Musical Fidelity.
Options for integrateds for Ohm Walsh Tall 2000s?
Hi, all - back in the pairing game and would love to get some free advice from the experts on the 'Gon. As we've entered our 'empty nest' stage, I've been able to spend more time pursuing my love of music -all types, from chamber music to classic jazz (female vocalists, Bill Evans, Ben Webster, Charlie Haden..) to acoustic to 70s Laurel Canyon to chamber pop, basically anything with melody. That, and the fact that I don't just sit and listen with my head in a vise, led me to a used pair of Ohm MicroWalshTalls. To me, they made music, not just sparkle, and were a good fit for our odd listening space where we moved around and lived - open floor plan, 15x22x9 space for living/dining/kitchen - even while driven by a Marantz PM8004 with only 70/100W for power. Redbook CD sounded great after 20 years with children and a lot of 'life' and noise at home.
Not content to leave well enough alone, my inner audiophile started to emerge. During the pandemic I listened more closely. I started streaming hi-res with the Bluesound Node 2i. I realized that the MWTs couldn't fully fill the space, though they still sounded great with jazz and vocalists. I started a conversation with Evan at Ohm Acoustics, like many of you have done. He was great. We talked about next steps, I sent him our floor plan, he helped me persuade my better half to approve upgrading to a Walsh Tall 2000 (couldn't get her to go for the 3000).
So while our 2000s are being built, I need to figure out the replacement for the PM8004. I've read all of the threads here, many on other forums, and I get what I've read but I'm still parsing all the info. I have a standmount system in my study that satisfies my detail/accuracy listening needs, so I realize that this 'living space' system can remain musical and less technical and detailed. I want music, not pristine sound. My budget is limited - my better half supports my 'hobby' but wants to keep food on the table. My budget is $800-$1500. Lower is better. I don't need a great phono preamp. I don't need a DAC or streamer, I have the Bluesound and like it. I want some more watts, high current and good damping, and balanced sound. I think these needs and wants translate into an integrated, gently used. I've had great luck with used and I don't have access to audition locally or nearby.
I've done a lot of on-line shopping and research. Yes, I've subscribed to Zero Fidelity. I've considered the following, which have recently appeared in my price range:
Class AB:
Yamaha A-S1000, 2000,1100. Was minutes late for a 2000 on Agon. Have looked at an A-S701, not convinced.
Marantz PM 14 or 15 series, not sure there's enough watts there. PM 11 is a physical monster,
Anthem 225.
Parasound Halo integrated. Lots of stuff I don't need.
Belles Soloist 1. Missed that one by an hour or two.
I have a history and some fondness for NAD - my current c356BEE replaced a c326BEE, but not sure about the c375, c388, or M3.
I'm a little nervous about Class D, but:
Rogue Sphinx.
Wyred4Sound STI 500.
What am I missing? The watts of the W4S are appealing, but I really want a little warmth and musicality. Will the 2000 provide that with Class D? I would really appreciate the collective wisdom of those out there who have some experience with Ohms and pairings. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Not content to leave well enough alone, my inner audiophile started to emerge. During the pandemic I listened more closely. I started streaming hi-res with the Bluesound Node 2i. I realized that the MWTs couldn't fully fill the space, though they still sounded great with jazz and vocalists. I started a conversation with Evan at Ohm Acoustics, like many of you have done. He was great. We talked about next steps, I sent him our floor plan, he helped me persuade my better half to approve upgrading to a Walsh Tall 2000 (couldn't get her to go for the 3000).
So while our 2000s are being built, I need to figure out the replacement for the PM8004. I've read all of the threads here, many on other forums, and I get what I've read but I'm still parsing all the info. I have a standmount system in my study that satisfies my detail/accuracy listening needs, so I realize that this 'living space' system can remain musical and less technical and detailed. I want music, not pristine sound. My budget is limited - my better half supports my 'hobby' but wants to keep food on the table. My budget is $800-$1500. Lower is better. I don't need a great phono preamp. I don't need a DAC or streamer, I have the Bluesound and like it. I want some more watts, high current and good damping, and balanced sound. I think these needs and wants translate into an integrated, gently used. I've had great luck with used and I don't have access to audition locally or nearby.
I've done a lot of on-line shopping and research. Yes, I've subscribed to Zero Fidelity. I've considered the following, which have recently appeared in my price range:
Class AB:
Yamaha A-S1000, 2000,1100. Was minutes late for a 2000 on Agon. Have looked at an A-S701, not convinced.
Marantz PM 14 or 15 series, not sure there's enough watts there. PM 11 is a physical monster,
Anthem 225.
Parasound Halo integrated. Lots of stuff I don't need.
Belles Soloist 1. Missed that one by an hour or two.
I have a history and some fondness for NAD - my current c356BEE replaced a c326BEE, but not sure about the c375, c388, or M3.
I'm a little nervous about Class D, but:
Rogue Sphinx.
Wyred4Sound STI 500.
What am I missing? The watts of the W4S are appealing, but I really want a little warmth and musicality. Will the 2000 provide that with Class D? I would really appreciate the collective wisdom of those out there who have some experience with Ohms and pairings. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!