Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

The trouble with buying factory-direct is the leap-of-faith of buying sound-unheard. Generally the only way to hear something like Omega's (or Inspire amps) is to know someone who owns them or to buy and maybe return within the trial period. Problem is that oftentimes the trial period doesn't cover the time required for full break inOne option is to post a message an the Omega forum asking if anyone in your area is open to letting you listen. The Compact Alnico is a new model, so finding one will be difficult.

True, but the trial is usually long enough to know whether or not they are keepers. I'm happy with what I have but may have to go to speakers amenable to some type of shelf mount and they will be single drivers. I'm just not sure how the rear ported Omegas would work like that. You don't often see Omega or Blumenstein speakers on the used market. The Tritons do interest me too.

I had no concerns about my Inspire purchases. I'm pretty sure there is nothing better for the price.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Musica Amantem

I'm not familiar with those. What constraints do you refer to? One of the issues I may face is the lack of space and the fact that I listen pretty much near-field. In addition, the 8 Ohm-equivalent sensitivity of the Tekton OB's comes at about 91 dBs for its nominal 6 Ohm impedance, which is not good with my gear.

Some time ago I asked Erick to improve on my Tekton Lore 2.0 with a custom design. He said the only way to improve on those was going for three-way. When I told him I would be concerned with two crossovers he said the sound quality is not only linked to sensitivity. I decided not to go ahead with that concept and I was looking at a USD 2,500 price tag on something never been done commercially at Tekton (one-off risky!)

Thanks for the heads up!

What are you not liking about your speakers?

[o]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

They have better bass than the originals but the titanium diaphrams took a good while to settle in.

Thanks, that's good to know.

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

I've never hear Omega speakers but almost bought a used pair just to give 'em a go. I was too late. The Compact Alnico Monitors look interesting. So do the Blumenstein Audio Tritons.

Yes, they do. I would say these would need the reinforcement of one or two SUBs to convey body to the lower frequencies, but this is only my opinion. At least these have more body to the sound in the mids and high frequencies due to the size of the driver, and the Alnico magnet plus special fiber cone projects a better tone than the Super 3i, IMO.

For double the money one can get the Klipsch Cornwalls new at 102 dB's.

One question: Is it true or false that a 16 Ohm impedance is better for a tube amp? I thought 8 Ohms was the ideal. Zu Audio, Positive Feedback, Tone Audio and C!NET all claim the Soul Superflies at 16 Ohms are ideal for tube gear. I'm confused! These are less expensive than the Cornwalls and run at 101 dB's

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by opnly bafld

Thanks, that's good to know.

I do mean a long time too. I thought I made a big mistake when I first hooked them up.

[Rosco65]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

True, but the trial is usually long enough to know whether or not they are keepers. I'm happy with what I have but may have to go to speakers amenable to some type of shelf mount and they will be single drivers. I'm just not sure how the rear ported Omegas would work like that. You don't often see Omega or Blumenstein speakers on the used market. The Tritons do interest me too.

I had no concerns about my Inspire purchases. I'm pretty sure there is nothing better for the price.

If you find older model Super 3 speakers or buy new from Louis you can specify front port instead of rear port. Since the shelf mount speakers are very cost-effective it is a case where buying new may not be that bad.

That being said, I bought both of my Omega's secondhand. What can I say, I'm "thrifty".

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

What are you not liking about your speakers?

Nothing, really. I just want more tube-friendly alternatives to consider in the future for when I may add a true DHT SET (not anytime soon, though!).

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Musica Amantem

Yes, they do. I would say these would need the reinforcement of one or two SUBs to convey body to the lower frequencies, but this is only my opinion. At least these have more body to the sound in the mids and high frequencies due to the size of the driver, and the Alnico magnet plus special fiber cone projects a better tone than the Super 3i, IMO.

For double the money one can get the Klipsch Cornwalls new at 102 dB's.

One question: Is it true or false that a 16 Ohm impedance is better for a tube amp? I thought 8 Ohms was the ideal. Zu Audio, Positive Feedback, Tone Audio and C!NET all claim the Soul Superflies at 16 Ohms are ideal for tube gear. I'm confused! These are less expensive than the Cornwalls and run at 101 dB's

I don't think it, 16 ohm, matters. The Zu's are just optimized for 16 ohms. All the Heritage speakers are good but Cornwall's are quite large. Are you going to be listening near field mostly?

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

If you find older model Super 3 speakers or buy new from Louis you can specify front port instead of rear port. Since the shelf mount speakers are very cost-effective it is a case where buying new may not be that bad.

That being said, I bought both of my Omega's secondhand. What can I say, I'm "thrifty".

I'm not in a hurry and if something used turns up...

[Simonatsea]

Originally Posted by Musica Amantem

One question: Is it true or false that a 16 Ohm impedance is better for a tube amp? I thought 8 Ohms was the ideal. Zu Audio, Positive Feedback, Tone Audio and C!NET all claim the Soul Superflies at 16 Ohms are ideal for tube gear. I'm confused! These are less expensive than the Cornwalls and run at 101 dB's

I had Dennis instal special 16 ohm output transformers in my 6V6 amp to cater to my superflys