[budbrew]

I'm looking into single driver speakers for my Resolution Audio system (Opus 21 CD player and s30 DNM-based 35 watt amp). I need a fast, dynamic speaker with single driver coherency. Jeff Kalt is a big fan of the Rethm speakers and I've heard it with the 3rd Rethms. His Swiss importer says the Omegas work well too. I'm familiar with the Omega speakers, but have not heard them. I would be looking specifically at the DNM Reson 3rd Rethms (not the Lowther driver version) or the Omega Maxhemp or Revolution. Any comments on a comparison between the Rethm speakers and the Omegas? Based on research I would expect the Omegas to go deeper.

I listen to a lot of acoustic guitar material and other acoustic material, but also listen to electronic space/ambiant music and various styles of world music (including a lot of Afro-pop and Mali blues guitar). I would expect the latter to not sound perfect on the single driver speakers, but that's not the focus of this system. I don't expect off-axis quality to be terribly high, but it would be nice if it still sounded pretty good outside of the sweetspot. Lots of low volume listening tool.

These are the two brands I'm focused on, but don't be shy with recommendations outside of these. Jeff said he is exhibiting with Teresonic at CES 2007. Supposedly very nice speakers, but pricey!

[woodsyi]

Do you know that there is a 2nd rethm on Audiogon for the price of a 3rd?  It's still twice that of a maxhemp.

[ZLS]

I have the Omega Revolutions which are a Aperiodic Loaded Visaton B200 Driver floorstander.  Right now I am listening to my Blues mix (A Hard Drive Based System) and Guitar sounds terrific.  Both acoustic (Etta Baker & Taj Mahal) and electric (BB King, Son Seals, Buddy Guy et al.)  Also I listen to a lot of Jazz, and Jazz Guitar is beautiful on the speakers.  Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, Django Reinhardt all sound great.  You can really hear the difference in style and tone.  Surprisingly Acoustic Bass is also great.  Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, Ray Brown. 
    Louis of Omega is developing a high Q version of the Hemp Cone that will be a drop in for the B200 Driver.  By all accounts and everything I read and in direct conversations with Louis from Omega the Hemp Drivers forte is Guitar reproduction.  You can have the best of both worlds. 
    I must end by saying that the startle factor on the B200 is almost scary.  You are totally immersed in listening to the music and suddenly a transient is hit, a bell is sounded that sounds so real that you jump up looking for the source. 
    The Omega Speakers are drop dead gorgeous to look at, and if Louis Chocolos isn't the nicest guy in Audio to work with, he is definitely in the team picture! Sitting in the front row if I may add.

[PhilNYC]

I'm a huge fan of Rethm speakers (first introduced to me by Jeff K at Resolution Audio).  Every time I go to CES, they are among the first rooms I seek out, and every year they have never failed to impress me.  The Second Rethms driven by low powered tube amps from Audion at CES a few years ago is still one of the most memorable soundstaging and imaging experiences I have ever had.  I have always felt that if I ever got into low powered amps that these would be the speakers I would go with...

[budbrew]

Yes, I saw the Seconds on Audiogon, but they are huge and he's requiring pick up (would love to go to Portland, but the wife wouldn't understand that it's to pick up a pair of huge speakers).

[tianguis]

budbrew:

        I've heard all of the Omegas at various times and I also set up a Teres TT in the Rethm room at VSAC a few years back. The Rethms (2nd) were powered by DeHaviland 45's. I have to agree with Phil that the experience was memorable. I love the Omegas, would happily live with some of them,  but would choose them only if budget was the primary consideration.
        I've owned and built a few single-driver speaks and consider the Rethms of any flavor to be superior, certainly better than any of the Lowther (and other driver) variants I've tried.

Regards,
Larry Welsh

[JLM]

If you're looking for single driver designs with more bass, try Bob Brines:

http://www.geocities.com/rbrines1/

In room, his mass loaded transmission line designs reach the low/mid 30's.  He offers plans, knocked down kits, assembled cabinets, or fully assembled.  Workmanship is good.  Prices are very competitive.  Customization is part of the service.  Design is based on the groundbreaking work of Martin King.  Good guy to deal with.  With his FTA-2000, there is no need for a sub in my 8 ft x 13 ft x 21 ft music room.  Reportedly similar bass performance with Lowthers starting at $1325.  (I actually commissioned the first FTA-2000, so I got to pick driver height and of course the quarter sawn cherry you see in his images).

I've heard Lowthers and didn't care for the hyper detailed sound.  I've also heard some of the smaller/older Omega speakers (wonderful craftsmanship, impressive results from cheaper Fostex drivers in bass reflex standmounted cabinets). 

[mcgsxr]

I have not heard the Rethm speakers, nor have I heard the Omega speakers in question.

I have been happily listening to my b200 Visatons for getting on 2 years now, so I think I can speak to the quality of that driver, and guitar, spacemusic, world music, ambient etc.

Lovely.