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Looking for recommendations - vintage amp & preamp to go with Ohm Walsh 2's

After 20+ years of not owning anything that qualifies as being beyond being an entry level "home theatre in a box", I'm going to go back to my 80's roots in "hi-fi" I have picked up a pair of Ohm Walsh 2's in very good condition, and now am looking for an amp, preamp. I think I need a reasonable amount of power as from what I understand, the Walsh isn't the most efficient speaker.

I'm wanting to start out with something that's better than I have now (LOL... which is nothing) Found a Carver TFM-25 Paired with CT-17 Preamp, which seems like a descent deal just under $400 for starting out, Would expect that should be a fairly good combination based purely on specs on paper.

Eventuality is to upgrade the drivers in the Ohm's with the Super Walsh 2.2, and then start looking at upgrading the amp & preamp.

Seem like a good plan to start? Would be interested to hear options/opinions for amp & preamp based on the speaker set up. Wanting to keep to the vintage 80's equipment.


cdn38

Showing 3 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,825 posts
 
Cd how big of a room, what kind of music do you listen to and how loud?

Also cd or records for source and what do you have currently there?
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,825 posts
 
What is your budget currently? Do you care about phono?

These are original Walsh 2s from teh 80s as I understand it.

I would first plan to do the upgrade or arrange with Johm Strohbeen at OHM to do a trade-in. Whatever works best.

Upgrading original Walsh 2s to new drivers requires some physical alterations. JS would provide the details.

OHM may still allow trade in of up to 2 pair of speakers for up to 40% off. If so it would pay to pick up a second pair of OHMS on teh cheap on ebay and have those shipped directly to OHM for trade-in. They need only have refurbable cabinets not working drivers so buying cheap for trade in can be a good investment. That is what I did to pick up my newer OHMs.

For now go with 60 watts/ch or more of good working vintage gear on the cheap. I’d be looking for tandberg, nakamichi, or NAD.

After the driver upgrade you can re-assess what you have.

If you want to try something newer and maybe better from there I would look for a used Bel Canto C5i integrated amp. This is a fantastic sounding 60 w/ch modern unit with everything you need in a small package that can be had for around $1000 used.  Peachtree Nova or Rogue Sphinx are other very good options depending on your needs.

From there I think the only thing that could be done clearly better for a typical budget is more power if the C5i cannot go loud enough, but I would anticipate there is a very good chance it will in that room. Adding a sub or two is always another possible step forward if still needed (not likely).

Cheers and good luck.


mapman's avatar
mapman
21,825 posts
 
The carver gear is fine to start.  I had it for many years.   

If if you have lively floors with some give I'd set the Walsh 2s  on an isolating platform to keep the bass under control and not obscure the rest.   The bottom ports in particular  can interact heavily with floors.    Try it without then with maybe.  

You can make a platform from covered bricks or something similar for very little.   I use Auralex subdude platforms under my Walsh 2s.  They are perfect for those.   Will cost about $100 pair on Amazon.  
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