[doggie]

I am assuming that by 1.5 you are referring to the newer Omegas that have one crossover-less driver on top of a second driver, that has a simple 6db low pass coil filter on a similar driver as in the Super Alnico High Output XRS Tower.

I previously owned the Alnico single driver version of that same speaker. Both use Alnico drivers and both are towers. I liked the single driver XRS a lot. It had great imaging, delicacy and a well defined sound stage. However I always wanted it to play a bit more convincingly on large orchestral pieces and to have better dynamics. When Louis started making the HO version I traded up to it. This is a true end game speaker. It gives up nothing in terms of delicacy, imaging or tonality but has wonderful dynamics and can easily fill my 15 x 20 den with a very deep and wide soundstage with excellent localization. It is better than the previous XRS in all ways.

When I purchased it the crossover was set to 300Hz. After speaking with Louis we decided that was a bit too high, and within the vocal range, so he send me some new crossover coils to bring the point down to 200Hz. He agreed that was probably a better x-over point and so made that his standard.

I tried the nerf balls with both sets of speakers but found that the sound lost focus. I use two  SVS 12" subs which sit next to each tower. These are set to about 50Hz and tuned by ear.

The HO Alnico towers are great and for me a big improvement over the previous one driver model.

[JLM]

Have you listened to SAMHO 1.5 way?  Tried with port closed?

Sorry for upsetting the Omega fan club. 

Not interested enough to drive to someone's house (no doubt hundreds of miles each way) to listen.  Too bad Louis does so little marketing, but I understand.  Would indeed like to hear his current offerings as I'm still a single driver fan (for the right music).  The dipole/bipole models he used to offer made more sense to me than 1.5 high output versions. 

Still own very nice single driver speakers that frankly are a big step up from Omegas in terms of bass extension and ultimate output but have moved along to large 2-way active studio monitors that are overall even better performers.

[DaveC113]

Sorry for upsetting the Omega fan club. 

Not interested enough to drive to someone's house (no doubt hundreds of miles each way) to listen.  Too bad Louis does so little marketing, but I understand.  Would indeed like to hear his current offerings as I'm still a single driver fan (for the right music).  The dipole/bipole models he used to offer made more sense to me than 1.5 high output versions. 

Still own very nice single driver speakers that frankly are a big step up from Omegas in terms of bass extension and ultimate output but have moved along to large 2-way active studio monitors that are overall even better performers.

...in your imagination. 

So, you're not interested enough to make any attempts to listen, so instead you imagine what it must be like in your head, and then post that here? Sounds about right...

[RDavidson]

Sorry for upsetting the Omega fan club. 

Thanks for the apology. I guess I'll never enjoy my music in the most analytical and scientific way possible. I will go polish my CAMs with my tears now.

[pstrisik]

Sorry for upsetting the Omega fan club. 

  Passive-aggressive insult. 

If I am in the Omega fan club, you are apparently in the Anti-Omega fan club.

Still own very nice single driver speakers that frankly are a big step up from Omegas in terms of bass extension and ultimate output

You are describing SAMHO's:  SAMs with increased bass extension and output.

but have moved along to large 2-way active studio monitors that are overall even better performers.

The beauty of the HOs is the main driver is still a full range driver, unadulterated by a passive crossover in front of it as in a 2-way, while providing many of the same benefits.  Opinion based on my listening, not theory.

[RDavidson]

pstrisik, this is really nothing new. For years, JLM has been grinding the same axe. He seems personally offended and frustrated that so many people are enjoying Omega speakers without the need for measurements or comprehensive specifications. I don't need to know where the grapes came from to enjoy wine, nor do I need analysis to tell me what I'm supposed to enjoy. Likewise, if that's what helps him sleep at night, cool. To each their own. I guess we need an active monitor forum to keep him and any "fan boys" happy.

[Canada Rob]

It appears, from looking at JLM's new system, that he's "moved on".  If anyone can do an almost complete flip in gear type, he has.  That's his business, and I hope he enjoys his system.  I will not criticize his choice.  It's sad that for years though, he's felt it his duty to criticize our choice.  I find it remarkable how he talks about Omega's lack of bass (news to me) and yet his JBL 708P active monitors need to be augmented by 2 subs.  Kind of hypocritical IMO, especially having never heard Omega speakers.

RDavidson said it right that "for years, JLM has been grinding the same axe".  May be he's jealous.  Envy is a hard thing to overcome.
May be he comes on here from time to time just to see what kind of hornet's nest he can stir up, and sometimes (like this time) he's been quite successful. 

My suggestion, is to ignore him altogether no matter what he says.   

[nature boy]

Wise words Canada Rob. It's the unfortunate situation that tends to be creeping into AC these days. This site was designed to allow equipment builders and manufacturers (small and some larger, many direct to consumer sans a brick & mortar store) direct communication with audio enthusiasts about their products.

It's a shame when someone receives criticism without the benefit of a member actually using OR listening to their product. Just an unfortunate situation in an open forum with so many exceptional companies and the dedicated people who are behind them. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, we should all avoid speculating about stuff we haven't listened to.

NB

[mick wolfe]

FWIW, AudioAsylum is much worse in this regard, especially in the "Cables" and "Tweaks" forums. Criticisms and critiques a plenty from those who have never auditioned let alone even heard a product in question. Yet thru some mysterious given ability, they're able to "audition" the product in their mind. And quite often out comes that old tired "if I can't measure it, it doesn't exist" line. To me this type of post simply represents a non contribution and a complete waste of space.

[JLM]

roscoe65 summarized the pluses and minuses quite nicely.  Note that the O.P. asked for experiences and opinions.

Amazing the amount of defensiveness and down right hate generated by my posts.  Shame on you guys.  I own single driver speakers and have for 15 years.  I'm hardly jealous. 

It would be nice if I could hear current Omega offerings, one of my frustrations with Omega.  The closest offer I've gotten to listen was an 8 hour drive round trip in someone's home - not worth satisfying my curiosity.  Finding a chance to A/B single versus 1.5 I imagine would probably be even less convenient.  Another Omega frustration of mine is the lack of published specifications.  Hearing can be deceptive, specifications (if properly derived) cannot.  If measurements or understanding basic concepts aren't important, you're may be a music lover but you're not an audiophile.  Not a slam, unless you seek to hide from the truth.  So frustratingly we rely on owner reviews that are prone to lots of bias.

A monitor with sub(s) is a superior solution to a monitor with added bass driver if you consider the behavior of in-room acoustics.  Most accept mid/treble is best generated away from walls/corners and bass generation the opposite.  Recommend reading Floyd Toole's "Sound Reproduction" a seminal writing to explain in-room acoustics for reasons to have multiple distributed subs and why I use 3 subs. 

Yes, after ~50 years around audio I've learned and have had a few changes of mind in that time.  So am guilty of growth and change while having the best sound of my life.  Was only hoping to open minds to the world beyond. 

[RDavidson]

And the truth comes out, JLM. You are here because you think you need to teach us something and are frustrated that others don't agree or wish to follow your, all-knowing, path. And that's where the defensiveness lies. You want others to listen to you and yet you only listen to yourself. That's fine. You're entitled to your experience. Give others the same respect and let them find what's best for them. Being an audiofile has nothing to do with specs and measurements...but, to you, that's important. Great. Enjoy your pro monitors. Don't be frustrated by what others enjoy!

[maxima95]

roscoe65 summarized the pluses and minuses quite nicely.  Note that the O.P. asked for experiences and opinions.

 You mischaracterize the OP.  The words in that post are:

  " I would appreciate opinions regarding the differences and preferences of anyone who has owned and or auditioned Omega single driver speakers and
  Omega 1.5 way speakers. Thank you. "

 You are in no position to respond to the OP at all.

[DaveC113]

Amazing the amount of defensiveness and down right hate generated by my posts.  Shame on you guys.  I own single driver speakers and have for 15 years.  I'm hardly jealous. 

You've gotta be kidding!

JLM, you've been holding a grudge ever since Omega released raw drivers and wouldn't give you measurements or suggested enclosure designs. YOU are a big part of the reason they aren't for sale anymore, and ever since then you've been holding a grudge.

Maybe you should get some help with your issues, because holding grudges for years over nothing sure isn't healthy.

Also, half the stuff you post is pure fantasy or plain wrong.

[pstrisik]

You mischaracterize the OP.  The words in that post are:

  " I would appreciate opinions regarding the differences and preferences of anyone who has owned and or auditioned Omega single driver speakers and
  Omega 1.5 way speakers. Thank you. "

 You are in no position to respond to the OP at all.

Meanwhile, we seem to have lost the OP............

[roscoe65]

As someone who not only has owned single driver and 1.5 way Omega speakers but who can also compare them side by side, I can offer real world opinion.  JLM's input may be theoretically interesting but is in no way relevant.  I will also add that JLM has no way to to give an informed opinion about the sound of any currently available Omega.

I own a pair of Super 3 HO monitors and an original Super 3 (wide baffle, RS5).  I previously owned a pair of Super 3U's, which are the Super 3 HO with a single driver (effectively).  My Super 3's are almost the same cabinet volume, so we are really comparing two speakers that are very close.

The 1.5 way configuration will give an additional 3dB in bass using a tube amp below the BSC frequency.  It really is a helper driver and works best when not in the extreme nearfield.  However, with a SS amp, the bass response is +6dB, which is overpowering in the midbass and sounds muddy.  With the single inductor that Louis uses, a tube amp is essential.  However, if you really wanted to use a SS amp, you could use a lower BSC frequency to lower the bass boost by 3dB.  In all cases, the power handling and dynamics are higher.

The single driver is only slightly thinner in the bass, and with tube amps does really well.  It has considerably less power handling (feels like 5 or 6 watts) but is much better in the nearfield.

[RDavidson]

Thanks for getting us back on the rails roscoe65.
I have been intrigued by the 1.5 way RS5 based designs since they came about. I was a former 3XRS owner and a current CAM owner. I listen to my CAMs daily...having come from many highly regarded "traditional" 2-way monitors from KEF, Dynaudio, Paradigm and the like over the years. I enjoy my CAMs immensely, but boy, the speed of the RS5 driver still remains in my mind as a highly addictive audio experience (paired with a First Watt J2). With the .5 filling in the midbass a bit more, I can only imagine , that they sound wonderful.

[jmolsberg]

^ while we are back track, i can't get enough of my 3xrs ho configured in wide baffle w offest drivers. So so fast!

[RDavidson]

^ while we are back track, i can't get enough of my 3xrs ho configured in wide baffle w offest drivers. So so fast!

Your whole setup is a thing of beauty. You and I still need to meetup sometime, especially since the weather is getting better.

[Canada Rob]

Lovely system jmolsburg.  Visually tastefully done with nice gear choice and stereo cabinet choice to go with those gorgeous Omegas.  No doubt it sounds as good as it looks.

[jmolsberg]

thank you guys!