[Aman]

Hi Louis and friends!

I have the perfect amplifier for me. It is warm, it is inviting, it's incredibly realistic, and it's durable as hell. Here's the problem; it 's got a very low power rating (something like 15W per channel into 8 ohms). It's a Pioneer SX-450.

I am currently running a pair of all-wood Ohm Model E speakers on them. After looking at Ohm's homepage, I found out that I really should be running these speakers on a much higher-end amplifier. However, I do not want to comit to a more powerful amplifier, because, first, I am afraid of losing the magical sound, and second, the speakers are not in good-enough condition, nor do they function 100% properly.

So I thought I'd look at some new speakers. I have read the reviews of the previous Ohm offerings from 6moons, and they seem to love the Omega line. I am therefore interested in some Omega speakers.

I go to college at NYU currently, though I have a family in Fairfield, CT that I visit once every 2-3 weeks or so. It's only an hour-long train ride away. I figured that maybe one of those days, before I head back home, I can stop by in Norwalk to demo some things from Omega Loudspeakers.

I listen to an all-vinyl system. Currently, my system runs in this chain:

Rega P2/RB250 arm/Grado Platinum Cartridge --> Pioneer SX-450 --> Ohm Model E

If I took out those Model E's, and placed, say, an A8 from Omega on that chain, what would be the sound improvement?

I am mostly looking for a realistic portrayal of the media. Accuracy is not a main concern, but I want it to be accurate up to the point where it can play every instrument with the justice it deserves. In addition, I'd love to be able to get rid of the shriller highs that come from the tweeters of my Ohm E's, and have a more pure midrange. Vocal purity is a must for me when I'm listening a MoFi re-issue of a rock band, so vocals must be strong and realistic for me to buy this speaker. Oh, and finally, the imaging of the speakers is very important to me. When I listen to a Miles Davis tune, I'd like to be able to clearly distinguish each instrument, and where their placement is. Soundstage is not a huge concern of mine, but I suppose it could be wider than it is now.

My musical tastes contains primarily small jazz ensambles (quartets, quintets, etc.) but I also listen to a lot of rock, and heavier rock at that. For example, Jethro Tull, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Yes, and Frank Zappa.

Do these speakers fit the bill? Is it worth the trip up to try them out?

Thanks in advance for any help! I greatly appreciate it!
-Andrew

[powerbench]

I have a set they just get better and better esp for jazz and softer  rock

[Louis O]

Hi Aman,

Many thanks for your post and welcome.

Great to hear about your system and being so close to CT. the best thing to do is stop by the shop for a listen. Looks like the match would be great and if you can bring in the amp with you it would be even better.

You can try out both the A8s and the H8s and hear the differences.

Please give me a call after the RMAF and it would be great to set it up.

Thanks again,
Louis

[Rick58]

Aman,

My first stereo had the SX-450 as the centerpiece - nice unit!  I wish I still had it!  I recall it sounding very good driving the Pioneer 3-ways (with ~3" soft dome midrange) on my favorite 70's rock (Queen, Yes, etc. - of course, all on vinyl) ... this was in about 1975.

With 15 wpc, you will not have a problem driving the Omegas to satisfying levels. Hard to say, but I am willing to bet that the Omegas will sound way better than the Ohms (esp as the Ohms might be a tough load and are probably less sensitive than the Omegas).

Warning: give the new speakers time to break in, like several months. They may sound not so great at first, but after a while will open up ... but maybe they WILL sound great at first, and then sound even better!

Later, you could possibly upgrade to one of Vinnie's (www.redwineaudio.com) amps or even go for a 3 wpc wonder like the Bottlehead 2A3 amp (which I am currently lusting after!).  The better amps will give you much improved detail and realism, soundstaging, and a silent background. The SX-450 is a very nice unit, but things have come a long way since '75 as far as good sound goes.

The Omegas seem to me to be a good long-term investment (which I am also lusting after!). They will sound great with the Pioneer and whatever you might want to upgrade to in the future.

Thanks for bringing up some pleasant memories!  - Rick.

[Aman]

Hi Rick58:

Thanks for the detailed response! Do you think that the same things would apply if I set my standards a little lower and went for the Super 3R speakers instead? I really don't think I can justify spending so much cash just yet.

Thanks!!
-Andrew

[Rick58]

I would think so ... but maybe someone else more familiar with Omega speakers could comment?  I have not actually HEARD any of them - just read the good reviews (in these forums, Stereophile, 6 Moons, etc.).

I have read that the 3's are quite excellent in the soundstaging department, and certainly are sensitive as well. So I would think they would also be a good match with the SX-450.

Since you are up there in CT on occasion, probably good to go by & listen to them!  I am sure Louis would welcome you & not try to twist your arm into spending more than you want to (but you might want to after listening!).  

Such is this disea ... er, hobby!

[Brad]

The Super 3's have a great midrange, but if you can spend the extra cash for the Hemp 8's or the Visaton 8's, I think you'll be a lot happier.  Much more full range sound.

15 watts is PLENTY of power for either one of those speakers.