This is a brief but long overdue review of a pair of Omega RS5 bipole speakers.
My first review on Audiocircle is of a single RS5 driver Super 3i Monitor which can be found here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=138568.0What I have now is a pair of large RS5 bipole monitor that has two independently sealed chambers and independent binding posts. Therefore, this can be run in three formats:
1. Monopole (single driver)
2. Bipole
3. Dipole.
So it is very flexible. I run it as a bipole.
So how do they sound? In short, all the strengths of the Super 3i Monitor are there but the are much better speakers in that:
1. They present a much larger and deeper soundstage along with very good focus due to the full range drivers, and still possess a wonderful wide dispersion due to the small driver. For someone who really appreciates a large and deep soundstage, this is fantastic. In a small room, with the speakers moved out about 3 feet from the wall, they are amazing because I've had a dozen speakers in here and have trouble getting a large/deep soundstage other than a pair of Martin Logan which really were too large for my room.
2. There is significantly better bass extension - in part because I can set it on the ground tilted upwards. I took both subwoofers out so it is just the Bipole.
3. It is a much more powerful speaker that feels more effortless.
For me, there is simply no comparison. A dual RS5 driver feels much more than twice the speaker of the single driver RS5.
I do feel a high degree of confidence in my evaluation because a fine gentlemen from Audiocircle purchased my Super 3i Monitor. He loved it. Then we got to discussing my bipole and based on my comments, he ordered a custom dual RS5. He too raves about the dual RS5 speaker but since I have not asked for permission to name him, I'll let him comment here if he wishes.
Louis of Omega also raves about his dual driver speakers.
Finally, if I had the budget, I would think this may be the ideal RS5 speaker:
1. Floor stander with three RS5 drivers.
2. 1.5 dual driver setup in the front face. (one driver full range, one drive high passed from 500hz upwards)
3. 1 drive in the back for the bipole impact.
4. Wired in parallel and driven by a SET amp capable of driving low impedances such as the Decware Zen. This would be a very efficient speaker - probably gets close to 100db/watt.
Anyone care to try? Call Louis up!
