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I had a pair of omni-directional speakers back in the 70’s (RTR towers) and drove them with a Pioneer SX-1980 receiver. I thought the combo was great, with lots of drive and sparkling highs. Virgil Fox organ music sounded amazing. I have had many speakers and amps since then, but now I am thinking of putting a vintage omni-directional system together again.
I would appreciate any comments on the sound of the following, or even a comparison, if anyone has done it. I think getting parts for an RTR would be difficult, so I am not putting them on my list. All the following seem to come up now and then and are priced under $1,000. Suggestions of alternative models of these brands would be appreciated also.
ESS AMT 1A
Ohm Acoustics Walsh 4
BIC SoundSpan TRP 400
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I own the Onelisk 2 and can highly recommend it. It is known for its prowess on. Classical fair particularly large scale works, but I think it's good all around.
You could have a funky space-age George Jetson system. I picked these up at the Salvation Army for $6.00 for the pair.
You might have fun with some Duevels. Their lower model, the Planet, isn't terribly expensive, and you can get it new, so no worries about driver condition, etc. A buddy of mine had one of their more costly models in his very expensive system, and they sounded good, definitely a taste/recording variable loudspeaker (but then again, which one isn't?).
-Aaron.
GR Research O-3 or AV-0
http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=119
http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=114
You might trying hunting down a pair of AV123 X-Omni loudspeakers as well.
The BIC is under-rated and an inexpensive foray, if you want to try things out. The AMT design is VERY directional, and has serious driver integration problems. The early ESS designs had bloated, inarticulate bass response and were very difficult to place well in a real room.
The Morrison variant of the Hegerman design is stunning for imaging, but has difficulty with dynamic contrasts, by virtue of loading the bass/mid driver within a labyrinth.
The larger Sonabs are cool, and hold value well.
I would advise choosing them as either disposable, to try out the concept in your home, or buying the last two with an eye to resale value.
I've got a pair of them that I restored (see the attached link). They are worth the effort if you can find a pair. I'm still searching for an affordable pair of their top of the line model to restore. They are amazing speakers if you can find a pair. I'm into my OA-14's for less than $150 if memory serves me and for that price this is one amazing loudspeaker.
Have fun, and best wishes on your omni search,
bb
These seem to be a bit like the Bose 601's. Any similarity in sound?
So I cant compare.
The Sonab's sound great. They image very well considering their being omni's, and the bass, if you put them up next to the wall as they are designed to be placed, is truly awesome. I'm not sure if you are trying to imply otherwise (troll?), but the sonabs are true hi fi. Dont take my word for it. Do some research, or better yet find a pair to listen to. The OA-14's will surprise you. The OA-116's or the OA-2212's will just blow you away. I know. I've heard them.
bb
The Bose 601 series 2's do look a lot like the Sonab's in principle. No idea how good or bad it sounds, but I don't think the poster was trolling.
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Edits: 02/25/15
How about these?
I have heard the Shahinian Obelisk and recall them as being amazing at producing a 3D image. The price on used ones averages around $1,700, and since they could be 30 years old, some repair/upgrade would add to the total. They are just a bit above the budget for now, but maybe some day.
I am not sure if repair would be required w/ the Shahanian products -
I have a pair of the Elf speakers (Not Omni) and they have been flawless for the past 16 years that I have had them, and they are the originals, not the later version II units...
I would heartily recommend the Shahanians
I guess there is also the models of he DCM Time Windows. I have not followed vintage speakers much. A friend of mine many moons ago had the Ohm Walsh Fs. Some of the older Snells had a rear tweeter I believe and Ohm had a model without the Walsh driver that fired upward. Can't recall he model off the top of my head,
These are Ohm models I was thinking about
Just for clarification the ESS AMT 1A and Ohm Acoustics Walsh 4 were not omni directional, although they had some omni directional characteristic. Ohm's last Omni directional speaker was the OHM F that was truly onmi directional on the horizonal plan.
I can't speak to the BIC except that it was mid fi on its best day.
If you are interested in a restored Ohm F or the orginal and larger Ohm A or reproduction of those speakers see link below.
Robert C. Lang
I had Ohms for about 18 months, first the Micro Walsh Talls and then the 100's. The current Ohm "Coherent Line Source" models are a "pseudo omni" design: the output is deliberately attenuated in the back to reduce rear wall reflections. They're also "not quite full range." A super tweeter takes over from the Walsh inverted cone driver via a simple crossover somewhere around 8000 hz, I think.
Thank you. You are correct.
I have owned Ohm Speakers continuously since 1978. I still have the Ohm F (stored in the basement) which were truly omni directional (360 degrees) in the horizontal plane. I also have owned the Walsh 4 and have the Walsh 2s (in a secondary system) both which are designed as you described. It is as a result of my long experience with Ohm (and email exchanges with the current Ohm president) that I said with certainty that current models are not omni directional. Their dispersion is about 180 degrees with the backside half of the main driver attentuated.
Robert C. Lang
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