Or better yet at least in the single driver circle where at least the single driver concept is accepted. Perhaps the overall sales numbers don't warrant mention. Perhaps Omega posters would rather stay in the friendlier confines of their own thread. The same could be said of other speaker circles, but a more balanced impression by venturing out would be welcomed.
The very non-mainstream concept of single driver design keeps the general audio population at bay (just like other non-traditional design concepts). Couple that with the prevalence of SET amplification that pushes the concept further towards the fringe, cheapy little single driver speakers we're all familiar with, and some huge outlandish cabinets (exemplified by horns) and single driver designs have a lots of stigma to overcome. Many audiophiles can be described as being closed minded fanatics and certainly this phenomenon adds to the single driver stigma. Honestly a big part of audio is gear lust and modestly shaped/sized cabinets with a single driver doesn't satisfy that yearning for filling the room with trophies from the big hunts.
I didn't realize I was searching for a single driver solution until I posted here. I certainly didn't know there was a circle devoted to single drivers, or enclosures for that matter.
I just want to buy once. My current speakers sound decent and if it wasn't for the distortion I hear in certain frequencies, I would be content for a good while. I think nearfield listening may actually be quite forgiving----you are able to achieve soundstage and imaging from speakers that I don't believe will do this from a "normal" listening position. Mine certainly won't. When I back up from the speakers, the odd distortions go away, but so does the soundstage. Canada Rob completely changed my troubleshooting direction when he mentioned "phase misalignment".
I posted already leaning towards Omegas. I've read great stuff about them, but there is unfortunately not a lot written. I like that they are made in the US and I especially like that they are made in New England. I have family probably a half hour from where they're made (not relevant, I know, but maybe I'll pop by the next time I visit my aunt and uncle
).
The other speakers I referenced are supposed to perform at the same level as speakers much more expensive. They are also speakers that would probably appeal to folks who listen in the same manner as me. I can't listen to any of these speakers prior to purchasing them, so finding folks that own Omegas and have heard the others, or, better yet, owned the others and switched to Omega Super 3is, is my next best option.
I know I'm not buying a car, but I am trying to buy something I'll keep longer than a car (I've had mine for ten years----it runs well and I'm happy with the stereo).
I am quite happy to embrace a single driver design.