[tlainhart]

I just became aware of this speaker and am intrigued.  I'm looking for something that has detail and warmth - allows me insight into the mix, without a lot of SPL (hearing is giving me problems - listening fatigue is a thing these days).  Omega owners seem to really be knocked out by these speakers.

How would I get a sense for the difference between what a single-driver offers and a conventional 2 or 3-way?  From what little I know, there doesn't seem to be a many single-driver manufacturers (Zu?).

It's also neat that you can use an SET to drive the Omegas.

[smk]

But from a manufacturer with a return policy?
Contact Louis at Omega. He's full of good ideas.

SET doesn't have to be expensive. See: http://www.decware.com/newsite/homepage.html

2-6 wpc is fine as long as you don't listen at concert levels. As a matter of fact, listening at high dBs/distortion just might be the cause.

[pstrisik]

I just became aware of this speaker and am intrigued.  I'm looking for something that has detail and warmth - allows me insight into the mix, without a lot of SPL (hearing is giving me problems - listening fatigue is a thing these days).  Omega owners seem to really be knocked out by these speakers.

How would I get a sense for the difference between what a single-driver offers and a conventional 2 or 3-way?  From what little I know, there doesn't seem to be a many single-driver manufacturers (Zu?).

It's also neat that you can use an SET to drive the Omegas.

Get the Alnico.  I have some hearing loss and am protective of what I have left.  I have hearing aids in the electronic chain (after the speakers  ), with a music program with all possible digital processing removed.  The Alnico Monitors do the best that I've heard with dynamics at lower volumes.  The Alnico driver is rich, textured, detailed, though not as extended at the top end, which is a good thing if you are sensitive to that.

I was getting 2/3 way speakers with silk domes (as opposed to metal domes, ribbons, etc), etc, etc, trying find satisfaction.  Doing without the crossover seems to help with getting the signal all the way to the drivers without compromise.  And coherence of the sound from a single driver contributes to the smoothness (and the delightful imaging). 

That said, I can't emphasize how much room treatment to reduce echos and glare has helped.  Even just at first reflection points makes an amazing difference in focusing and relaxing the sound.

As mentioned, Louis has a trial period, though you would have to get a good 75-100 hours on the drivers before really hearing what they will do. 


.......Peter

[mcgsxr]

A single ended or push pull EL84 amp may deliver great sound too.

I enjoyed a Magnavox console pull amp with some high efficiency single drivers in the past.

[tlainhart]

The Alnico driver is rich, textured, detailed, though not as extended at the top end, which is a good thing if you are sensitive to that.

That said, I can't emphasize how much room treatment to reduce echos and glare has helped.  Even just at first reflection points makes an amazing difference in focusing and relaxing the sound.

Hi Peter -

Yeah - it does seem like I'm getting sensitive to top-end.  Sometimes I wonder if Class-D also contributes to that. Could be tinnitus as well (going to an audiologist soon).

My room (13x26x8 - not looking to fill it) seems pretty "soft", in terms of carpet, window shades, upholstered furniture.  Not a bad sounding room, probably. Any suggestions on determining the reflection points?

  -- Todd

[dB Cooper]

I had never heard a single driver speaker I really liked until this past July's Capital Audiofest (with the disclaimer that I have not heard Louis' well-regarded Omega speakers.) 

His product and customer service both have excellent reputations. Hope to hear some someday. His website is very informative but, as always, the listening is the proof of the pudding.

[JLM]

Indicate your location and see if anyone who has single driver speakers is willing to invite you over and lives close enough.

[JerryM]

Go to RMAF. 

[S Clark]

Indicate your location and see if anyone who has single driver speakers is willing to invite you over and lives close enough.

+1  Where are you?

[pstrisik]

Yeah, I hardly ever think of opening the invite.  I don't expect anyone here is from Alaska.  But the invite is open.  Spring and Summer cruises are great up here!  Stay a day in Anchorage and hear Omegas and Dennis Had Inspires - I'd love to share the sound.

.......Peter

[pstrisik]

Hi Peter -

Yeah - it does seem like I'm getting sensitive to top-end.  Sometimes I wonder if Class-D also contributes to that. Could be tinnitus as well (going to an audiologist soon).

My room (13x26x8 - not looking to fill it) seems pretty "soft", in terms of carpet, window shades, upholstered furniture.  Not a bad sounding room, probably. Any suggestions on determining the reflection points?

  -- Todd

I think my tube setup has helped as well.  The overall simplicity and that wonderful silky midrange.  Experimenting with tubes has tailored things to my liking even more.  I think there are some quality implementations of Class D.  Like those top of the line Bel Cantos of a few years ago.  But I never could relax with them.

With reflection points, it's just the point that the sound will reflect off a surface towards the listening position.  So you can imagine the "V" - the speaker, to the wall, to you.  If you put a mirror on that wall so you could sit in the LP and see the speaker driver in the mirror - that would be the first reflection point.

Ceiling is important as is the wall behind the speakers.

 

[tlainhart]

+1  Where are you?

I'm in Central Massachusetts.

  -- Todd

[pstrisik]

I'm in Central Massachusetts.

  -- Todd

I grew up on Cape Ann, but that doesn't help your auditioning situation now that I am 4000 miles from there! 

[Les Lammers]

I'm in Central Massachusetts.

  -- Todd

Omega is in CT. Roadtrip. 

[Louis O]

Hi tlainhart,

Many thanks for your post and welcome.
Also thanks for all the great replies as I agree.

I'm always happy to speak over the phone regarding any questions you may have and I do have a 30 day trial period on all my standard speakers.

I also would recommend an Alnico model in your situation.

Thanks again,
Louis

[bummrush]

Listen to a good two way.

[milford3]

Listen to Omegas.  You will be floored.

[pstrisik]

Listen to a good two way.

How would this help get a sense of what a single driver can do?  Or are you suggesting something else?

......Peter

[mrvco]

Omega is in CT. Roadtrip. 

Absolutely.