How Efficient Are Omegas?

Aman · « **on:** 6 Mar 2005, 08:02 pm »

Hey guys,

I am thinking about purchasing a pair of Grande 6/6R speakers, and am wondering if they are efficient enough to be run through my 1976 Pioneer SX-450 receiver/amp?

I really love the receiver because it sounds musical and warm, but will the Omegas be able to be driven with just 15watts out of 8ohms? I would hate to have to go out and get a new receiver, as I have heard very little in the price range I can afford that sounds as good as this little baby here.

Help is very appreciated! Thanks for everybody's time!
-Andrew

SET Man · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Mar 2005, 08:16 pm »

You will be fine. Omega are based on Fostex drivers, those 6" and 8" are 94dB to 96dB (raw driver spec) Only a few watts will do in small to medium size room.

Fostex are great speaker but need long time to break in and they do have "shout" forward sound, this could turn most people off. But with a few mod they will sound very good. And don't forget to toe them in, they really that.

If you are handy you could even build a pair of back loaded/TQWT horn yourself. I think they sound better in horn then bass reflex.

And of cause I feel that they sound best with tube amp. Check out my gallery for my DIY Fostex FE167E TQWT and 18w/ch SET amp.

Good luck,
Buddy

MarcD in NYC · « **Reply #2 on:** 6 Mar 2005, 08:38 pm »

The Omega speakers are very good with many low powered amplifiers. Although I can't vouch for the sound of your Pioneer, I can say that 15 watts should be plenty for the the Grande 6's. I currently run a pair of Grande 8's on just 5 watts, and I am very happy with the sound levels. I also Run a pair of Omega Super 3's on 15 watts, which are less efficient than the Grande 6's... and they are not lacking for power at all. The best thing to do is pack up your receiver, and take it to your local Omega dealer for listen.

Aman · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Mar 2005, 09:48 pm »

I appreciate the fast responses!

I think that the amp sounds much more like a tube amp than a solid state - strange how those things can happen!

So they have a forward sound? I didn't hear that before!

Here is what I prefer:

Bass: I like it to have good bass EXTENSION, impact is not as important
Midrange: Lush and natural midrange, I don't like coloration
Highs: I just don't want them distorted - being tame is more important
Soundstage & Detail: Detail is more important than Soundstage - I want to feel like I am in in the middle of the concert hall - not next to the instruments or in the balcony

My music preferences are so:
My "top five": Yes, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin
Classic rock, progressive, chamber classical

Help is very much appreciated!
PS: I live twenty minutes from the factory, so I probably could do some demos easily.

SET Man · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Mar 2005, 10:38 pm »

Yes, Fostex do have that upper mid/lower high somewhat. Similar to the Lowther shout. This would borther some people, I'm one of them. But I did a few mod that seem to took care of that.

With coner to reenforce the bass loading you would get good bass out of them. The high of Fostex are beamy so toe them in until the the sound locked in the center would help.

Since you live close to the factory. I think you just have to go and hear them for yourself.

Omega use bass reflexStill I think Fostex sound better in TQWT or Voigt pipe type cab.

Goodluck,
Buddy

Louis O · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Mar 2005, 02:55 pm »

Hi Aman,

No worries at all with your Pioneer. At 15 watts you have more than enough power. I test with amps that have way less power than 15 watts. The Grande 6s are a great match too as they do have a more balanced sound. SET man is right about trying them out here or I can give you a loaner to take home.

Thanks again,
Louis