It's been fascinating go through the listening learning curve with these. At first, they sounded nice but I was surprised that one sounded stronger than the other. It was patiently explained to me that this had to do with position - the left speaker is closer to a hard surface to the left of it. Adjusting the balance fixed this and I started to hear what Steve was talking about. There's is definitely a burn in period, which includes getting used to the omni speaker experience. Your ears have to adjust to the fact that the sound isn't coming at you from the center of a speaker pointed at you - it's coming from the room itself. As an acoustic musician, I compare it to the fact that I always have to play the room, not just the instrument. I have to sense what's coming back at me from the walls. I'm learning to set up these speakers the same way. Not how do the speakers sound, but how does the music sound in my room. I bought these, and waited the six months, largely on the strength of this review. Totally worth it.
My first boyfriend had a pair back in the early 90s, they’re what introduced me to soundstage and imaging and deep effortless bass and just amazing lights out chill out music listening sessions 😉 I almost bought a set a few years ago. Still may...
Nice to see the actual products displayed in the video. That’s a lot of extra work for a one man band in his daily show. Appreciate the extra effort. Lots of discs to seek out; that too is always appreciated. I’m going to create a special section for Audiophiliac recommends one these days. Keep ‘em coming.
Back around 1980, I "babysat" a pair of Ohm Fs for a friend while he traveled. In those days, I was listening to a lot of WRVR-FM type jazz/fusion (GRP stuff, etc.) First song I heard from them was Spyro Gyra`s "Morning Dance", played at a healthy volume level, driven by my Phase Linear 700 amp. I was wowed by the sound, and still think of them as perhaps the greatest "jazz speakers" that I`ve ever experienced.
This is what being an audiophile is about, excitement for sound reproduction. Look forward to your video with Jana. You’ve been on a roll lately Steve, keep up the exquisite work. 🥇
Lincoln Walsh is one of my heroes. Heard the originals at Henry Radio in Anaheim, when I was a kid. Never forgot it. Read an article about Walsh, almost blind, shuffling about his workshop, trying to put his theories to reality. Incredibly inspiring.
I had a pair of OHM 3 XO...never tired of listening them.I miss them so much, had to sell them when we downsized....I miss them !! I first heard them in 1977, a neighbor had a apit of the Walsh F I think, was blown away, swore that one day I would own a pair, found hem in 1987 for $800 a pair
I really love Jana's videos. She adds a sense of style. Her system overviews are very, very cool! I enjoy the story behind the story. It will be interesting to see what you do together.
I want a pair SOOOO BAD!!!!! Klipsch fan over here. Forte 3 is my favorite speaker right now. I have a mini old school Klipsch collection. Forte was my first real speaker and they still run perfectly. I've always wanted a pair of these guys! I remember seeing adds as a kid around 86' 87' and then hearing them in person at a friend's house. His dad bought a new pair and wanted to show off. I was blown away. It was my first introduction to high quality sound reproduction. I thought his pare looked like the Dalek from Dr.Who. I was kind of scared of them. They got down too! Very engaging sound. I love that this guy loves these speakers. I would just like to hear a pair again. This where my obsession started. 9 years old. We listened to a lot of music on those guys. Best in the neighborhood.
Thank you Steve, I just order a pairs of walsh 1000 after see your video. Talk to John over the phone great guy i did mention to John that after seeing your video i have to order a pairs. The waiting list right now is two months out can’t wait to get them. Thanks again Steven.
@@TexasScout I did look it up. That's pretty impressive to have something like that in a high school. I don't even know of any colleges around here, near Atlanta, GA, that have a planetarium. I would have loved that back when I was in high school (in the 80's).
The Ohm F's were great speakers. I could never afford them or the amplifier that I'd need to drive them. Just thought you'd like to know that I picked up (last week) a pair of Ohm model H systems that I've wanted since 1978. I couldn't afford the $700 pair price tag (nor the space) in those days but my hifi restoration guy here in upstate NY had the H's, completely refurbished with new surrounds and a new Ohm driver for the unbelievable price of $275 for the pair. They have the two tweeter controls, are finished on all six sides and have a -3dB of 32Hz. Cabs are 26X15X11" and weigh 51 pounds each. Designed for room sizes 1,600 to 2,300 cu/ft. They're in my (1,742 cu/ft) dining room. Cosmetically and sonically excellent. Man, do they sound sweet. I'm still "testing" them out but so far my organ recordings sound best. Full, rich and deep bass. My Bach Fugue in G Minor CD is my favorite so far. I spoke to an Ohm representative (in Brooklyn) and he said they sell refurbished model H's for $1,000 each. An awesome deal and my christmas present to myself. I drive them with my Hitachi SR-804 receiver. Gonna be a far out holiday season. In 1978 the Ohm F was their TOTL speaker and the model H was the second most expensive and an attempt to get the F's sound from a smaller conventional box. Vintage audio is a rewarding hobby and audiophilia is almost an addiction for me. I'm sure that the Walsh 2000 can outperform the model F's in every way and are excellent reproducers of sound. Happy holidays good sir, fuhgeddaboudit!
Good gravy now I want a pair. I'm trying to think how long it's been since I heard an Ohm anything...two decades at least. Really good to see John has continued refining them to this point!
I have had a pair of these since April. I will say that they definitely benefit from "burn-in" - I have noticed that the depth and breadth has improved since the first listen and the bass is definitely better. The center image is good, but in my setup sounds like it comes from a little behind the speaker plane. They do benefit from moving them closer to the wall than I would do with box speakers. They also have more approval from the wife, compared to larger speakers that they replace. P.S., they sound great playing the audio from movies, no center speaker, woofer, or surround. Obviously, if I wanted earth shaking lows I would need a sub, but as all-purpose speakers they are great.
@@redstarwraith I have the speakers about 13-inches from the back wall. the room is slightly deeper than wide (15-ftx17.5-ft) with a sloping ceiling. Since they have a number of veneers for the speakers, you should be able to find a finish that works in your room.
Yes , wife approval....... I had DQ-10 for years ..... she let me keep them once she listened. But I showed her pics of the Walsh , she loved them and said if they only sounded as good... I told her in our space they would sound better! I got the green light and years later we have two pairs of Ohm Walsh speakers !
someone told me that Ohm F is one of the greatest speakers ever made by man kind. I wonder how the new line (Walsh Talls i.e. 1000/2000/3000/4000/5000) compare to Ohm F and....if they sound better or not really so.
@Teknogod17 wow, many thanks for such a comprehensive reply. This is much appreciated. Is there a way to talk to you via private messages please? I didn't know that F had so many flaws (short lifespan, very high power requirements, tendency to blow, HF rollof, slow dynamics). I watched this: th-cam.com/video/Y_8xUDYBgZQ/w-d-xo.html& and the guy is....raving about these new 2000. Are they really that good? Or was he paid for such a raving review? What about the bass? Is it really that powerful as he says? I also read somewhere that these speaker have enormous bass - is that because they use the cabinet and down firing driver to strengthen the bass in any way? I mean.....2000 has only 8 inch woofer which has to play no only bass but also mids so....how can it have such an amazing bass? I am not an audiophile and don't listen to ambitious acoustic genres like soul/jazz/blues/vocal. I am a music lover who listens to electronic music and want biggest and baddest bass, WOW factor and wall of sound. I am currently using Mirage M3-si which are great speakers. The other thing that interests me in these Ohm Walsh speakers is that they (supposedly) fill the entire room with music and I love that as I hate that 'sweet spot' listening scenario - I don't sit in one place for hours listening to jazz (like serious audiophiles do I suppose) but I move a lot in the room and want the music to be everywhere. Please advise if you may. Many many thanks
Just want you to know how much I appreciate your advice on audio equipment. On top of this, it seems your musical taste largely overlaps with mine, which makes me value your advice on the hardware all the more. In case you’re unaware of it, there’s an excellent documentary on Brian Eno on Amazon Prime.
I had the chance to audition the Walsh's at Ohms Naval yard HQ about 10 years ago. Powered by their house rotel amp, and yes everything you say here is 100% on point!
Steve great video but you forgot to mention how wide the sweet spot is , how you can sit anywhere and hear both speakers perfectly. You did not mention are they a keeper ? Also they do sound better after they burn in a few months . A follow up coming? Now on to the Ohm A's and F's a company called HHR Exotics makes Identical looking but much improved versions called the TLS-1 and TLS-2 . The F's were once called the best speaker at any price, Maybe you can make a video about them.I heard the F's 40 years ago and the MBL's st a audio show , I think the F.s sounded better .
Hi. I am so confused. After your review of the lrs speakers I was sold on them. Never heard them though. So provided I did have the right amp do you think the lrs is good vs the olm 1000 series? Is it worth the 1300 difference ? Any input from anyone would be awesome.
Just ordered a pair from Evan today! 1000's though, he actually suggested the Micro's at first but after telling him my listening habits and tastes in some types of music, he said the 1000's would be the ticket. So January 2021 can t come soon enough!
I would absolutely recommend the 1000s over the micros, unless your PRIMARY concern is getting very small speakers! The 1000s put out SO much more bass, they are bass monsters for their size, very impressive.
I owned a pair of Ohm Walsh 2 back in the early 1980's sold them to move in 1985. Was in awe when I bought them and loved them. They weren't a rock speaker in the sense like a large JBL but the items you described is why I bought them. I then later in the 1990's went with front firing Klipsch bookshelf system with subs which worked very well but just didn't seem to have what I wanted. In my pursuit of new speakers for my large great room I thought I would give Ohm another try again. I ordered a pair of Walsh 3000 in Rosewood veneer. The support has been great and the listening has been even better. I use them in a all around HT environment which is a hybrid blend that I am very happy with. Klipsch Center Channel, SVS 4000 sealed subs, and rear Klipsch bookshelf speakers for surround. (moved the bookshelves to the back and elevated. I am using two Crown 1500 what class D amps to drive the Ohms only coming from an Arcam AVR 850 receiver. They sound great in Stereo and even better with Arcarm's processor utilizing multichannel stereo. Such a great processor! I also use room correction Dirac which makes a huge difference. I have them in a large room with vaulted ceilings hardwood floors, furniture and of course dry wall everywhere. I have been very happy with this system and the way I configured it.
@@elleferrao2640 No it doesn't. It actually works very well with the Ohm's. I have turned into a huge fan of multi-channel stereo processing via my Arcam AVR850. Stereo sounds great but I find the multi channel stereo is far more fun and sounds great. One thing about the Ohms per surround sound they are fantastic. Huge natural sound stage.
I'm wondering that there is no comment about the German Physiks Speakers from Germany. They are incredible. The so called DDDriver runs from 170-24K Hz and there is a conventional subwoofer to extend the range to ~30 Hz.
Steve, I have a pair of DUEVEL Jupiter speakers. I have modified these so they go up to about 30khz!!! Flat down to 20hz. Two way, omnidirectional on the top end horn, and the up firing bass driver. They give a great center stage image from anywhere in the room. The closest thing I have ever hear as a full range, omnidirectional, single point source.
Thanks for the review....the only negative to older ohms was their lack reliability. Old saying was they needed 200 watts to get going and 201 to blow up or something like that
If u over drive them beyond the limits of the amp u can blow them up with a 59wpc easier than a clean 300wpc. Ive had my f's for close to 50 years driven by a crown dc300a at very loud levels with no issues other than replacing age related parts surrounds.
My brother had a pair of Ohm speakers in the 70's, looking at pictures now I think they were Ohm F series. Her ran them with a Marantz 2325 and later a Carver cube amp with a tangential or linear arm style turntable (can't recall the name).
Used to have ohm Walsh 2s. Loved the clarity and soundstage but found the tonal balance was a bit on the light side. Hope to hear the 2000s to compare someday. Thanks for the intro to El Secunda
I have the Ohm Walsh Micro Towers Talls. Outlaw RR2160 receiver crossed over at 100hz to dual SVS SB3000 SUBS. Used in a 2.2 for music and video. 65 inch LG OLED. Largeish living room. 13 inches from back wall. 6 inches on each side of TV stand. Subs on the outside of Ohms. 10 inches out. Great fanthom center channel locked in for music and the Video image. Realistic sound without any real coloration. Voices real. All the instruments sound like they they are supposed to. Good WAF also lol.
1:39 has he given measurements that show that the omnidirectional speakers have different physics that flatten the curve when 8-18" from a wall? I ask because I've been trying to figure out why these speakers would measure differently. I've been getting push back from a well respected open baffle speaker producer who says these speakers would need room to breath, and that measurements near a wall would show that to be true. I'm interested in learning more here.
I’m not a “showtunes” person, but get your Ohms set up to your satisfaction and then put a broadway or movie cast recording and you will experience just what capabilities Steve is talking about. The cast, the orchestra, and the stage are spread out with the space between each defined completely free of the speakers. Opera is good and pure, but the show recordings show off the Ohms even better!
The 901 is not an omni speaker, it's just one that could play loud and clean. Surprisingly loud, for it's compact size - it was one of the first speakers to really impress me.
The OHM Walsh speaker uses wall reverberation to produce music with an airy (3D) quality. I would compare that to the sound of a guitar soloist without reverb and the same score with reverb, the later has an airy (3d) quality that please the ears of the listener more. Thanks for sharing. Speaker location can make the difference between a good sounding speaker and a great one. It affects the whole 3D spectrum, from the omni directional bass, through the directional midrange and highs. Using location to tweak the sound of a speaker and correct certain deficiencies in the linearity of its sound is easy and free, locate for the bass and tweak for the highs.
My dad was a big fan of Omnis, he worked for Bose in the 70's and i think that got him started. He then ended up with some Ohm F's when he was National Service Manager for Tech HiFi in Boston in the 80's. I ended up blowing them too many times (10 year old in control of a volume knob). He switched to the Ohm I's ($1500 a pair in 80's) and even though he has passed away i still own those speakers along with some 901's he scratch built the cabinets for.
Let me add some info on Ohm speakers. Steve doesn't mention that there are two other speakers below the 2000's, the 1000's and the Microwalsh Talls, and speakers above the 2000's. Ohm designs their speakers to sound the same, depending on room size. I have a pair of the Microwalsh Talls, and for a smallish room they are simply outstanding. And look, I'm sure that the audiophile music that Steve mentions is just fine. I have nothing against it. But there must be others who are wondering, ok, but do they rock? Well, I can unequivocally say, they certainly do. I listen to a lot of classic rock and some newer rock music, and they never fail to do justice to the music. Jazz sounds great, classical music sounds great, blues sounds great. It all sounds great. I think a lot of people are probably put off by "omnidirectional". But Ohm's still sound like a direct firing speakers. It's just that they are very open sounding and totally box-less sounding.
I'd like to see a review of the mini walsh model, interested to know if things that small can make good sound. I have a small room so considering the minis as an option.
Well, I finally went onto Ohm's website and was going to spring for the 2000's and lo and behold when I started to do the initialization to make the purchase the price was now $1900 each instead of $1400. I was stunned and after reading the 'news' on the site I saw that the increase had gone into affect about two weeks before. Well, being a yankee I said no way I would pay for an increase that high. Instead I bought a pair of B-stock Klipsch Forte IV's whose only issue is a small, almost imperceptible imperfection on the top right side of the cabinet where top is mitered to the side. A doily will hide it nicely. And the cost was now less than the new 2000's price. So it's either 'he who hesitates' or 'he who waits' and since I'm a glass half full guy I'll go with the 'he who waits'.
I agree. That is over a 35% increase in price. If I am going to spend that much (which I haven't yet decided if I am willing to spend $4000 for a pair of speakers- I had set a limit of $3000 for myself), it opens up a lot more possibilities for me to look into- Spatial Audio Lab M-6 (an open baffle design- not omni-directional) among them. I intend to visit the Ohm "factory" in Brooklyn to listen and if I am blown away, I might still consider purchasing them, but now I have several other speakers in the $4000 range to consider should I decide I am willing to spend that much money.
Question for your interviewer friend Jan to you. What lab grade amp would you use to plowed the Klipsch K-Horns with? I still strongly feel that the K-Horns are the best sounding and most efficient speakers ever made. Paul Klipsch got it right 70 years ago. But you must power them with quality power. Not a lot of wattage necessarily. But clean. Any suggestions?
Thank you for another great perspective on some outstanding gear, especially since it's made right here in Brooklyn. That's another sharp looking shirt, too, please let your better half know i said so, and want to know as soon as she sets up her website =). I would love to see you and your colleague have a dialog doing your respective top 5/10 lists for favorite speakers, that would be a valuable nugget to post online. Thanks again, Steve.
Even though I don’t own any Ohm Walsh products, they are the reason why I got into audio. I even made an ad hoc version during the 80’s by taking an existing pair of Aiwa speakers and mounting the speakers like the Ohm’s. If it wasn’t for my love for Magnepan’s, Vandersteens, and B&W... I would try these out.
Best tweeters I ever heard were home made. A friend had glued piezo transducers to the top and bottom of ping pong balls. They generated 360° in every plane! The sound field was phenomenal and the volume remained remarkably similar no matter the distance from them. Only problem was that every so often one of the piezo devices would self-destruct. Possibly because as Steve notes with the Ohms, you want to listen at concert levels. Magic moments!
I picked up a pair of used Ohm Walsh 2s -- probably made about 1981 -- a couple of years ago. Loved the imaging initially -- the hight was stunning, as you say -- but I started wondering, "Where's the detail? Where's the high end?" I wondered if it would be worth doing the upgrade that Ohm offers for newer drivers -- something around $2,000 to do. Given your lukewarm description of the highs of the 2000s, it sounds like the answer is no. As much as I wanted to love these, I'm afraid it's time to put them up for sale.
keep them upgrade would be $1400.... i want ohm walsh 5000 but i want it closer to the wall like allison speaekrs or larsen speakers which is like ohm and aliison had a kid. John can improve the metal can design be using a folded ribbon tweeter and 5 inch away from the wall. With the xxxx design everything is in the can now so upgrades in the future will be easy.
@@braxtkj I'd also need to replace the grills ($120) and ship it back and forth. Add it up and it's close to $2,000 for a set of speakers I'm not certain will address the issues I have with the current ones. I can buy a nice pair of new speakers under $2,000 that I can audition in advance or buy any number of worthy vintage speakers for well under that. So I don't think keeping them makes much sense.
Steve, it would be great to see your setup as you reviewed it. Don't get me wrong. You are a very handsome man with lovely shirts. However we want to see the audio gear. ;-)
My 70s era Ohm Gs, after I replaced the original foam surrounds, still raises the hairs on my neck and gives me goose bumps. These 2000s got me yearning. LOL
Mirage OM-5 were my all time favorite speakers! Had them for ten years and should not have let them go. Might try these....Hopefully Canadians can get them easily.
I love Mirage and own M3si at the moment. What a speaker. I don't know where I should look at to improve. Maybe these Ohm Talls is a good direction? Dunno...
Steve ,i have a pair of Ohm walsh ,,,Im getting back into Hi Fi,retired musician,,thinking of getting a Musical Fidelity M6 si and aeversolo DMP -A6 do u think that would match up to my speakers,without breaking the bank..lol
Have you ever listened to any of the Morrison Audio speakers? Don has been doing this since the seventies and his Model 29 is one of the finest speakers I’ve ever heard and as a professional audio engineers of 57 years young, I’ve heard a few.
You convinced me. While ordering, the recommendation was for a less expensive version than I had anticipated. Dang, they were honest. We also spoke about speakers I had purchased and returned due to exaggerated sibilance that drove me nuts. It was mentioned that some designers seem to think that this promotes clarity. It was noted by my ear this defect was apprehended in the NEXT room. The designer of that product said I would have to try toe angles. My reply, how would that affect the NEXT ROOM's acoustics? We've had a discussion about delivery. I hate FedEx. So I contacted Ohm and apparently they have decided to not have a business relationship with them. Yeah! Delivery in January. Fingers crossed. Rosewood X 3 boxes L/R/C. I'm looking forward to being amazed.
Omni directional speakers, by reflecting so much sound off of the walls, give you ears lots of information to locate the speakers exactly. So they produce an image that is located precisely at each speaker or somewhere on a line between them. They work well for playing recordings with no venue reverb or ambience information and will create a performance in your room highlighting your room ambience. Highly directional speakers, by not reflecting much sound off the walls, floor and ceiling, give you much less information about the location of the speakers in the room and therefore open a window into the recorded space when the recording has reverb or room ambience information in the recording. Playing dual mono recordings like the Beatles - Black Bird on Omni directional speakers is like having Paul sitting in your room exactly where one of your speakers is sitting, performing in your room, his voice reflecting off your wall as if he were there. The Beolab 90 owners manual gives a great explanation of this idea. The Walsh speakers having limited vertical dispersion miss out on some of the effect of a true omni.
.Hello Steve, you're talking about the ominidirectionnal "sound scene" and (but) I would be interrested to know what do you think of the precision of the sound, the details , the dynamic... Thanks again for your videos. Max
The thing (I think) that this speaker does that is very important - is *not* have a traditional crossover. With the 8kHz crossover point, the tweeter can get by with a single capacitor, I have to think.
I own a few sets of canon s50 omni speakers and they seem to have a lot of what this review set have , ive never upgraded as i have not found anything better, could these be my next set?
I have an Ohm Walsh surround setup. 1000s and the Ohm wall mounted omni-directional surrounds. I have to say it’s pretty magical. My main purpose is for listening to music (2.0) and agree w/ Steve’s review. Decided to get the ‘full’ surround setup because I could get away with no center and no sub, which keeps the room super clean. No center channel because the cross-firing 1000s creates a phantom center. I typically watch TV/movies WAY off to the right side of the room and I’m always amazed that the right speaker “disappears” and the dialogue is centered. Whereas being way off-axis with front firing speakers would sound so incredibly unbalanced. Same goes for music - I can walk around the room and the sound “follows” me. Also to note, if I were to purchase a center channel (which I have no plans to do) it would have to be from Ohm because it would need to match all the unusual characteristics of the semi-omni fronts. A traditional center would compete with and muddle the sound. As far as the omni-directional wall hanging surrounds…they create a wash of sound which makes them impossible to distinguish their placement. This has given me a totally new appreciation for surround sound. I feel like I’m completely enveloped by the sound…it’s not speakers firing sounds directly at me. With that said, the rears are very expensive considering the probably handle 15% of the overall sound. Also, no need for atmos - as Steve mentioned this setup creates some phantom vertical sounds as well.
It's funny you bring up Brian Eno for crazy imaging, one of my go-tos for that is Slowdive's Sing, which he was in on : ) That would be an awesome interview!
Hi Steve im Mohana from Malaysia you are one of the best reviewers i have come a cross so far in my audiophile journey,simple straight forward easy and honest. Here i have a small request could you tell us more about the watt puppy 5.1 like this ohm walsh. Thank you on behalf of all audiophile watching you channel. And for the hard work. Best regards Mohana
Have 2 sets of Sonabs, the small ones the OD 11’s & the bigger OA14. There was & still is a network in Sweden where I was able to get advice on upgrading them .The speakers were huge in Europe & Australia in the 70’s. The mid bass drivers were a Philips unit still available up until 10 years ago . Also a better tweeter was availed till the same time. Don’t use them anymore has Martin Logan ESL’s, still hook them up occasionally. Still a beautiful speaker.
As always, an excellent review. Been reading about the Ohm Walsh omni's for years but I've never found them in any of the hi end stereo shops I've frequented over the years. Not, is there a dealer listing at the Ohm web site. One thing I DO wish you might consider is listing the name/artist of the music you recommended. Some of my most favorite CD's and LP's have been the ones equipment reviewers like for demoing gear.
I found a pair of Infinity WTLC's that have a Walsh tweeter in them and they sound fantastic. Not picky at all with placement which works great in my oddly shaped room.
way back in the day EPI put out different combos of it's basic trad 'bookshelf spks'..... such as EPI 250 I think, one EPI 100 forward, one up. and was it the EPI 400 with an EPI 100 on each of 4 sides, that is ' omni'. probably no doubt with much different crossovers. I heard them at a stereo store playing Mahavishnu, sounded amazing, maybe I was just in the mood.....
Please Help Me? Is there a mathematical equation to determine the power output required to drive 4 ohm Speakers with an 8 ohm (native) Receiver/Amp? I'm quite frustrated. Thank you for your time. Cheers...
You're making this more complicated than it actually is. Does the amplifier that you have, have a 4 ohm power rating? If it does that means it can supply the additional current to drive lower impedance speakers. Either the receiver in question can supply the additional current, or it cannot. Check with the manufacturer or look around on the Internet to see if it has that current capability. Thank you for watching
I have been looking at speakers and I listen to mostly acoustic music that has a good sound stage and seperation. My questions to you are: How are they at lower volume? Is there a good amount of dept and sound stage? I current use a mantraz integrated amp paired with Klipsch RF35 towers which I got about 16 years ago. While I do like them they are a bit bright. I have a emotiva XPA 2 gen 3 stereo amp and have been looking at speakers. The issue is that, I come from a India and I don't have access to listen to these speakers before I can buy them.
Excellent review, as usual. I'm looking forward to reading the questions people leave! Thanks, Steve :-)
Hehehe, reading them is right. Because on TH-cam no one ever answers them!
Can I marry you?
Since women (in general) have more sensitive hearing, I'd like to hear about the best system you have ever heard (not in a showroom).
Jana,
Q1: name all the audio components that you would currently want to own. Headphones, speakers, amps, preamps, dacs, cables, etc. Not really a question but fuck it.
Q2: At what age and how did you start to notice differences in the quality of recordings.
Q3: Name all the artists your currently listening to + name 10 of your all time favs.
Good Morning and Happy Holidays I hope somebody from the group could provide guidance's, some years back I purchased a PSB T6 which is 4 ohm and a XT2 which is 8 ohm I am using a Marantz pm 6005, when I payed CDs the T6 start playing even with the volume at zero? playing both speakers with the same amp could damage the amp? any suggestions? I hope somebody could provide feedback.
They are my vacation speakers. AKA I use them when I have nothing else to review. Which is rare and I look forward to it.
Z Reviews Glad to see one of my audiophile heroes in the comments. Been a subscriber to your channel for ages. 😁
Still waiting on that Chewbacca review.
What about Linkwitz ??? www.linkwitzlab.com/
I am doriarama and I approve this message.
@@epi2045 If he can't find time to answer his subscriber's comments, at least he find time to comment on Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac videos...
Hello, I am the co-designer of these speakers. They were the third project after my MicroWalsh speakers which were a project that I started while John was away on vacation - I was like Micky Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice - I was doing precisely what John told me NOT to do while he was away :P (Waste time and money trying to design a smaller version of his speakers). Well, I got lucky and my attempt was remarkably successful. Once John returned from Vacation I was excited to show him and from that day forward, for the next year or so, John and I worked together in the lab usually puting in 11 - 12 hour days until the product was ready to release.
The 2000 is the first speaker developed at Ohm using computer simulation - John and I got to LISTEN to the speaker and make changes in real time without actually having to build crossovers - it was a remarkable and wonderful time in my life and I miss John very deeply - I wish he could still be here with us today.
hey, mind if i could talk to you more about this somewhere? it sounds very interesting, i love these things and i'd love to know more about it if this is true
@@tfwug OK, I can email you.
One of your peers, Zeos Pantera, has used Ohm Walsh talls as his main speakers for a few years. He tests 100+ nice speakers a year, but none of them have bumped the Ohm Walsh's from the top spot.
Lincoln Walsh was my best friend as a teenager. He gave me my background in music, as he owned and designed the Brook 10-C3 audio amplifier company. When he invented the speaker now known as the incarnation of the Walsh original transmission line driver system, it sounded great then. Better now. From 1948 when he sold his amplifier to my father, it was only a mono system... but compared with other systems, boy... did it SOUND great. Good bless Class A.
Wow!
Are you still with us?
You know what I love more than your reviews? Your music selection - I just get straight to it and add them to my playlists.
Thanks for the review, Steve. Now that both you and Z Reviews have so wholeheartedly endorsed these speakers, I’m going to start saving up for them.
I recently received my Walsh tall Minis after a six month wait.
It's been fascinating go through the listening learning curve with these. At first, they sounded nice but I was surprised that one sounded stronger than the other. It was patiently explained to me that this had to do with position - the left speaker is closer to a hard surface to the left of it. Adjusting the balance fixed this and I started to hear what Steve was talking about.
There's is definitely a burn in period, which includes getting used to the omni speaker experience. Your ears have to adjust to the fact that the sound isn't coming at you from the center of a speaker pointed at you - it's coming from the room itself.
As an acoustic musician, I compare it to the fact that I always have to play the room, not just the instrument. I have to sense what's coming back at me from the walls. I'm learning to set up these speakers the same way. Not how do the speakers sound, but how does the music sound in my room.
I bought these, and waited the six months, largely on the strength of this review. Totally worth it.
My first boyfriend had a pair back in the early 90s, they’re what introduced me to soundstage and imaging and deep effortless bass and just amazing lights out chill out music listening sessions 😉 I almost bought a set a few years ago. Still may...
The best video you've done for ages Steve. Detailed and passionate your experience really shows through. Enjoyed every moment. Thank you.
Nice to see the actual products displayed in the video. That’s a lot of extra work for a one man band in his daily show. Appreciate the extra effort. Lots of discs to seek out; that too is always appreciated. I’m going to create a special section for Audiophiliac recommends one these days. Keep ‘em coming.
Steve; your enthusiasm is infectious. Don't want these as I have Magicos but you open my eyes (or ears) to omnidirectionals. Yet another 'like'.
Back around 1980, I "babysat" a pair of Ohm Fs for a friend while he traveled. In those days, I was listening to a lot of WRVR-FM type jazz/fusion (GRP stuff, etc.) First song I heard from them was Spyro Gyra`s "Morning Dance", played at a healthy volume level, driven by my Phase Linear 700 amp. I was wowed by the sound, and still think of them as perhaps the greatest "jazz speakers" that I`ve ever experienced.
Naturally, I have to ask: 1.) Compared to Klipsch Forte III? 2.) How do they sound with classical music, full orchestra?
This is what being an audiophile is about, excitement for sound reproduction. Look forward to your video with Jana. You’ve been on a roll lately Steve, keep up the exquisite work. 🥇
Lincoln Walsh is one of my heroes. Heard the originals at Henry Radio in Anaheim, when I was a kid. Never forgot it. Read an article about Walsh, almost blind, shuffling about his workshop, trying to put his theories to reality. Incredibly inspiring.
I had a pair of OHM 3 XO...never tired of listening them.I miss them so much, had to sell them when we downsized....I miss them !! I first heard them in 1977, a neighbor had a apit of the Walsh F I think, was blown away, swore that one day I would own a pair, found hem in 1987 for $800 a pair
I worked at Tech HiFi in Columbus for John. We had the Ohm F and Infinity RS2"s. About 1977.
I really love Jana's videos. She adds a sense of style. Her system overviews are very, very cool! I enjoy the story behind the story. It will be interesting to see what you do together.
I want a pair SOOOO BAD!!!!! Klipsch fan over here. Forte 3 is my favorite speaker right now. I have a mini old school Klipsch collection. Forte was my first real speaker and they still run perfectly. I've always wanted a pair of these guys! I remember seeing adds as a kid around 86' 87' and then hearing them in person at a friend's house. His dad bought a new pair and wanted to show off. I was blown away. It was my first introduction to high quality sound reproduction. I thought his pare looked like the Dalek from Dr.Who. I was kind of scared of them. They got down too! Very engaging sound. I love that this guy loves these speakers. I would just like to hear a pair again. This where my obsession started. 9 years old. We listened to a lot of music on those guys. Best in the neighborhood.
They were not the 2000s
Been watching quite a few of your videos Steve. Loving them!👍😊
Bought a pair of Ohm Walsh 2 back in the day. Still have them, still love them. Never heard anything that comes close.
Thank you Steve, I just order a pairs of walsh 1000 after see your video. Talk to John over the phone great guy i did mention to John that after seeing your video i have to order a pairs. The waiting list right now is two months out can’t wait to get them. Thanks again Steven.
There was a pair of Ohm A Omni directional speakers in my high school Planetarium. With that hemispherical ceiling the sound was incredible!
You had a high school planetarium? Wow.
Brian Moore Yes, the first one in Texas. You can check it out, king high school Corpus Christi Texas. It was built in 1966
@@TexasScout I did look it up. That's pretty impressive to have something like that in a high school. I don't even know of any colleges around here, near Atlanta, GA, that have a planetarium. I would have loved that back when I was in high school (in the 80's).
The Ohm F's were great speakers. I could never afford them or the amplifier that I'd need to drive them. Just thought you'd like to know that I picked up (last week) a pair of Ohm model H systems that I've wanted since 1978. I couldn't afford the $700 pair price tag (nor the space) in those days but my hifi restoration guy here in upstate NY had the H's, completely refurbished with new surrounds and a new Ohm driver for the unbelievable price of $275 for the pair. They have the two tweeter controls, are finished on all six sides and have a -3dB of 32Hz. Cabs are 26X15X11" and weigh 51 pounds each. Designed for room sizes 1,600 to 2,300 cu/ft. They're in my (1,742 cu/ft) dining room. Cosmetically and sonically excellent. Man, do they sound sweet. I'm still "testing" them out but so far my organ recordings sound best. Full, rich and deep bass. My Bach Fugue in G Minor CD is my favorite so far.
I spoke to an Ohm representative (in Brooklyn) and he said they sell refurbished model H's for $1,000 each. An awesome deal and my christmas present to myself. I drive them with my Hitachi SR-804 receiver. Gonna be a far out holiday season. In 1978 the Ohm F was their TOTL speaker and the model H was the second most expensive and an attempt to get the F's sound from a smaller conventional box. Vintage audio is a rewarding hobby and audiophilia is almost an addiction for me. I'm sure that the Walsh 2000 can outperform the model F's in every way and are excellent reproducers of sound. Happy holidays good sir, fuhgeddaboudit!
I appreciate the comparison to the LRS, but could you also make comparison to the Klipsch Forte III?
Good gravy now I want a pair. I'm trying to think how long it's been since I heard an Ohm anything...two decades at least. Really good to see John has continued refining them to this point!
I have had a pair of these since April. I will say that they definitely benefit from "burn-in" - I have noticed that the depth and breadth has improved since the first listen and the bass is definitely better. The center image is good, but in my setup sounds like it comes from a little behind the speaker plane. They do benefit from moving them closer to the wall than I would do with box speakers. They also have more approval from the wife, compared to larger speakers that they replace.
P.S., they sound great playing the audio from movies, no center speaker, woofer, or surround. Obviously, if I wanted earth shaking lows I would need a sub, but as all-purpose speakers they are great.
The whole wife approval factor is a rather big concern for me. I'm pretty certain she would love that about these Ohms.
@@redstarwraith I have the speakers about 13-inches from the back wall. the room is slightly deeper than wide (15-ftx17.5-ft) with a sloping ceiling. Since they have a number of veneers for the speakers, you should be able to find a finish that works in your room.
I view them as all purpose speakers and they are quite handsome
I'm a firm believer with burn in when it comes to speakers. They have moving parts that need to be well moved and loosened to "flow"
Yes , wife approval....... I had DQ-10 for years ..... she let me keep them once she listened. But I showed her pics of the Walsh , she loved them and said if they only sounded as good... I told her in our space they would sound better! I got the green light and years later we have two pairs of Ohm Walsh speakers !
My dream speaker! ❤️
I remember the Ohm F speakers. They were excellent.
someone told me that Ohm F is one of the greatest speakers ever made by man kind.
I wonder how the new line (Walsh Talls i.e. 1000/2000/3000/4000/5000) compare to Ohm F and....if they sound better or not really so.
@Teknogod17 wow, many thanks for such a comprehensive reply. This is much appreciated.
Is there a way to talk to you via private messages please?
I didn't know that F had so many flaws (short lifespan, very high power requirements, tendency to blow, HF rollof, slow dynamics).
I watched this:
th-cam.com/video/Y_8xUDYBgZQ/w-d-xo.html&
and the guy is....raving about these new 2000. Are they really that good? Or was he paid for such a raving review?
What about the bass? Is it really that powerful as he says? I also read somewhere that these speaker have enormous bass - is that because they use the cabinet and down firing driver to strengthen the bass in any way? I mean.....2000 has only 8 inch woofer which has to play no only bass but also mids so....how can it have such an amazing bass?
I am not an audiophile and don't listen to ambitious acoustic genres like soul/jazz/blues/vocal.
I am a music lover who listens to electronic music and want biggest and baddest bass, WOW factor and wall of sound. I am currently using Mirage M3-si which are great speakers.
The other thing that interests me in these Ohm Walsh speakers is that they (supposedly) fill the entire room with music and I love that as I hate that 'sweet spot' listening scenario - I don't sit in one place for hours listening to jazz (like serious audiophiles do I suppose) but I move a lot in the room and want the music to be everywhere.
Please advise if you may. Many many thanks
Nice to see this review on omnidirectional speakers! I used to have some that were made by Mirage. I don't know why they don't get more love.
Ohm’s are on my list to save up for. Thanks so much for this detailed review.
Just want you to know how much I appreciate your advice on audio equipment. On top of this, it seems your musical taste largely overlaps with mine, which makes me value your advice on the hardware all the more. In case you’re unaware of it, there’s an excellent documentary on Brian Eno on Amazon Prime.
Excellent review Steve. I had MBL's for years and you did a good job of explaining the omnidirectional "sound".
Nice review, I appreciate your passion and the details of the music you auditioned.
can these speakers be played at low volume night listening or do they need to be played loud to be enjoyed?
I had the chance to audition the Walsh's at Ohms Naval yard HQ about 10 years ago. Powered by their house rotel amp, and yes everything you say here is 100% on point!
Steve great video but you forgot to mention how wide the sweet spot is , how you can sit anywhere and hear both speakers perfectly. You did not mention are they a keeper ? Also they do sound better after they burn in a few months . A follow up coming? Now on to the Ohm A's and F's a company called HHR Exotics makes Identical looking but much improved versions called the TLS-1 and TLS-2 . The F's were once called the best speaker at any price, Maybe you can make a video about them.I heard the F's 40 years ago and the MBL's st a audio show , I think the F.s sounded better .
The 360 degree dispersion pattern might be relatively approached by the defunct Bose 901. But the Walsh driver itself is strictly unique...and genial!
OMG! You said “Bose” on an audiophile channel. That does it-I’m dusting off my 301s. Freedom, daddy-o!
Hi. I am so confused. After your review of the lrs speakers I was sold on them. Never heard them though. So provided I did have the right amp do you think the lrs is good vs the olm 1000 series? Is it worth the 1300 difference ? Any input from anyone would be awesome.
I hope they export aboard... I would sure want to give em a go..
they do..just call them or email them...
@@hawaiiguy1 Ok sure will do.👍
absolutely Love your music recommendations! ... ! ... !
Just ordered a pair from Evan today! 1000's though, he actually suggested the Micro's at first but after telling him my listening habits and tastes in some types of music, he said the 1000's would be the ticket. So January 2021 can t come soon enough!
I would absolutely recommend the 1000s over the micros, unless your PRIMARY concern is getting very small speakers! The 1000s put out SO much more bass, they are bass monsters for their size, very impressive.
I owned a pair of Ohm Walsh 2 back in the early 1980's sold them to move in 1985. Was in awe when I bought them and loved them. They weren't a rock speaker in the sense like a large JBL but the items you described is why I bought them. I then later in the 1990's went with front firing Klipsch bookshelf system with subs which worked very well but just didn't seem to have what I wanted. In my pursuit of new speakers for my large great room I thought I would give Ohm another try again. I ordered a pair of Walsh 3000 in Rosewood veneer. The support has been great and the listening has been even better. I use them in a all around HT environment which is a hybrid blend that I am very happy with. Klipsch Center Channel, SVS 4000 sealed subs, and rear Klipsch bookshelf speakers for surround. (moved the bookshelves to the back and elevated. I am using two Crown 1500 what class D amps to drive the Ohms only coming from an Arcam AVR 850 receiver. They sound great in Stereo and even better with Arcarm's processor utilizing multichannel stereo. Such a great processor! I also use room correction Dirac which makes a huge difference. I have them in a large room with vaulted ceilings hardwood floors, furniture and of course dry wall everywhere. I have been very happy with this system and the way I configured it.
Gary Karczewski Does the Klipsch center speaker interfere w/ the unusual characteristics of the 3000s creating a pretty solid phantom center sounds?
@@elleferrao2640 No it doesn't. It actually works very well with the Ohm's. I have turned into a huge fan of multi-channel stereo processing via my Arcam AVR850. Stereo sounds great but I find the multi channel stereo is far more fun and sounds great. One thing about the Ohms per surround sound they are fantastic. Huge natural sound stage.
I can't wait for your video with Jana!
She is absolutely stunning and brilliant!
I am so very jealous.
I'm wondering that there is no comment about the German Physiks Speakers from Germany. They are incredible. The so called DDDriver runs from 170-24K Hz and there is a conventional subwoofer to extend the range to ~30 Hz.
Great review!
I was dreaming of ommnidirectional speakers but the MBL's are an impossibility. These are "reasonably" priced.
Thanks!
Steve, I have a pair of DUEVEL Jupiter speakers. I have modified these so they go up to about 30khz!!! Flat down to 20hz. Two way, omnidirectional on the top end horn, and the up firing bass driver. They give a great center stage image from anywhere in the room. The closest thing I have ever hear as a full range, omnidirectional, single point source.
I have a Samsung r3 omnidirectional speaker and I love that thing. 360 degree sound is perfect imo.
Thanks for the review....the only negative to older ohms was their lack reliability. Old saying was they needed 200 watts to get going and 201 to blow up or something like that
If u over drive them beyond the limits of the amp u can blow them up with a 59wpc easier than a clean 300wpc. Ive had my f's for close to 50 years driven by a crown dc300a at very loud levels with no issues other than replacing age related parts surrounds.
My brother had a pair of Ohm speakers in the 70's, looking at pictures now I think they were Ohm F series. Her ran them with a Marantz 2325 and later a Carver cube amp with a tangential or linear arm style turntable (can't recall the name).
Hey, if you have anything by Phil Keaggy he might sound really good on some high definition speakers. Just heard him live. Quite amazing.
Used to have ohm Walsh 2s. Loved the clarity and soundstage but found the tonal balance was a bit on the light side. Hope to hear the 2000s to compare someday.
Thanks for the intro to El Secunda
Oh my, and here I thought Larsen's where my only option since my room is tight. Thanks Mr Audiophiliac.
I have the Ohm Walsh Micro Towers Talls.
Outlaw RR2160 receiver crossed over at 100hz to dual SVS SB3000 SUBS. Used in a 2.2 for music and video. 65 inch LG OLED. Largeish living room. 13 inches from back wall. 6 inches on each side of TV stand. Subs on the outside of Ohms. 10 inches out. Great fanthom center channel locked in for music and the Video image. Realistic sound without any real coloration. Voices real. All the instruments sound like they they are supposed to.
Good WAF also lol.
1:39 has he given measurements that show that the omnidirectional speakers have different physics that flatten the curve when 8-18" from a wall? I ask because I've been trying to figure out why these speakers would measure differently. I've been getting push back from a well respected open baffle speaker producer who says these speakers would need room to breath, and that measurements near a wall would show that to be true. I'm interested in learning more here.
How would you compare aforementioned Ohm Walsh speakers with Bose 901 ? The main gripe about 901's is lack of bass, but they too also fill a room.
I’m not a “showtunes” person, but get your Ohms set up to your satisfaction and then put a broadway or movie cast recording and you will experience just what capabilities Steve is talking about. The cast, the orchestra, and the stage are spread out with the space between each defined completely free of the speakers. Opera is good and pure, but the show recordings show off the Ohms even better!
Is there a tube amp that can drive these properly? The Ohm website says 45 watts at the minimum?
The defunct Bose 901 had the "omnidirectional" principle, too. I ignore why audiophiles shunned it.
The 901 is not an omni speaker, it's just one that could play loud and clean. Surprisingly loud, for it's compact size - it was one of the first speakers to really impress me.
The OHM Walsh speaker uses wall reverberation to produce music with an airy (3D) quality. I would compare that to the sound of a guitar soloist without reverb and the same score with reverb, the later has an airy (3d) quality that please the ears of the listener more. Thanks for sharing. Speaker location can make the difference between a good sounding speaker and a great one. It affects the whole 3D spectrum, from the omni directional bass, through the directional midrange and highs. Using location to tweak the sound of a speaker and correct certain deficiencies in the linearity of its sound is easy and free, locate for the bass and tweak for the highs.
My dad was a big fan of Omnis, he worked for Bose in the 70's and i think that got him started. He then ended up with some Ohm F's when he was National Service Manager for Tech HiFi in Boston in the 80's. I ended up blowing them too many times (10 year old in control of a volume knob). He switched to the Ohm I's ($1500 a pair in 80's) and even though he has passed away i still own those speakers along with some 901's he scratch built the cabinets for.
Let me add some info on Ohm speakers. Steve doesn't mention that there are two other speakers below the 2000's, the 1000's and the Microwalsh Talls, and speakers above the 2000's. Ohm designs their speakers to sound the same, depending on room size. I have a pair of the Microwalsh Talls, and for a smallish room they are simply outstanding. And look, I'm sure that the audiophile music that Steve mentions is just fine. I have nothing against it. But there must be others who are wondering, ok, but do they rock? Well, I can unequivocally say, they certainly do. I listen to a lot of classic rock and some newer rock music, and they never fail to do justice to the music. Jazz sounds great, classical music sounds great, blues sounds great. It all sounds great. I think a lot of people are probably put off by "omnidirectional". But Ohm's still sound like a direct firing speakers. It's just that they are very open sounding and totally box-less sounding.
If you had around 2.5K to spend, would you go with Ohm Walsh 2000s, or Zu Omen MK IIs? Both sound very interesting to me in the 2500-2800 range.
or Tektons...
I'd do Maggies or Ohms
I'd like to see a review of the mini walsh model, interested to know if things that small can make good sound. I have a small room so considering the minis as an option.
Well, I finally went onto Ohm's website and was going to spring for the 2000's and lo and behold when I started to do the initialization to make the purchase the price was now $1900 each instead of $1400. I was stunned and after reading the 'news' on the site I saw that the increase had gone into affect about two weeks before. Well, being a yankee I said no way I would pay for an increase that high. Instead I bought a pair of B-stock Klipsch Forte IV's whose only issue is a small, almost imperceptible imperfection on the top right side of the cabinet where top is mitered to the side. A doily will hide it nicely. And the cost was now less than the new 2000's price. So it's either 'he who hesitates' or 'he who waits' and since I'm a glass half full guy I'll go with the 'he who waits'.
I agree. That is over a 35% increase in price. If I am going to spend that much (which I haven't yet decided if I am willing to spend $4000 for a pair of speakers- I had set a limit of $3000 for myself), it opens up a lot more possibilities for me to look into- Spatial Audio Lab M-6 (an open baffle design- not omni-directional) among them. I intend to visit the Ohm "factory" in Brooklyn to listen and if I am blown away, I might still consider purchasing them, but now I have several other speakers in the $4000 range to consider should I decide I am willing to spend that much money.
Waiting from last year the Forte IVs increased $500.
I’m debating between the Walsh Ohm 2000 and the Klipsch Forte 4. Steve, can you please tell me what your thoughts are when comparing the two?
Exactly. 🤦♀️🤨🙋♀️
Hi Steve! How does it compare to some Klipsch speakers? Like the Heresy IV?
I love your reviews. Thanks so much.
Question for your interviewer friend Jan to you.
What lab grade amp would you use to plowed the Klipsch K-Horns with? I still strongly feel that the K-Horns are the best sounding and most efficient speakers ever made. Paul Klipsch got it right 70 years ago.
But you must power them with quality power. Not a lot of wattage necessarily. But clean.
Any suggestions?
Thank you for another great perspective on some outstanding gear, especially since it's made right here in Brooklyn. That's another sharp looking shirt, too, please let your better half know
i said so, and want to know as soon as she sets up her website =). I would love to see you and your colleague have a dialog doing your respective top 5/10 lists for favorite speakers, that would be a valuable nugget to post online. Thanks again, Steve.
Even though I don’t own any Ohm Walsh products, they are the reason why I got into audio. I even made an ad hoc version during the 80’s by taking an existing pair of Aiwa speakers and mounting the speakers like the Ohm’s. If it wasn’t for my love for Magnepan’s, Vandersteens, and B&W... I would try these out.
Best tweeters I ever heard were home made. A friend had glued piezo transducers to the top and bottom of ping pong balls. They generated 360° in every plane! The sound field was phenomenal and the volume remained remarkably similar no matter the distance from them. Only problem was that every so often one of the piezo devices would self-destruct. Possibly because as Steve notes with the Ohms, you want to listen at concert levels. Magic moments!
Such a strong review! These speakers must be auditioned!
I picked up a pair of used Ohm Walsh 2s -- probably made about 1981 -- a couple of years ago. Loved the imaging initially -- the hight was stunning, as you say -- but I started wondering, "Where's the detail? Where's the high end?" I wondered if it would be worth doing the upgrade that Ohm offers for newer drivers -- something around $2,000 to do. Given your lukewarm description of the highs of the 2000s, it sounds like the answer is no. As much as I wanted to love these, I'm afraid it's time to put them up for sale.
keep them upgrade would be $1400.... i want ohm walsh 5000 but i want it closer to the wall like allison speaekrs or larsen speakers which is like ohm and aliison had a kid. John can improve the metal can design be using a folded ribbon tweeter and 5 inch away from the wall. With the xxxx design everything is in the can now so upgrades in the future will be easy.
@@braxtkj I'd also need to replace the grills ($120) and ship it back and forth. Add it up and it's close to $2,000 for a set of speakers I'm not certain will address the issues I have with the current ones. I can buy a nice pair of new speakers under $2,000 that I can audition in advance or buy any number of worthy vintage speakers for well under that. So I don't think keeping them makes much sense.
I bought a pair of these in 2016. I'm addicted to the sound and they won't be going anywhere.
Steve, it would be great to see your setup as you reviewed it. Don't get me wrong. You are a very handsome man with lovely shirts. However we want to see the audio gear. ;-)
Thanks for the Artist recommendations........ Maybe you can do some more?
My 70s era Ohm Gs, after I replaced the original foam surrounds, still raises the hairs on my neck and gives me goose bumps. These 2000s got me yearning. LOL
Mirage OM-5 were my all time favorite speakers! Had them for ten years and should not have let them go. Might try these....Hopefully Canadians can get them easily.
I love Mirage and own M3si at the moment. What a speaker. I don't know where I should look at to improve. Maybe these Ohm Talls is a good direction? Dunno...
I have the Mirage M1si and they can fill a room with music too . . . Happy listening
Steve ,i have a pair of Ohm walsh ,,,Im getting back into Hi Fi,retired musician,,thinking of getting a Musical Fidelity M6 si and aeversolo DMP -A6 do u think that would match up to my speakers,without breaking the bank..lol
Have you ever listened to any of the Morrison Audio speakers? Don has been doing this since the seventies and his Model 29 is one of the finest speakers I’ve ever heard and as a professional audio engineers of 57 years young, I’ve heard a few.
You convinced me. While ordering, the recommendation was for a less expensive version than I had anticipated. Dang, they were honest. We also spoke about speakers I had purchased and returned due to exaggerated sibilance that drove me nuts. It was mentioned that some designers seem to think that this promotes clarity. It was noted by my ear this defect was apprehended in the NEXT room. The designer of that product said I would have to try toe angles. My reply, how would that affect the NEXT ROOM's acoustics?
We've had a discussion about delivery. I hate FedEx. So I contacted Ohm and apparently they have decided to not have a business relationship with them. Yeah!
Delivery in January. Fingers crossed. Rosewood X 3 boxes L/R/C. I'm looking forward to being amazed.
Omni directional speakers, by reflecting so much sound off of the walls, give you ears lots of information to locate the speakers exactly. So they produce an image that is located precisely at each speaker or somewhere on a line between them. They work well for playing recordings with no venue reverb or ambience information and will create a performance in your room highlighting your room ambience. Highly directional speakers, by not reflecting much sound off the walls, floor and ceiling, give you much less information about the location of the speakers in the room and therefore open a window into the recorded space when the recording has reverb or room ambience information in the recording. Playing dual mono recordings like the Beatles - Black Bird on Omni directional speakers is like having Paul sitting in your room exactly where one of your speakers is sitting, performing in your room, his voice reflecting off your wall as if he were there. The Beolab 90 owners manual gives a great explanation of this idea. The Walsh speakers having limited vertical dispersion miss out on some of the effect of a true omni.
.Hello Steve, you're talking about the ominidirectionnal "sound scene" and (but) I would be interrested to know what do you think of the precision of the sound, the details , the dynamic... Thanks again for your videos. Max
Harry Bosch's favorite speakers.
The thing (I think) that this speaker does that is very important - is *not* have a traditional crossover. With the 8kHz crossover point, the tweeter can get by with a single capacitor, I have to think.
I own a few sets of canon s50 omni speakers and they seem to have a lot of what this review set have , ive never upgraded as i have not found anything better, could these be my next set?
I have an Ohm Walsh surround setup.
1000s and the Ohm wall mounted omni-directional surrounds. I have to say it’s pretty magical.
My main purpose is for listening to music (2.0) and agree w/ Steve’s review.
Decided to get the ‘full’ surround setup because I could get away with no center and no sub, which keeps the room super clean. No center channel because the cross-firing 1000s creates a phantom center. I typically watch TV/movies WAY off to the right side of the room and I’m always amazed that the right speaker “disappears” and the dialogue is centered. Whereas being way off-axis with front firing speakers would sound so incredibly unbalanced. Same goes for music - I can walk around the room and the sound “follows” me.
Also to note, if I were to purchase a center channel (which I have no plans to do) it would have to be from Ohm because it would need to match all the unusual characteristics of the semi-omni fronts. A traditional center would compete with and muddle the sound.
As far as the omni-directional wall hanging surrounds…they create a wash of sound which makes them impossible to distinguish their placement. This has given me a totally new appreciation for surround sound. I feel like I’m completely enveloped by the sound…it’s not speakers firing sounds directly at me. With that said, the rears are very expensive considering the probably handle 15% of the overall sound.
Also, no need for atmos - as Steve mentioned this setup creates some phantom vertical sounds as well.
It's funny you bring up Brian Eno for crazy imaging, one of my go-tos for that is Slowdive's Sing, which he was in on : ) That would be an awesome interview!
Really appreciate your reviews. Thanks so much. It would be nice to see the area where you listen to these speakers!
I had my eye on these for a few years now xD fantastic review :)
Hi Steve im Mohana from Malaysia you are one of the best reviewers i have come a cross so far in my audiophile journey,simple straight forward easy and honest. Here i have a small request could you tell us more about the watt puppy 5.1 like this ohm walsh.
Thank you on behalf of all audiophile watching you channel. And for the hard work.
Best regards
Mohana
Have 2 sets of Sonabs, the small ones the OD 11’s & the bigger OA14. There was & still is a network in Sweden where I was able to get advice on upgrading them .The speakers were huge in Europe & Australia in the 70’s. The mid bass drivers were a Philips unit still available up until 10 years ago . Also a better tweeter was availed till the same time. Don’t use them anymore has Martin Logan ESL’s, still hook them up occasionally. Still a beautiful speaker.
As always, an excellent review. Been reading about the Ohm Walsh omni's for years but I've never found them in any of the hi end stereo shops I've frequented over the years. Not, is there a dealer listing at the Ohm web site.
One thing I DO wish you might consider is listing the name/artist of the music you recommended. Some of my most favorite CD's and LP's have been the ones equipment reviewers like for demoing gear.
I found a pair of Infinity WTLC's that have a Walsh tweeter in them and they sound fantastic. Not picky at all with placement which works great in my oddly shaped room.
way back in the day EPI put out different combos of it's basic trad 'bookshelf spks'..... such as EPI 250 I think, one EPI 100 forward, one up. and was it the EPI 400 with an EPI 100 on each of 4 sides, that is ' omni'. probably no doubt with much different crossovers. I heard them at a stereo store playing Mahavishnu, sounded amazing, maybe I was just in the mood.....
Please Help Me? Is there a mathematical equation to determine the power output required to drive 4 ohm Speakers with an 8 ohm (native) Receiver/Amp? I'm quite frustrated. Thank you for your time. Cheers...
You're making this more complicated than it actually is. Does the amplifier that you have, have a 4 ohm power rating? If it does that means it can supply the additional current to drive lower impedance speakers. Either the receiver in question can supply the additional current, or it cannot. Check with the manufacturer or look around on the Internet to see if it has that current capability. Thank you for watching
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank You Steve.
When Steve gets this excited, I pay attention.
I have been looking at speakers and I listen to mostly acoustic music that has a good sound stage and seperation. My questions to you are:
How are they at lower volume? Is there a good amount of dept and sound stage?
I current use a mantraz integrated amp paired with Klipsch RF35 towers which I got about 16 years ago. While I do like them they are a bit bright. I have a emotiva XPA 2 gen 3 stereo amp and have been looking at speakers. The issue is that, I come from a India and I don't have access to listen to these speakers before I can buy them.
So Magnepan LRS is “more transparent and refined”… so why is Ohm better? 😅