So I've been the proud owner of a pair of Omega 3i's for almost a year now and unfortunately do to a big move from Japan to Germany and lots of time on the road for work I have had very little time to enjoy them. We've finally gotten settled in a house and I actually have a little room of my own to make into a listening room. As such, I've had some time to spend with these fun little speakers.
So what do I think? They grow on me more and more everyday. At first I wasn't sure. Everyone says they need lots of break in and admittedly, even after a year mine only have about 20 hrs on them, so I'm still reserving final judgement. The speakers have very definite limitations but I'm deciding that what they do well, I really like. I have 3 or 4 different tube amps that I'm using to drive these guys, everything from 4 watt SET to 35 watt PP and I think these speakers are a good match to all of them. Midrange, and especially vocals, are great with this setup and I think that's what I love them for. My issues, and something I will have to address, are in the lower regions.
Now I admit, these are tiny speakers; beautiful, but tiny. You can only expect so much bass. In my room, response drops off VERY fast and sharp at around 50 hz. Now, many will say that there really isn't that much music below 50 hz, but I would have to respectfully disagree. I listen to mostly "smaller" acoustic music and guitars, pianos, stringed instruments, etc all produce a LOT of information below what these speakers can reproduce. Maybe their fundamental frequencies aren't that low, but there are a lot of lower harmonics that I REALLY miss. Do I miss them enough to get rid of these speakers? No, I just will have to find a way to fill them out.
An obvious choice would be some Omega subs, but unfortunately I think they're a little pricey especially since I would love to get two. I think most of Louis' gear is a great value, but I think the subs are just a little much. No offense Louis, everyone's got to make a living and you're entitled to charge what the market will bare. I'm interested to see what shakes out with the new HB line as I seem to recall mention of some subs there as well. Depending on the economics of it all, I might end up just buying some of Louis' larger speakers, but I really hate to give up what my little 3i's do so well.
Anyway, long story short, REALLY like the speakers and am enjoying them so far. I highly recommend them with the slight caveat that their isn't much at the bottom, at least in my room. I'm excited to spend some more time with them and see how things develop but alas, time in the coming year will be limited. Uncle Sam is sending me on an all expenses paid trip to an exotic desert land for most of next year. When I get back, its on!
Take care and happy holidays!