AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Omega Speaker Systems => Topic started by: Canada Rob on 30 Jun 2015, 07:17 pm

Title: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Canada Rob on 30 Jun 2015, 07:17 pm
John Darko has been doing a similar thing regarding affordable audio and has gotten an incredible response.  My hat is off to him for giving more attention to truly affordable gear than probably any reviewer out there.  So, I thought I'd follow suit, but base it on currently available Omega speakers.  The more of you who chime in, the better.  Links to products are welcome.

Here are the "rules".
1) Only new currently available product and no sale pricing and all pricing in USD or CAD.
2) Current Omega speakers only.
3) Main components excluding speaker wire, USB, interconnects, computer, iPhone, iPad, etc.
4) Speaker stands and audio furniture excluded.
5) Vinyl front ends and CD players welcome.
6) Kits are allowed, but no scratch DIY.

I'll start with one each for $1500 and $3000:

$1500
Temple Audio Bantam Gold Class D amp -------------------------------------------------$350 USD
Resonessnece Labs Herus+ ---------------------------------------------------------------$425 USD
Omega Super 3i in level 1 finish ----------------------------------------------------------$595 USD
Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$1370 USD

$3000
Decware Super Zen UFO SET amp (basic) ------------------------------------------------$995 USD
Resonessence Labs Concero HD DAC with Apple Remote and wall power supply ------$900 USD
Omega Super 3XRS in level 1 finish------------------------------------------------------$1095 USD
Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$2990 USD

Some might ask what my motive is in this exercise.  It's to try and draw in those who think they can't get great sound without spending $10K, but want to have great sound.  If one looks at most of the show reports, one would think a good system couldn't be had for under $30,000.  With your input we may be able to prove there is a great variety of gear out there for those who can't or don't want to spend the big bucks on a stereo system. 
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: roscoe65 on 1 Jul 2015, 01:53 am
I'll play.  My approach is getting someone started out into high end audio without overcomplicating their lives.  They likely stream or only use their comuter for music and likely will also use the system for a 2CH home theater.

$1,500:

NAD D3020 DAC/AMP........................$499
Omega Super 7 Monitor.....................$995

If I could get the NAD on sale or open box I would substitute the Omega 3 XRS for $1,095

$3,000

NAD D7050 DAC/Amp.......................$   999
Omega Super Alnico Monitor..............$1,995

I know that this is boring, but the NAD units are really that good (I'm listening to a D3020 right now) with decent DAC's and B&O IcePower chips.  They are warm-sounding and offer a number of inputs, including a nice sounding AptX Bluetooth module and on the D7050 Airplay.

The D3020 will drive the Super 7's to 110dB and the D7050 will driver the less sensitive Alnico Monitor to the same levels.

I've had a lot of audio equipment in my hands over the years and the NAD units set a pretty high bar at an entry level price.  If the bar were set even lower, I would argue that a pair of Super 3i speakers and a D3020 will provide better sound than 99% of systems out there for $1,100.  Hell, even if you sprung for the level 2 finishes you would still come out $100 under budget.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: Canada Rob on 1 Jul 2015, 02:15 am
Thanks Roscoe,

Great input from a different perspective.  This is exactly what I'm after.  :thumb:
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: RDavidson on 1 Jul 2015, 02:54 am
Just to clear up a small detail : The NAD units use Hypex modules, not ICE. I'm sure people have their own thoughts and opinions on both technologies and respective audio qualities, which Omegas can and will fully display either way.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: roscoe65 on 1 Jul 2015, 03:12 am
Thanks for the correction.  Excellent sounding nonetheless.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: DaveC113 on 1 Jul 2015, 03:52 am
I'd also consider the Sony HAP-S1 music player/amp at $1k. If it's anywhere close to the ES player and amp it will be awesome.

Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: Canada Rob on 1 Jul 2015, 05:09 am
I'd also consider the Sony HAP-S1 music player/amp at $1k. If it's anywhere close to the ES player and amp it will be awesome.
Yes, the HAP-51 looks great.  Sony's new bottom of the line Blue Ray players are supposed to be very good too.  What HiFi sure likes them.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: roscoe65 on 1 Jul 2015, 12:18 pm
While my recommendation for the $1,500 price point remains unchanged, the $3,000 price point offers a range of choices:

Speakers:  I will stick with the Super 3XRS because they offer a great foundation for almost everything:  $1,100 in Level 1, $1,500 in Level 2.

DAC:  Halide DAC HD:  $465, including both digital and analog cables.  You really have to stretch to beat this one at anywhere near the price new.

Amp:  We are now left with up to $1,440 for an amp.  I would 100% go with a low power SET.  Choices include:


If you come in under budget you can upgrade the finish on the Super 3XRS from Level 1 to Level 2.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: btimm on 1 Jul 2015, 02:00 pm
The average individual purchasing audio equipment is fully aware of the many components available to the consumer that fit any given budget. Common sense would suggest you needn't spend $10,000... Apple has provided millions with great sound in a mere $49.00 Nano including earphones. Many find their budget buys quality components with great sound at Best Buy and other local big box stores.

How do you convey ones modest budget will afford them a quality stereo system when you apply "Rules" restricting speaker stands, speaker wire, interconnects etc. from the conversation? What have you proven? The glass is only half full...
   
With all due respect Canada Rob this forum suggests nothing more than ones preference for Omega Speakers and various components that are echoed daily within the Omega Community.

Bruce
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: Canada Rob on 1 Jul 2015, 07:09 pm
The average individual purchasing audio equipment is fully aware of the many components available to the consumer that fit any given budget. Common sense would suggest you needn't spend $10,000... Apple has provided millions with great sound in a mere $49.00 Nano including earphones. Many find their budget buys quality components with great sound at Best Buy and other local big box stores.

How do you convey ones modest budget will afford them a quality stereo system when you apply "Rules" restricting speaker stands, speaker wire, interconnects etc. from the conversation? What have you proven? The glass is only half full...
   
With all due respect Canada Rob this forum suggests nothing more than ones preference for Omega Speakers and various components that are echoed daily within the Omega Community.

Bruce
Hi Bruce,
The average individual is for the most part ignorant of the many components available that are truly good. They may be aware of the mass market MidFi and LoFi gear available in the box stores, but most are often totally ignorant of the gear that is talked about in these forums and in the "audio underground".

Spending $10,000 on a stereo may not be your personal priority and that's fine, but if someone wants to spend that, that's their prerogative and we won't begrudge them.

Apple has not provided millions with great sound, on the contrary, they are largely responsible for millions settling for poor sound.  However, properly set up, the iPod Nano can be a reasonable front end (with separate DAC and amp) for a nice headphone system or a modest stereo system.  The $49 Shuffle (which you are actually referring to) will at best only give mediocre sound.

This thread has had about 500 views in about 24 hours, so it has a lot more exposure than just the Omega community.  Yes, no doubt it will help Omega sales, but part of the goal of this thread is to provide a general resource for affordable gear that's truly good, not just for the Omega community, but for the audio community at large.

Of course this forum suggests preference for Omega speakers, it's owned by Omega Speaker Systems for the purpose of promoting Omega speakers just like Best Buy promotes their products and not a competitors.

I hope some day you try out truly good sound.  :thumb:
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: roscoe65 on 1 Jul 2015, 08:54 pm
My instinctive response would have been to be snarky, but as I get older I am trying to be a more pleasant person.

Simply put:  the average person wouldn't know good sound if it jumped up and bit them in the ass.  Aside from miserable recording quality, compression and the Loudness War, virtually no one under the age of 35 has actually listened to uncompressed (>= 16/44.1) music on a halfway decent system.  Long ago a rite of passage for a young man was to get a kickass stereo.  At best, we now have kids "upgrading" their headphones to a pair of Beats.

When this average person - who doesn't know any better - walks into Best Buy whatever system that is playing in the Magnolia room is automatically the best thing he's ever heard, no matter how good, bad or overpriced it is.  He doesn't know about tubes, high-efficiency speakers, or what a DAC does or why he needs one.  He doesn't know what FLAC or ALAC mean, nor does he know why they are better than the compressed files that allow him to put 3,000 songs on his phone.

I think that this is a great exercise.  There are collectively thousands of years of listening experience here with users who have spent (and often wasted) millions of dollars on audio equipment.

If I were starting over from scratch, I would choose Omega speakers are ones that for the price are least compromised, accommodate the greatest diversity of equipment, and which are unlikely to be the limiting factor in the signal chain.  Rob's imposed limitations were based on reality:  we need a source, an amp, and speakers to play music.  All of us have a computer and at the very least can stream music.  We can cobble together wires and can make do with whatever stands we have or can make.  $1,500 pays for a modest vacation or a darn good starter (or end game) system.  $3,000 buys you a nice road bike or a significant step up.  $10,000 requires you to make a lot more choices because you are less limted.

That being said, this is the orderI would approach this:

- Buy a pair of Level 1 Omega Super 3XRS and cheat and spend the extra $100 to get an NAD D3020  Scrounge some cheap wire.  For most people this will be all you need.  ($1,600)

- Buy a Decware Super Zen Triode Select.  Run this off the preamp output of the NAD.  Add a decent ($100) speaker cable.  We are now up to $3,000.

- Replace the NAD with a decent DAC.  A Halide DAC HD runs about $500.  We could always sell the NAD for about $300 or so, but we'll assume we're keeping it for another use.  We can also upgrade to Zenwave speaker cables now ($300) for a total of $3,800.  At the same time we can add some higher end music playback software ($200) for a total of $4,000.

-  Add an Omega Deepomega 12 in Level 1 finish ($1,500).    We have now spent a total of $5,500 and have a simple system that will destroy most "audiophile" systems.

- We can now contemplate the Next Step:  we have $4,500 to get to the $10,000 mark.  This will depend on your preferences, but for me it would mean adding another DeepOmega 12 ($7,000 total) and the $2-3,000 DAC of my choice (I'm not shopping in that price range so don't have any current preferences) and if I have money left over would upgrade cables.  Alternately, we could subsititute Alnico XRS speakers for the Super # XRS and spend less money on a DAC or even stick with one subwoofer.  AT this price range personal preference becomes a significant factor, as does the secondary market.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: DaveC113 on 1 Jul 2015, 09:38 pm
Good post roscoe... at $10k you can have a system that won't be embarrassed by any system at any price.

I'd go with the Sony HAP-Z1ES music player for a source at $2k, a big SET amp with 211, 845, etc tubes at $3-5k, whatever Omegas float your boat + two Speed 12 subs.



Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: btimm on 1 Jul 2015, 10:18 pm
Canada Rob,

How "ignorant" of you believing I haven't tried out truly good sound…

Bruce
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: GentleBender on 1 Jul 2015, 10:34 pm
Canada Rob,

How "ignorant" of you believing I haven't tried out truly good sound…

Bruce
Why are you here trolling? You don't have to be a part of this discussion. I've done the big box store purchases in the past and was not happy with the results, YMMV. Why can't we discuss what works for us without you coming in here to ruin it? Please move along to find a thread you like.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: Ultralight on 1 Jul 2015, 11:09 pm
Alternatively, for $10K, one can just get a Alnico XRS and a Vinnie Rossi Lio and have substantial change left over for cables and room treatment to bring it up to $10K.   I've not heard either....yet.... but both seem to claim high return for the dollar.


My instinctive response would have been to be snarky, but as I get older I am trying to be a more pleasant person.

Simply put:  the average person wouldn't know good sound if it jumped up and bit them in the ass.  Aside from miserable recording quality, compression and the Loudness War, virtually no one under the age of 35 has actually listened to uncompressed (>= 16/44.1) music on a halfway decent system.  Long ago a rite of passage for a young man was to get a kickass stereo.  At best, we now have kids "upgrading" their headphones to a pair of Beats.

When this average person - who doesn't know any better - walks into Best Buy whatever system that is playing in the Magnolia room is automatically the best thing he's ever heard, no matter how good, bad or overpriced it is.  He doesn't know about tubes, high-efficiency speakers, or what a DAC does or why he needs one.  He doesn't know what FLAC or ALAC mean, nor does he know why they are better than the compressed files that allow him to put 3,000 songs on his phone.

I think that this is a great exercise.  There are collectively thousands of years of listening experience here with users who have spent (and often wasted) millions of dollars on audio equipment.

If I were starting over from scratch, I would choose Omega speakers are ones that for the price are least compromised, accommodate the greatest diversity of equipment, and which are unlikely to be the limiting factor in the signal chain.  Rob's imposed limitations were based on reality:  we need a source, an amp, and speakers to play music.  All of us have a computer and at the very least can stream music.  We can cobble together wires and can make do with whatever stands we have or can make.  $1,500 pays for a modest vacation or a darn good starter (or end game) system.  $3,000 buys you a nice road bike or a significant step up.  $10,000 requires you to make a lot more choices because you are less limted.

That being said, this is the orderI would approach this:

- Buy a pair of Level 1 Omega Super 3XRS and cheat and spend the extra $100 to get an NAD D3020  Scrounge some cheap wire.  For most people this will be all you need.  ($1,600)

- Buy a Decware Super Zen Triode Select.  Run this off the preamp output of the NAD.  Add a decent ($100) speaker cable.  We are now up to $3,000.

- Replace the NAD with a decent DAC.  A Halide DAC HD runs about $500.  We could always sell the NAD for about $300 or so, but we'll assume we're keeping it for another use.  We can also upgrade to Zenwave speaker cables now ($300) for a total of $3,800.  At the same time we can add some higher end music playback software ($200) for a total of $4,000.

-  Add an Omega Deepomega 12 in Level 1 finish ($1,500).    We have now spent a total of $5,500 and have a simple system that will destroy most "audiophile" systems.

- We can now contemplate the Next Step:  we have $4,500 to get to the $10,000 mark.  This will depend on your preferences, but for me it would mean adding another DeepOmega 12 ($7,000 total) and the $2-3,000 DAC of my choice (I'm not shopping in that price range so don't have any current preferences) and if I have money left over would upgrade cables.  Alternately, we could subsititute Alnico XRS speakers for the Super # XRS and spend less money on a DAC or even stick with one subwoofer.  AT this price range personal preference becomes a significant factor, as does the secondary market.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: Canada Rob on 2 Jul 2015, 01:36 am
Let's try and stay in the two price categories mentioned: 1.5K and 3K.  Thanks.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: btimm on 2 Jul 2015, 01:48 am
Why are you here trolling? You don't have to be a part of this discussion. I've done the big box store purchases in the past and was not happy with the results, YMMV. Why can't we discuss what works for us without you coming in here to ruin it? Please move along to find a thread you like.
Please refrain from assuming that I am here trolling because there is a difference of opinion! I have not purchased nor do I own anything audio from a big box store… Should a difference of opinion ruin it for you, possibly you needn't be a part of this discussion.

I have been following the Omega forum for almost two years, giving serious consideration in purchasing either the Super 7 Monitor MK2 or Super Alnico Monitors. Please exercise your option to read my inquiries and or comments under my profile.

Contrary to your claim… I will not move along.
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: roscoe65 on 2 Jul 2015, 02:06 am
At the $3,000 price point I would offer:

iFi Retro 50 - $2,000
Omega Super 3i in Level 2 finish - $900.

We have an extra $100 left over.  Maybe a bottle of Phelps Insignia?


Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: Canada Rob on 2 Jul 2015, 04:54 am
Super 3i level 2 finish ---------------------------------------------$895 USD
Deep Omega 8 Level 2 finish ------------------------------------$1150 USD
Glow Audio Amp One (which includes separate DAC) -----------$880 USD
Total --------------------------------------------------------------$2925 USD

This system would be amazing in sound and looks.  I've had this combo (actually with the DeepHemp Cube which was almost identical), but with the Super 3 Desktops instead.  Will work on the desktop or in a room.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: ozoid on 2 Jul 2015, 08:20 am
I'll play too, especially since I've just acquired gear just slightly past the $3k point. The Alnicos shipped today with expected delivery on Monday!
Super Zen UFO: $995
Super Alnico Monitors: $1995
Meridian Explorer v1 DAC (remarkably musical and still available, at least at Audio Advisor): $150
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: roscoe65 on 2 Jul 2015, 11:05 am
Another one:

$1,500

Audioquest Dragonfly DAC ($149)
Decware Zkit1 ($170 est.) - http://www.decware.com/newsite/SE84CDIY.htm
Omega Super 3XRS Level 1 Finish ($1,095)

Total:  $1,414.  Add $86 for a case for the Decware and we are right at $1,500.

$3,000

$1,500 system listed above
Deep Omega 12 Level 1 Finish ($1,495)

Total:  $2,995

This approach appeals to me because it both embraces the hobbyist aspect of what we do and it offers a straightforward progression from the $1,500 system to the $3,000 system without needed to swap any equipment at all.  Given the price constraints put forth, this is the approach that I would personally take.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: oskar on 2 Jul 2015, 12:35 pm
I would highly recommend that whatever one does with 1.5-3k spend the last $200. on the Uptone Audio Regen.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: oskar on 2 Jul 2015, 12:53 pm
Meant to say 'if you're using computer based playback you've got to try the Regen.'
Title: Re: OMEGA BASED SYSTEMS AT $1500 AND $3000 PRICE POINTS. YOUR INPUT WANTED.
Post by: rebbi on 2 Jul 2015, 04:27 pm
My instinctive response would have been to be snarky, but as I get older I am trying to be a more pleasant person.

Roscoe, me too!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Flinx99 on 3 Jul 2015, 04:43 pm
Here's what I put together for desktop use, but I'm sure this would sound great in other situations.  I just checked and these are today's prices:

Super 3i level one finish........................$585
Rel T9 Sub.................................... ....$947

Musical Fidelity Package:
M1 SDAC
2 M1 PWR amps (class D)...................$1,199
_____________________________________

Total:....................................... .......$2,731 + tax and delivery

Admittedly, this is my first foray into better sound, but it's great that I haven't gotten used to how good this sounds.  The only downside is that it has caused my other avenues of listening to music to be a bit lacking now.  :  )

I had the Rel before I discovered Omega, so I didn't pick the Rel over Omega.  If you wanted to go all Omega, you go with the deepOmega 8 in level 1 finish for $895 and come in under my total.

Jim
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Beano on 5 Jul 2015, 04:56 pm
For folks with a 3k budget and want to get a higher end Alnico omega speaker while saving up for a great tube amp, I recommend getting the $1995 super Alnico monitor and pairing it with a great value for money APPJ PA1501A tube amp which cost only $234. I just recently got this amp for fun but it pairs well with my Alnico monitors. It's the most value for money tube amp I've come across at that price. APPJ is the manufacturer of the old Miniwatt branded tube amps. With remaining $770, spend it on source or Dac of your choice.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Flyin_V on 7 Jul 2015, 02:27 am
Here's my thoughts on a $3K system.

As long as kits are allowed, we might as well add a couple. My first choice for amp was Bottlehead's 2a3 Stereomour but ran out of budget if we want both analogue and digital.
                                             
Omega 3XRS Finish 1                         $1100
Bottlehead Seductor kit                      $570
Bottlehead Quickie preamp                 $100
Inexpensive DVD  player                    $100
Micromega MyDac                              $400
Cheap optical cable                            $10
Hagerman Bugle2 phono stage           $150
Pro-Ject Debut Turntable                   $400
Herbies Isoballs (3)                           $100
Herbies TT mat                                 $60

TOTAL                                             $2990

Good listening all. :D   

Lary
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Folsom on 7 Jul 2015, 04:26 am
Digital
SUPER 7 MONITOR MK2 $995
Power Conditioner Mine $1000~
Built-out 7297 amplifier $400
Rasberry Pi server w/HD $200
TDA1543 DAC DIY (PD version, maybe different DAC) $300
Wire DIY $100~

Analog
SUPER 7 MONITOR MK2 $995
Power Conditioner RevB MajikBUSS $849
Built-out 7297 amplifier $400
Salas DIY Phono $200~
Pro-jeft Debut Carbon $400
Herbies turntable mat full decoupling thickness $70
Wire DIY $100~

No DIY Digital
SUPER 7 MONITOR MK2 $995
Power Conditioner, Mine, $1000~
Sony HAP S1 $995
White lightening $10~

No DIY Analog
Super 3i $595
Built out 7297 $800
Power Conditioner RevB MajikBUSS $849
Pro-jeft Debut Carbon $400
Herbies mat, full size $70
Bellari VP130 $275
White lightening $10~
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: SSM on 17 Oct 2015, 05:01 pm
For a nice sounding entry level system, I would put together the following:

Cambridge Audio Dacmagic XS (USB DAC) $200
Line Magnetic LM-218 mini $600
Super 3i $995


Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Canada Rob on 17 Oct 2015, 07:43 pm
That would be a nice system indeed.  In level 1 finish the Super 3i is $595, and in level 2 $895.  Some new level 1 finishes should be up on the website later today.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: md92468 on 3 Nov 2015, 02:45 am
I'd go:

Clones Audio 25i (integrated) @ $900
Omega 3XRs with wood veneer (gotta have the real stuff) @ $1,495
Schiit Bifrost Multibit @ $600
– OR, for vinyl –
Lounge Audio LCR MkIII with MC step-up @$570 for the pair

$3K on the button(ish) either way.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Canada Rob on 3 Nov 2015, 05:37 am
Nicely balanced system md92468.  Omegas love gain clones.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: halitun on 5 Nov 2015, 03:49 am
Hello all,
Last winter I built a SET kit amp; the Elekit 8200 ($699).  I have 6550 tubes in it that I had laying about, but the kit comes with 6L6 tubes that work fine as well.  I did roll in some tubes that I had laying about so actual cost as it is now would be higher than the $699.  I was looking for some nice high efficiency speakers and found the Omegas.  After two great discussions on the phone with Louis, I settled on some beautiful 3U speakers that he had on the website at $595.  As this was not my primary system, I set it up in my son's room hooked up to a Smart T.V. as the source playing Spotify for music feeding into an LHLabs Geek Pulse DAC that I got on Kickstarter for $299 (now goes for $999 but a decent Schiit DAC would work as well).  B&W speaker stands ($300). Interconnects for around $100 and braided CAT5 speaker cables ($10 worth of CAT5 cabling).  So for around $2,000 plus some cost for tube rolling, we have an amazing sounding system which I enjoy as much as (and sometimes more than) my primary system.  The speakers are unbelievable in the beauty of their sound (but you all know that already).

It's a lot of fun when I overhear my son's friends when they hear it for the first time.  For most it's the first time they've heard great sound and they really get it.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Canada Rob on 5 Nov 2015, 04:03 am
Hello halitun,

Welcome to the Omega AudioCircle. I just got my first 3Us a few weeks ago and I wholeheartedly agree with you.  They are sensational.
Nice system you've put together.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: sugbob21 on 5 Nov 2015, 12:21 pm

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=131199)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=131200)
One of these Fleawatts (mine was around $350 with premium parts , 2 inputs) and Audioquest Dragonfly.   Have had numerous amps and this stands up to any of them with Omega Super Alnico's
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: sugbob21 on 5 Nov 2015, 12:22 pm

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=131201).

CXorrected image
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: HiFiJeff on 5 Nov 2015, 05:38 pm
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=131201).

CXorrected image

Another happy Fleawatt owner I see. Derek is doing some fabulous work over there at Fleawatt. Great guy too!

 Here is my Fleawatt.




(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=131215)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=131216)



Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Canada Rob on 5 Nov 2015, 06:33 pm
Hi sugbob21 and HiFiJeff,

What TPA3116 board are your amps using?
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: HiFiJeff on 5 Nov 2015, 06:38 pm
So my Omega based System consists of this.

Omega 3XRS - $1095
Fleawatt TPA 3116 Amp - $200
Schiit Audio Uber Modi 2 - $149
Denon 955S SACD/DVD-AUDIO CDP - $500 New/ $35 at my local pawn store!  :D

Grand total new = $1944
Grand total with used Denon = $1479

It's amazing the kind of performance and quality $1500 buys you these days.

Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: HiFiJeff on 5 Nov 2015, 06:56 pm
Hi sugbob21 and HiFiJeff,

What TPA3116 board are your amps using?


Yuan Jing (blue/black) TPA3116
Audiophile Quality Nichicon Muse power supply capacitors
Alpha Volume Potentiometer with solid brass volume knob
Gold plated, solid metal binding posts and gold plated RCA connectors.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Canada Rob on 5 Nov 2015, 07:19 pm
Thanks for that Jeff,

Nice system you've put together, and yes, if a person does their homework like you have, $1500 can buy a lot of performance.

Currently, I have a system in a similar category set up with:

Firestone Big Joe V1.3: $200 new.
Pure i20 digital in 24/192 (hardware upsampled) iPod dock with remote: $100 new.
6 Gen 16 gig iPod Nano: $200 new (my favorite Nano).
Super 3U: $800 new for level 1 finish (mine are more with level 2 finish).

Total: $1300 USD
Add affordable stands, interconnects, and speaker wire and this system would flesh out at around $1500.

One thing I love about this system other than the incredible sound is the convenience: flip the switch on my Tripp Lite Iso Bar 6, choose the album/song, turn up the volume, and listen.
 
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: rollo on 5 Nov 2015, 07:39 pm
  Nice offer.


charles
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: sugbob21 on 5 Nov 2015, 08:00 pm
my Fleawatt has the green board with numerous upgrades. I enjoy it immensely and as I mentioned don't miss my other amps. It has surprisingly detailed bass , instrument separation. I wouldn't mind having Derek build me another custom one with the blue board. 
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: HiFiJeff on 5 Nov 2015, 08:15 pm
Thanks for that Jeff,

Nice system you've put together, and yes, if a person does their homework like you have, $1500 can buy a lot of performance.

Currently, I have a system in a similar category set up with:

Firestone Big Joe V1.3: $200 new.
Pure i20 digital in 24/192 (hardware upsampled) iPod dock with remote: $100 new.
6 Gen 16 gig iPod Nano: $200 new (my favorite Nano).
Super 3U: $800 new for level 1 finish (mine are more with level 2 finish).

Total: $1300 USD
Add affordable stands, interconnects, and speaker wire and this system would flesh out at around $1500.

One thing I love about this system other than the incredible sound is the convenience: flip the switch on my Tripp Lite Iso Bar 6, choose the album/song, turn up the volume, and listen.

Yeah, after a lot more critical listening, I am pretty happy with this little TPA 3116, especially for the price. And like I have said, this is in a modest set up. My PS3 streaming Spotify Premium through it's analog outs, to some Klipsch RF-15's. No Dac and no Denon CD player right now.  Once I get my new Omega's with the Schiit Uber Modi 2 next month, I am sure it is going to be an entirely different ball game. Heck an entirely different sport! LOL  :D
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: HiFiJeff on 5 Nov 2015, 08:44 pm
my Fleawatt has the green board with numerous upgrades. I enjoy it immensely and as I mentioned don't miss my other amps. It has surprisingly detailed bass , instrument separation. I wouldn't mind having Derek build me another custom one with the blue board.

So is the green board an upgrade to my blue/black Board? And what upgrades do you have compared to mine?
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: sugbob21 on 6 Nov 2015, 01:22 pm
the green board is not an upgrade ...according to Derek the green board may have a slightly better mid range while the blue/black had slightly better bass. Maybe Derek can elaborate if he can chime in.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: HiFiJeff on 6 Nov 2015, 06:36 pm
Thanks for that Jeff,

Nice system you've put together, and yes, if a person does their homework like you have, $1500 can buy a lot of performance.

Thanks. Yep, just do your due diligence and really talk to the people in the industry. People who have a passion and desire and love what they do. People like Louis and Derek, Steve over at Decware and so on. They have always been very pleasant and fun to talk to. And I have learned a lot from them. Heck, I have been talking to Louis for 2 years and after many conversations and ideas we finally came to a conclusion on a speaker that would best fit my needs. A modified Super 3XRS, which I will hopefully have here in the next few weeks!


I can't wait to move so I can set up my new system!!!!!!  :D 

And as far as the TPA-3116 amp staying in my main system. I initially bought it to just get me by right now until I saved enough money for something else but I might like the synergy of it with the Omega's so much that I may end up keeping it or I have been talking more with Derek at Fleawatt where he is really dialing in and getting the most performance out of the TPA-3116's and I might have him build me another TPA-3116 on steroids.  :D Or as you know I am strongly considering a couple of different amps for my main system including the Creek Audio, Rogue Audio Sphinx and Decware Super Zen UFO. Some tough choices but whatever I decide, it will still be an amazing set up on a budget.

Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: fleawattaudio on 7 Nov 2015, 08:47 pm
the green board is not an upgrade ...according to Derek the green board may have a slightly better mid range while the blue/black had slightly better bass. Maybe Derek can elaborate if he can chime in.

Out of respect for Canada Rob and keeping this thread from skidding off into the TPA3116 bushes, I'm more than happy to communicate via PM or e-mail surrounding the 3116 & anything else audio related.  I'm passionate about this hobby & will do whatever I can to help someone else enjoy it.

Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: HiFiJeff on 8 Nov 2015, 02:33 am
Out of respect for Canada Rob and keeping this thread from skidding off into the TPA3116 bushes, I'm more than happy to communicate via PM or e-mail surrounding the 3116 & anything else audio related.  I'm passionate about this hobby & will do whatever I can to help someone else enjoy it.

Yep. I agree. Thanks for the input and yes, you have helped me enjoy this hobby as well!  :D
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Canada Rob on 9 Nov 2015, 05:26 pm
Out of respect for Canada Rob and keeping this thread from skidding off into the TPA3116 bushes, I'm more than happy to communicate via PM or e-mail surrounding the 3116 & anything else audio related.  I'm passionate about this hobby & will do whatever I can to help someone else enjoy it.

Hi Derek,

Thank you so much for your class and kind consideration. That said, being that you sell a finished product, you (and your customers) are more than welcome to come on here like any other commercial amplifier builder and recommend your product in the context of matching it with Omega speakers.  We're always interested in reading about what works with Omega.

Rob  :thumb:
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: fleawattaudio on 9 Nov 2015, 11:56 pm
Thanks Canada Rob for giving me the green light to blab away.   :thumb:  I'm always cautious of self-promotion, even though this is just a hobby for me.  I don't make any money to speak of after all my expenses & experiments, some of which don't improve the sound and are scrapped.  Most of the audiophiles who have purchased amps from me have had the desire to hear what all the fuss is about among the DIY crowd with these TPA3116D2 circuit boards, but don't have the tools, knowledge, free time or desire to build one up. I have filled that niche & combine the highly regarded YJ "Danzz" design or  green "Audiobah" circuit boards with accompanying audiophile quality parts, which produces a rather nice, triode tube-like sound for the money.  Very comparable to some of the 2A3 and 300B amps I've owned & spent time with.  The sound is probably not as "fast" sounding as a Decware Zen (had two of these) or Almarro A205 (had one of these), but does retain the spooky imaging, bloom and bass "fullness" of a quality 300B or 2A3 amp.  Anyone who has lived with a high quality 300B amp is likely familiar with the descriptive of "bloom".  The 3116 amps I build are definitely an option for someone that can't afford a tube amplifier, needs more power than low watt tube, or likes the idea of running off a battery & still producing more power than most triode tubes.  It's another sound "flavor" option for those of us in the wonderful hobby of audio. 
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: halitun on 1 Jul 2017, 08:42 pm
Hello there,
I know I'm a little late to the game.

Here's what I have set up and it's great:

Omega 3 U     $795
Amplifier Elekit 8200   $699  Tube amp.  I'm running it with 6550 power tubes so add some money for tube rolling.
LHLabs Pulse DAC  approx. $500  you could also get a Schiit Modi 2 Uber for $149  (a friend has one and it's great)
Any smart TV or Computer as music source feeding the DAC.

It sounds amazing.  I often prefer this setup to my main setup which cost multiples more.

With the Schiit DAC it's just a bit over $1,500.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: restrav on 1 Jul 2017, 08:53 pm
I have had the LHLABS and a 15 dollar chinese DAC from Amazon would be better. one can also pick up a semi vintage MSB DAC for 200 if one looks a bit. PULSE is the worst.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: cipriano on 1 Jul 2017, 11:16 pm
For $1500:

Super 7 Monitor MK2 - $995
Topping TP22 T-Amp - $100
Onkyo C-7030 CD Player - $150
Fiio X1 Hi-Res Player - $100
Total:                          $1345
 
For $3000:

Super 7 Monitor MK2 - $995
Decware Rachael Amp - $1500
Onkyo C7030 CD Player - $150
Fiio X5 Hi-Res Player - $215
Two Mullard E188CC Input Tubes to maximize the Decware - $135
Total:                           $2995
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: sabocat on 19 Feb 2018, 12:33 pm
Hello all,

An old friend of the family passed through over the holidays and he was really impressed with my bedroom system, which features Omega Super 3 high output speakers. He asked me to help him design a system for a room with dimensions of 28 by 20 feet. Budget 3 to 4 thousand.
Have at it.

I suppose the primary question would be whether or not the junior towers would be  sufficient or would the super 3 ho xrs towers be the way to go?
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: Listening-Leatherneck on 14 Apr 2020, 10:58 pm
NAD C368 BluOS------------------------$1,499.00 USD
Omega Super Alnico Monitor-----------$1,995.00 USD
Pro-Ject SPIDF/XLR iPod---------------$150.00 USD
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: hawkjeff on 10 Oct 2020, 08:01 pm
"Omega Super Alnico Monitor-----------$1,995.00 USD"

Curious why you chose this over the Super 8XRS Jr. I have not had the chance to hear either, but obviously the SAMs still require stands and I believe good ones are another $500. That's getting into the range of the Super 8XRS which doesn't require stands. I'm wondering if the XRS series would also be less likely to require adding subs.
Title: Re: Omega based systems at $1500 and $3000 price points. Your input wanted
Post by: NoDisco on 11 Oct 2020, 12:01 am
I'd choose a Musical Paradise MP501 when on sale and careful speaker placement. I've had no desire to go back to SS or my Manley Snappers since purchased.

It took me years to figure out how to place my Omegas properly, but I get incredible headphone-like imaging now. Biggest factor in my setup it seems. More than cabling, etc. Oh and watching your equipment ground.