AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Omega Speaker Systems => Topic started by: Kray on 24 Feb 2020, 05:51 am
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Hi All,
I recently just bought a pair of used CAM’s after doing some research, with a plan of probably upgrading to SAM’s if I enjoy them. Only other pair of FR speakers I owned was the Zu Omen DW MKII’s with clarity cap upgrade. I really enjoyed them, but got a killer deal on a pair of Harbeth C7ES3’s which are very different but I enjoy them.
My reasoning for searching out the Omega’s was I went on a amp merry go round with my Harbeth’s. I’ve always loved tubes but tried 3 different SS amps (Audiolab 8300a, Belles Aria, and LFD MKIV) and ended up with a Line Magnetic 518ia 845 SET amp and LOVE it. The LM works well with my Harbeths in my 12x13 room in near field, C7’s way out into room. So now I want to try and own more lower wattage SET amps which leads me to wanting some more efficient speakers.
Has anyone who owns CAM/SAM’s had or compared them to C7ES3’s? I know they are very different, but would like to hear your opinion. Also C7’s are rated at 45hz on low end and I find they put out enough bass for me to not want a sub. CAM’s are rated lower so hoping they sound as full.
Looking forward to learning and sharing on my Omega journey here. :thumb:
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Normally I would search the forum for more details but being a new member it’s not allowed.
Appreciate any feedback
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A few random notes for you. I've never had C7ES3's but did own some P3ESR's while I owned my Omegas. As you surmised, the Harbeth sound is very different than that of Omega. Harbeth's are warm and smooth speakers and can even have a tendency to make everything sound better than it is. I found that over time, this grated on me because they sort of had a homogenizing effect. Everything sounded very good, nothing sounded bad, but nothing sounded as spectacular as I thought it could either.
Omegas can be at the opposite end of the spectrum and be ruthlessly revealing. All of the sudden, a recording you may have enjoyed with the Harbeths, you won't with the Omegas. The Omegas however will really reward you when you play a good recording with fast transients, great microdynamics and a cohesiveness that can be unsettling at times.
Most speakers today have a bass hump around the 60 to as high as 200 hz range. We've all become accustomed to it and truthfully, many people like it. The Omegas don't and how you react to this will really ultimately determine if you like them or not. What many people think they are hearing as low bass really isn't, it's part of that hump. With Omegas, there is no added fullness or bass and at first things may sound "light" to you. You either will get used to it or not. When I had my Harbeths, I always found it difficult to go back to them after listening to the Omegas. It took a few listening sessions to get re-accustomed to their sound. Switching back to the Omegas was like going back to an old comfortable friend and I'd adjust very quickly.
As far as ultimate low bass, my guess is that the Harbeths will certainly sound and go lower than the CAM's/SAM's.
I do have a pair of the Zu DW's and I would say that they hit somewhere in between the sound of the Harbeths and the Omegas.
Good luck with your journey.
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When I first heard Omegas (my buddies), I felt they sounded lean. Once I grew more accustomed to them, their sound haunted me. Enough so to send my lovely Nola speakers packing. And the bass is fast, articulate, and wonderful! I’ve auditioned the Harbeth in my house and completely get the appeal, they are a nice sounding speakers. Not nearly as musical as Louis’ - I think you’re in for a real treat with the CAMs and that SET!
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@seikosha @jmolsberg thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.
To get the most out of the low end on the CAMs do you feel they do better out in the room or closer to rear wall? I will play around as well.
Also Is the lower reach of the Super Alnico High Output Monitor quite noticeable vs CAM?
My end goal was if I like the CAM to upgrade to the SAM or Super Alnico High Output Monitor
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I had to add a sub to my CAMs to be truly happy with them.
With the sub in the mix, I'm not sure I'd switch them to SAMs (plus the CAMs barely fit where they are as-is, so something deeper would be a mess).
Without the sub (Louis'), I'd likely have moved on by now. The sub was a great investment.
Doody
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So you just keep on buying and selling? Must only have one system, one room or a wife. Lol. I LOVE my MKll DW's!!!!! Got the clarity cap upgrade too. Well worth it. They are NEVER going anywhere. I finally found a speaker that I am 100% happy and keeping for the rest of my life. Seriously. And I have owned a lot of speakers, especially over the past 6 years. But I also get the luxury of multiple systems that I get to enjoy and I made sure they are all very different and offer something the other obes don't offer in a different, not better but different way. Okay, who am I kidding, I have some Magnepan LRS's that are as transparent and real as I have ever heard. I love the Maggie sound. My first pair. And now that brings me back to Omega, for the second time. And in specific the Omega's with the RS5 driver. I had a pair a few years back with the 8 inch sub built in and man oh man did I love them so! I regret ever selling them. And they sounded beautiful with my 2 watt per channel Decware tube amp. I am having Louis build me a set of monitor dual RS5 driver speakers that will also be way different than the ZU's and the Maggie's.
Omega's are very special. You're in for a treat! Hints the reason I am in for my second pair.
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@avsfan
Lol. Yes one system only :(
Dedicated room and wife no kids :D
I’m liking the CAM’s so much that I’ll be following thru on my original thought and going with a pair of Super 6 Alnico XRS floorstanders, bottom ported.
I love the fast lively sound these omegas put out while having great imaging and just a beautiful sound overall. The Harbeths are great in their own right, but after listening to the CAM’s the C7’s come across as a little slow lushy sounding best with jazz/acoustic/vocals. The Omega’s can do that plus Daft punk in my testing.
I’m also itching to try more low wattage tubes amps like some 300b monoblocks, or a 2A3
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I have recently move to the flea watt power with a Triode Labs SET 2A3 with a whooping 3 watts of pure love. I am currently using it with a pair of 3i Monitors and the sound is so seductive. Good luck with your journey!
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the 2A3 and 45 tube sets are certainly the most musical. glad you are enjoying the CAMS kay! Sandals123, which triode lab - can you send a link?
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I have used a 45 tube with all my Omegas with great results. Currently I only have one pair of desktop 3s, in my desktop system, Oliver sayes 45 and Slagle passive pre. it's wonderful.
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Normally I would search the forum for more details but being a new member it’s not allowed.
Appreciate any feedback
After three (IIRC) posts, you are free to roam about the cabin. Try again if you haven't already.
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I have used a 45 tube with all my Omegas with great results. Currently I only have one pair of desktop 3s, in my desktop system, Oliver sayes 45 and Slagle passive pre. it's wonderful.
Good to hear. After moving, I won't have my full size listening room, but I am getting to do a desktop setup. I'm pairing my Korneff 45 amp and NuPrime DAC10H with a new pair of Super 3is that Louis just sent me.
I'll have much more listening time, probably not at my previous listening session volumes though.
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After three (IIRC) posts, you are free to roam about the cabin. Try again if you haven't already.
Yep. Got past initiation :beer:
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the 2A3 and 45 tube sets are certainly the most musical. glad you are enjoying the CAMS kay! Sandals123, which triode lab - can you send a link?
Here is the link to the amplifier, mine has been tweaked a bit but basically this one... http://www.triodelab.com/2a3-set
I have had several tube amps before but this is the one that I have been looking for!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205525)
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@avsfan
Lol. Yes one system only :(
Dedicated room and wife no kids :D
I’m liking the CAM’s so much that I’ll be following thru on my original thought and going with a pair of Super 6 Alnico XRS floorstanders, bottom ported.
I love the fast lively sound these omegas put out while having great imaging and just a beautiful sound overall. The Harbeths are great in their own right, but after listening to the CAM’s the C7’s come across as a little slow lushy sounding best with jazz/acoustic/vocals. The Omega’s can do that plus Daft punk in my testing.
I’m also itching to try more low wattage tubes amps like some 300b monoblocks, or a 2A3
I want to talk to you more about your Omega experience. I haven't had time to really read all of your thread. Are you the guy in Denver? Anyway, what did the Dirty Weekends not do for you? I own a pair and they're by far the most all around best speaker I have ever owned. They are in my main theater system. I did have them in my main two channel system with my way more expensive amps and electronics and they were simply stunning! I liked that I could slam some NIN and really be moved, then switch it up to female vocals and be just as impressed. They're just a very well rounded do it all kind of speaker.
Now all that being said. Omega's are superb speakers! I owned a pair before, Super 3XRS's with built in subs ran off a 2 watt per channel Super Zen. Match made in heaven. I am now on to my second pair of Omega speakers. Louis is in the building stage right now of monitor speakers for me. They're going to have dual RS5 drivers in a custom wide baffle enclosure with a front port. I went with the RS5 driver because they're even quicker and livelier than the CAM drivers. From what I have been told, the fastest and best imaging driver Louis offers. Just a little lean on the bass which I am augmenting with subwoofers. So no concerns there. I get the luxury of different systems to play with. All different. But I will post impressions of the two differences between the ZU's and Omega's.
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L@@king good Sandals, bet it sounds superb
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L@@king good Sandals, bet it sounds superb
It is so smooth. I never believed that 3 watts and 5" drivers in tiny cabinets could produce this level of music and engagement.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205529)
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It is so smooth. I never believed that 3 watts and 5" drivers in tiny cabinets could produce this level of music and engagement.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205529)
It's not right and defies the laws of physics. It completely goes against every principal I used to believe in. That's why I cant wait to be an Omega speaker owner again. When I had my 3XRS's hooked up to my 2 watt per channel Decware SE84UFO, it was some of the best sound I have heard. Now I will get double the fun in the form of 4 RS5 drivers instead of two!
But your set up is very nice. Is that a Node 2i?
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Very nice. Since you went there, I’ll play
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205530)
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Nice set up too! I bet the sound is amazing! Yes, in my current set up, I am using the Bluesound Node 2i as source and it is quite good for the price!
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I want to talk to you more about your Omega experience. I haven't had time to really read all of your thread. Are you the guy in Denver? Anyway, what did the Dirty Weekends not do for you? I own a pair and they're by far the most all around best speaker I have ever owned. They are in my main theater system. I did have them in my main two channel system with my way more expensive amps and electronics and they were simply stunning! I liked that I could slam some NIN and really be moved, then switch it up to female vocals and be just as impressed. They're just a very well rounded do it all kind of speaker.
Now all that being said. Omega's are superb speakers! I owned a pair before, Super 3XRS's with built in subs ran off a 2 watt per channel Super Zen. Match made in heaven. I am now on to my second pair of Omega speakers. Louis is in the building stage right now of monitor speakers for me. They're going to have dual RS5 drivers in a custom wide baffle enclosure with a front port. I went with the RS5 driver because they're even quicker and livelier than the CAM drivers. From what I have been told, the fastest and best imaging driver Louis offers. Just a little lean on the bass which I am augmenting with subwoofers. So no concerns there. I get the luxury of different systems to play with. All different. But I will post impressions of the two differences between the ZU's and Omega's.
How’d you know I’m in Denver? :)
So I had the Zu’s and really enjoyed them. They were in a different space and I had to eq them to get the most out. To be honest I can’t remember them well enough to compare to the CAM’s I have. I sold the Zu’s to try the Harbeths. Like I mentioned, I really liked the Zu’s when I had them so didn’t sell because I didn’t like them. Just trying new things.
But the CAM’s have impressed me completely. Didn’t know you could get such big sound out of such a small speaker. So now I can’t wait to get the Super 6 Alnico XRS.
This is what’s running them
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205531)
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How’d you know I’m in Denver? :)
So I had the Zu’s and really enjoyed them. They were in a different space and I had to eq them to get the most out. To be honest I can’t remember them well enough to compare to the CAM’s I have. I sold the Zu’s to try the Harbeths. Like I mentioned, I really liked the Zu’s when I had them so didn’t sell because I didn’t like them. Just trying new things.
But the CAM’s have impressed me completely. Didn’t know you could get such big sound out of such a small speaker. So now I can’t wait to get the Super 6 Alnico XRS.
This is what’s running them
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205531)
That's top secret. FBI type of stuff. I can't disclose that information. Lets just say, I am the eyes and ears of this institution!
Kidding. You and I have talked in length over at Audiokarma! I think we even talked about getting some CO people together for RMAF but that never came to fruition.
I hear ya. On the wanting to try new things. Being on these forums sure as heck doesn't help. I have the luxury of 3 different systems in my home so I am making them all very different from one another. Kind of like what beer do I want today? Porter, Stout, Pilsner. IPA or Lager. All very good, just depends on what mood I am in. I would hate to only have one speaker to chose from because they all offer different and unique characteristics from one another. People always ask, well which one is better? None of the above. They're all just different. All three are VERY good speakers. 1st world problems huh. LOL :D
But I have my ZU's in the theater. I have Magnepan LRS's in my office/two channel music room and Louis is building me a pair of dual RS5 wide baffle monitors, which I am putting in the office and moving the Maggie's downstairs to my living room system. As you can see, those three choices are drastically different from one another. I'll listen to my ZU's for a couple of weeks, then start missing the Maggie's so listen to those for two weeks, then miss my ZU's. Now I'll get to throw one more speaker into the mix.
Anyway, yes, Omega's are very special. Why it's my second pair. I'm curious to see how they sound in that room compared to the Maggie's. The Mag's are VERY good speakers!
Welcome to AC Kray! It's about time you joined us. :D
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That's top secret. FBI type of stuff. I can't disclose that information. Lets just say, I am the eyes and ears of this institution!
Kidding. You and I have talked in length over at Audiokarma! I think we even talked about getting some CO people together for RMAF but that never came to fruition.
I hear ya. On the wanting to try new things. Being on these forums sure as heck doesn't help. I have the luxury of 3 different systems in my home so I am making them all very different from one another. Kind of like what beer do I want today? Porter, Stout, Pilsner. IPA or Lager. All very good, just depends on what mood I am in. I would hate to only have one speaker to chose from because they all offer different and unique characteristics from one another. People always ask, well which one is better? None of the above. They're all just different. All three are VERY good speakers. 1st world problems huh. LOL :D
But I have my ZU's in the theater. I have Magnepan LRS's in my office/two channel music room and Louis is building me a pair of dual RS5 wide baffle monitors, which I am putting in the office and moving the Maggie's downstairs to my living room system. As you can see, those three choices are drastically different from one another. I'll listen to my ZU's for a couple of weeks, then start missing the Maggie's so listen to those for two weeks, then miss my ZU's. Now I'll get to throw one more speaker into the mix.
Anyway, yes, Omega's are very special. Why it's my second pair. I'm curious to see how they sound in that room compared to the Maggie's. The Mag's are VERY good speakers!
Welcome to AC Kray! It's about time you joined us. :D
Ah yes! from CS. You are lucky you get 3 diff systems. But I am getting very close to leaving it be and not change anything for a while.
Offer still stands if you ever want to get together and listen/talk shop
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Ah yes! from CS. You are lucky you get 3 diff systems. But I am getting very close to leaving it be and not change anything for a while.
Offer still stands if you ever want to get together and listen/talk shop
That's me. I am getting close. I have had the DAC and Magnepan system for almost a year! So I have been pretty happy with it, but the Mags need more juice, so I am stepping up to a better amp that has a lot more headroom. 400 watts per channel up from 125. This should be the end game amp for the Maggie's. I already love the sound of the Digital Amplifier Company STM but the owner says that the 2-CHerry sounds even better, lower noise and a ton more power. So I am excited to get this. I just listened to my system for the final time tonight. Packed up the amp and am shipping it back tomorrow.
Don't know what route I am taking with Louis's dual RS5 HO monitors. If I put them in the room where the Maggies are, I'll put the Maggies downstairs. However if I don't like the Omega's as much as I like the Maggie's in that room, those will be in the living room. And I am pretty sure I want to go back to tubes with the Omega's. Just for an entirely different set up. Or maybe one of Frank's amps. The SET 120 would be a solid choice. Don't know.
And of course. Maybe this summer we can get together. Or if you're ever in the Springs let me know.
But this journey has been fun, it's opened up my ears to different possibilities and I love the problem and dilemma of figuring out which system I want to listen to. But once I get it all soundin the way I want, I am done. Seriously!
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Well I got one speaker :lol:
Fedex botched this. One delivered today and the other scheduled for tomorrow.
(https://i.postimg.cc/X7WJ2VYK/3-BAE3291-20-AC-41-B6-B65-F-D89-C68-AF8347.jpg)
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Looking real nice. Omega presents with such simplistic elegance and gentility.
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Looking real nice. Omega presents with such simplistic elegance and gentility.
Thanks. That’s a great way to put it. Also made the wife happy. She thought my Harbeths were “ugly” :o But she saw the Omega’s and said those are pretty.
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Well I got one speaker :lol:
Fedex botched this. One delivered today and the other scheduled for tomorrow.
(https://i.postimg.cc/X7WJ2VYK/3-BAE3291-20-AC-41-B6-B65-F-D89-C68-AF8347.jpg)
Go mono !Plenty of stuff out there in mono!
Looks beautiful too!
I am going with a light color, like a light natural cherry or something.
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Very nice! I'll be interested in your impressions having upgraded from CAM's. I have owned and enjoyed my CAM's for a few years now...but I sometimes have thoughts of upgrading/trying something different. :)
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Georgous! I can only imagine how beautiful they will sound! Your impressions would be fantastic!
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I’ve had my CAM’s and DeepHemp 8’s for a few days now and to be honest I wasn’t bowled over by them at first but they’ve come a long way since then and I’m really enjoying them now. I imagine they’ll get better yet as they only have about 60 hours on them. They are absolutely gorgeous in hand sawn Ebony, have a look for yourself.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205844)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205845)
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Thanks guys! Will definitely update with my analysis and comparison.
I’ve had my CAM’s and DeepHemp 8’s for a few days now and to be honest I wasn’t bowled over by them at first but they’ve come a long way since then and I’m really enjoying them now. I imagine they’ll get better yet as they only have about 60 hours on them. They are absolutely gorgeous in hand sawn Ebony, have a look for yourself.
My compacts really opened up between 100-200hrs
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I’ve had my CAM’s and DeepHemp 8’s for a few days now and to be honest I wasn’t bowled over by them at first but they’ve come a long way since then and I’m really enjoying them now. I imagine they’ll get better yet as they only have about 60 hours on them. They are absolutely gorgeous in hand sawn Ebony, have a look for yourself.
Those are gorgeous! Exercise patience they will reward you with beautiful music
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205844)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205845)
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Omega’s getting new shoes today....
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206142)
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^ great shoes, use the same on my 3xrs HO
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Omega’s getting new shoes today....
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206142)
Louis turned me on to them as well. How do you like them? Any pictures?
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I was reading a lot of posts on Isoacoustics website. I mean I am sure they are good and a great way to isolate and decouple your speakers and equipment but does it make as big of a difference in the sound as they claim? From some of the stuff I was reading, it was like a night and day difference.
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I was reading a lot of posts on Isoacoustics website. I mean I am sure they are good and a great way to isolate and decouple your speakers and equipment but does it make as big of a difference in the sound as they claim? From some of the stuff I was reading, it was like a night and day difference.
The Gaia’s are a nice addition. I don’t feel I heard a “night and day” difference but feel things tightened up a bit so to speak. I also added some maple blocks. I used the omega spikes with a M6 female I installed in the blocks. The blocks brought out a bit more bass as my omegas are bottom ported.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=207146)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=207147)
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The Gaia’s are a nice addition. I don’t feel I heard a “night and day” difference but feel things tightened up a bit so to speak. I also added some maple blocks. I used the omega spikes with a M6 female I installed in the blocks. The blocks brought out a bit more bass as my omegas are bottom ported.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=207146)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=207147)
So how do you like your Omega’s compared to the ZU’s?
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So how do you like your Omega’s compared to the ZU’s?
Honestly I’m liking the Omegas better. I get a bit lower extension with them. Very close and I’d own another paid of Zu’s if I had to. These Omegas MSRP at $3200 so may not be a fair comparison to DW’S which are a crazy value.
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those speaks look great! best they sound even better
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Honestly I’m liking the Omegas better. I get a bit lower extension with them. Very close and I’d own another paid of Zu’s if I had to. These Omegas MSRP at $3200 so may not be a fair comparison to DW’S which are a crazy value.
Buy a sub for lower extension. LOL. Just kidding. I don't know what kind of amp you were using before with the ZU's but once I hooked them up in my two channel room to some real power and clean power, they seriously opened up, rewarded me and gave me GREAT bass. I am a sub guy, but was actually totally content with the bass that the DW's were delivering sans sub. Since then, my ZU's are back in my theater room right where they belong and dialed in. I will NEVER get rid of my ZU's. I love them. I am just blessed that I am able to enjoy different systems in my home.
You are correct, the DW's are a crazy value. They should be sold for a lot more, so it might be a closer comparison than you think. :D
But I am sure the new Omega's are SWEET! Super 8 XRS right? Louis does it right. There is a reason I am having him build my second pair of Omega custom speakers, I love his speakers! The only other company I have come back to for seconds was ZU. But man, you are making me want to try one of his other offerings. I had a pair of Omega 3XRS's a few years ago with the RS5 driver and really enjoyed them a lot! Fast forward to today, after a few different conversations with Louis and explaining what type of sound I am looking for out of my music and speakers, he once again suggested the RS5 drivers. But this time around, we are doing dual RS5 driver's per cabinet. Higher output and more midrange. But he said that because I am going to be using dual subs, and I like the lightning quick attack and transient response of the RS5 driver and the resolution, transparency and resolve it gives, that it's the perfect choice for me. I listen when he makes suggestions. LOL
Hopefully will have them in the next month or so. I am excited!
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AVSFan,
A word of advice regarding the Super 3 HO monitors: they do not like Class AB SS amps. With SS amps the second driver produces +6 dB while only +3 dB with tube amps and some Class A solid state. To me it makes my Super 3 HO monitors sound muddy and a little too boomy. With a tube amp is sounds more balanced.
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AVSFan,
A word of advice regarding the Super 3 HO monitors: they do not like Class AB SS amps. With SS amps the second driver produces +6 dB while only +3 dB with tube amps and some Class A solid state. To me it makes my Super 3 HO monitors sound muddy and a little too boomy. With a tube amp is sounds more balanced.
I appreciate the advice. Thank you. I had a conversation with Louis this weekend and he pretty much said the same thing. He really seems to suggests tube amps to match with his speakers.
I started a thread awhile ago about anyone using high powered amps with Omega speakers. I got 0 responses. LOL
I'm looking into a SET amp from Decware.
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Here is a link to excellent tube amplifiers. Kevin is pretty responsive and knowledgeable if you have any questions, although he doesn’t own omega speakers. Decware is always an excellent choice. I recently went with an Alan Eaton 45 and it has some very nice synergy with my rs5 Omega’s. And roscoe is spot on with the class ab.
http://www.glowinthedarkaudio.com/amps.html
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JM,
How do you like the Alan Eaton amps. That is what I have. I have the monoblock versions. I would love to hear your impressions. Did you change the tubes yet. When I changed the tubes it was a whole different universe. I got some RCA 45's and some Sylvania 5692's in place of the 6SN7.
I am interested to hear your thoughts.
John
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John, I just rolled the inputs with hitachi 6sn7 and it’s nice. Waiting patiently for my 45s from vintage tube services. It’s a very musical amp with a big presence. I’ve had it just over a week and it’s getting better everyday. Those quality vintage components and simple circuit, and tube selection, make for a mighty fine sounding set amp. Plays great with my Omegas! How are those monos? Did you hear them continue to improve with hours?
Here’s what I wrote on Saturday
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=168849.40
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Here is a link to excellent tube amplifiers. Kevin is pretty responsive and knowledgeable if you have any questions, although he doesn’t own omega speakers. Decware is always an excellent choice. I recently went with an Alan Eaton 45 and it has some very nice synergy with my rs5 Omega’s. And roscoe is spot on with the class ab.
http://www.glowinthedarkaudio.com/amps.html
I’m doing some more research on this but do Omega speakers respond well to amps with higher or lower damping factors and what exactly does that mean?
Also, how much is the Alan Eaton 45?
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Low dampening. The cone and surround for this 4 inch driver is only 1.5 grams!
Alan’s sells quite a few different amp flavors but the dht 45 set is $1200
http://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_cs_amps.pdf
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@avsfan - mine are 6.5” Alnico drivers. They are a customshop model. Called Super 6 XRS, with bottom ports and upgraded binding posts
I recently scored a fully new build of a Magnavox 8600, the DGSE-1 circuit design. EL84 based flea watt and was blown away by what this TINY amp can do.
I’m also getting a Oliver Sayes 45 Yamamoto clone next week.
Probable sell my Line Magnetic 518 as it’s great but compete overkill for the Omegas (22wpc 845 based SET)
Here’s the DGSE1
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=207235)
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The omegas certainly don’t need much power. Oliver builds some really nice amps. Cant wait to hear what you think.
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Low dampening. The cone and surround for this 4 inch driver is only 1.5 grams!
Alan’s sells quite a few different amp flavors but the dht 45 set is $1200
http://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_cs_amps.pdf
That was a really good article. Thank you for the link and it really clears things up on why high power is not needed for these type of speakers, quite the opposite, it seems like low power makes the speakers shine.
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The omegas certainly don’t need much power. Oliver builds some really nice amps. Cant wait to hear what you think.
I used the Decware UFO a few years back to power 3 XRS's. At 2 watts per channel, it was spectacular. And this is a smaller room than that system was in.
I think I just went a little crazy and off the deep end getting big power for my Maggie's. My LRS's were chewing up small powered amps. I went through 4 before I finally got sick of small power and got these 400 watt per channel monoblocks from Tommy over at DAC. Now the Maggie's are singing like never before! Totally in control of the Maggie's. SO my brain has been on the need more power, need more power track!
Now have to switch modes to light tube power and match up the new 3 HO's with a perfect amp. The DHT45 at $1200 seems like a winner. Good price too, I don't want to spend much over $1000. But I also want simplicity, I don't want to fiddle much with tube rolling and so on. Is it self biasing?
Here is a picture of my current set up, but this will look different in the next month or so, ot I might put the Omega's in the living room. I haven't quite figured that one out yet.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=207256)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=207257)
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It does self bias. Pm me if you want his email, he’s very approachable.
Good looking stereo! I appreciate the the big watt stereos,... and have lots of buddies with them. After a jam session, I can’t get back fast enough to my modest setup. Cheers
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JM,
Am I correct to assume they have a bigger presence than the LTA by a fare bit? I don't exactly know how to document my journey.
I used the amp. Liked it. My big Decware was gone so I didn't have anything to compare it to. I don't think I liked it as much initially. I was told the amp came with crappy tubes but I didn't buy in to that concept I guess.
I got new 45's from vintage tube services also. That helped but it wasn't a world changer.
I had a buddy get some 5692 RCA's and he said they just blew his mind. On an impulse I bought some that he thought were likely the same construction. I put those in and suddenly the amp blew my mind. I think my input tubes must have been trash. I think when I got the new input tubes it not only upgraded the input tubes, but it showed me how much better the 45's were. I think the 45's I purchased were being held back by the crappy input tubes.
I love the amp. I really would like to have a different amp in the house to do an a/b. I have sort of worked at that but with no success.
So over time the amp has really improved, but I bought it used so I think it was already broken in. I think it just needed new tubes. The guy I got it from said, first thing, get new tubes. Well. I didn't listen.
I also changed the rectifiers at the same time as the input tubes.
I completely love the amps. Now I really want to hear them with Open Baffle speakers. I would also like to get some Omegas in the house. I would guess your Omegas are a great match.
I appreciate you for letting me come down and listen to your set up. Your Omegas are pretty stunning to look at. I also learned what the term fast meant in regards to speakers. That is a hard one to explain without experiencing it.
I hope all is well.
John
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I was stunned by how much bigger it sounds than the LTA and pretty much any other amp I’ve played with. As noted, Alan provides tubes but as a courtesy, nothing more. Any early grain appears to be gone, the bass is deep, the highs are crystal, and the artifacts are all there. It’s a super match with my speakers!
It’s hard to grasp speed until your face is in front of it.
Stay safe coach. Maybe we can hookup again when all this settles
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My Omegas have been breaking in and singing along nicely and thought I would treat them right and feed them with some tube goodness.
Oliver Sayes 45 Yamamoto. Loving this amp so much I’ve reached out to Oliver to build a custom 6AH4 preamp. So for now only controlling volume thru my Lumin network transport.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=207852)
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^ the tone from those 45 amps are killer! That one looks beautiful.
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I agree with highly accurate and revealing. That is why I bought mine. I agree with the poster that a sub at 65 hz is a very good addition.
Mine was using a very inexpensive Elekit TU-873S with 7 watts to great effect. (backed by superior phono amp and pre amp from LKV)
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I agree with highly accurate and revealing. That is why I bought mine. I agree with the poster that a sub at 65 hz is a very good addition.
Mine was using a very inexpensive Elekit TU-873S with 7 watts to great effect. (backed by superior phono amp and pre amp from LKV)
Is that your amp and speakers for sale over on the ‘gon?
If so you may find some people interested over here. The price is great and if I didn’t already own a pair (narrow baffle, real ebony) I would have jumped on them.
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Kray,
How is that Sayes 45 amp? I would like to get one of those also. I guess they sound more powerful than the Alan Eaton amps I have. I would love to have a 45 amp battle to the death. Or maybe just good fun hearing the two different tones!
Also what is the tale of the custom amp Oliver is building you?
How do you feel the 45 amp mates with the Omegas? Do you have a sub with your Omegas?
Thanks!
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JM
We need to find someone with the little Decware 2 watter you used to have and do a comp with the 45 amps.
I need to get a different set of speakers up here so you can hear the 45 with different speakers. My Zu DW's are an OK fit. They really sound great, but they probably aren't efficient enough for the 45. Really they can run you out of the room with volume, but I have a hunch there is a touch more the amps can put out. I also have some of those vintage Zenith drivers I had planned to do an open baffle build with. I need to get that done. For one reason or another, I got discouraged and put that aside. I guess at this point I have no excuse not to pick the project back up! Heck, that might be as good a reason as any to get you up here after the world returns to normal.
When you had the Harbeths in house, what amps did you have pushing them?
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I auditioned a couple different harbeth with mastersound amps. Skip @ audio thesis in Arlington is great with allowing home auditions. I am loving the 45 with my Omegas! Hopefully not long before we can return to some level of normal.
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JM
We need to find someone with the little Decware 2 watter you used to have and do a comp with the 45 amps.
I need to get a different set of speakers up here so you can hear the 45 with different speakers. My Zu DW's are an OK fit. They really sound great, but they probably aren't efficient enough for the 45. Really they can run you out of the room with volume, but I have a hunch there is a touch more the amps can put out. I also have some of those vintage Zenith drivers I had planned to do an open baffle build with. I need to get that done. For one reason or another, I got discouraged and put that aside. I guess at this point I have no excuse not to pick the project back up! Heck, that might be as good a reason as any to get you up here after the world returns to normal.
When you had the Harbeths in house, what amps did you have pushing them?
I too have a pair of DW's, and even though they sound good with any amp I used with them, they responded very well to good clean and higher power.
I had them hooked up to a DAC STM putting out about 125 watts per channel. They LOVED that power!
I had the Decware little 2 watter a few years ago when I had a pair of Omegas speakers. Fabulous little amp. I am in talks right now with another company on a custom version of his 5 watt per channel amp. He looked at all the specs on my Super 3 HO's and said that if he took he his Ultralinear version and wired it in triode mode with upgraded output transformers,it drops the power down to a little over 2 watts per channel but that distortion figures are lower and sound quality increases at the expense of some power. But with the Omega's should be a perfect match and plenty of power.
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^ speaking w Andrew. He’s seems to be a good guy from the chats we’ve had.
I think his amps look great!
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^ speaking w Andrew. He’s seems to be a good guy from the chats we’ve had.
I think his amps look great!
I can't get anything by you can I? LOL
Yeah, Andrew seems like a straight shooter and no nonsense. He really went into details with me on everything. And it seems like a REALLY good fit for what I am looking at doing. Plus the logo and name of the amplifier is just cool. LOL :D
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I’ve certainly been tempted too. I’d love for someone to take the plunge.
At the end of the day low watt tube amps make omegas sing - I don’t think you can lose with an6 of them, honestly.
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Who is this Andrew you guys speaker of?
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Who is this Andrew you guys speaker of?
Myth, legend folklore. :D
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Who is this Andrew you guys speaker of?
But in all seriousness. Here ya go.
https://www.wolfearaudio.ca/pages/home
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thanks for the link!
I have been to that page before. I didn't know much about the builder.
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thanks for the link!
I have been to that page before. I didn't know much about the builder.
Sure. He seems very passionate and straight forward. He took the time to answer every detailed question I asked him. He also took the time reviewing other equipment and the specs I was looking at to make sure all played well together. System synergy is key to building a good system.
I might firsthand, know soon enough how good his tube amp really is.
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Blue is such a purty tube....
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=208809)
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blue globes are just silliness
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blue globes are just silliness
Where is the best place to go for tube shopping?
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Where is the best place to go for tube shopping?
Brent Jessee or Andy at Vintage Tube Services
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Brent Jessee or Andy at Vintage Tube Services
Thanks. Will check them out.
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completely agree with Brent and VTS. you have to call Andy, he doesn't do email.