kevin5brown

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $1650.00 from SF dealer

Summary:
Omnipolar dispersion which most people like once they've given it a chance. (Some people are adverse to omni/bipolar speakers just based on theory alone, without having ever heard them. A big mistake IMO.) Imaging that rivals the best direct radiators, but with a more encompassing soundstage due to the rear drivers. Can take some work to setup correctly. (I have mine 18" out from the front wall.) - 3dB point is 30 Hz, so has ample low end extension, especially if you add a sub (necessary for HT anyway IMO). But I do run SACD and DVD-A full range, and have absolutely no complaints. Build quality is immaculate. Very nice looking speakers. I also have an OM-C2 and 4 Omni 60s for a 7.1 system. (SVS PB12-Ultra/2 sub) The best setup I've ever owned. I did slightly prefer Vandersteen 2CE Signatures up front, but the complete Vandersteen 7.1 system I had previously, had more faults for HT than the faults the OM-7s exhibit for 2 channel stereo. If that makes sense. :-) For those that don't know, the OM-7s are exactly the same as the much more expensive OM-5s, except for the deeper low end extension for the 5s. (Exactly same tweeters and mids.) Save some money, get the 7s, and put the difference towards a dedicated sub that can be positioned more optimally in the room for low freq output.

Strengths:
Soundstage Accuracy Low freq extension

Weaknesses:
Can be more difficult to place than direct radiators. Here's how I think about it though: it's easier to get good sound out of bi/omnipolar speakers than monopoles, but it more difficult to get great sound. Omnipolars don't suffer as much closer to room boundaries than direct radiators.

Similar Products Used:
Vandersteen 2 CE Signatures Definitive Technology BP-30s Paradigm Ref Studio 20s

crisisflower

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Price Paid:  $1100.00 from Tweeter

Summary:
i bought the OM-7 pair as an open box/clearance. They are hooked up to a Yamaha 600CX-U Preamp and Yamaha 600CX-U Amp. I cant say enough about how amazing these speakers sound, you just have to hear them. They are unique sounding due to their unusual omnipolar design so they have a very laidback sound, very musical sounding, especially for jazz. Unlike more directional speakers where it is important to be in the sweetspot, with these you can really be anywhere in room so it is great for a room full of people or a party for casual listening. Im not even going to try to compare them to Klipsch, Infinity, Bose, or any other mass market speakers, these are in another world. listen to frank sinatra if you test these and turn it up real loud, it will blow your mind.

Strengths:
great for casual listening, or a room with bad acoustics, very easy to drive, they look cool too, midrange is incredibly good, vocals sound breathtaking, tweeter is also incredible

Weaknesses:
bass might be the only thing that isnt amazing, its good but probably just on par for $2000 speakers. power is good but definition might be lacking a little. but this is really nitpicking.

Price Paid:  $1650.00

Summary:
Okay, I have had these speakers for a little more than a year. They provide great dynamic separation in both stereo and movie modes. The Omnipolar effect in stereo makes me wonder if I sometimes have my rears enabled. I initially had these beauties connected to a Yamaha RX-V3200 receiver, but then I went to separates and now these babies really sing. I highly recommend these speakers, however since they are Omnipolar and not direct-firing it is indeed an acquired taste. You will also need enough room for speaker placement for optimal Omnipolar effect. Your mileage may vary.

Strengths:
Dynamic Range Well constructed Stereo imaging

Weaknesses:
Speaker placement Needs power to drive them efficiently (separates). Wife claims that I always downstairs Wish I could have gotten them for $150.00 Speaker placement

Similar Products Used:
Infinity RS-8's Def Techs B&W's

Price Paid:  $150.00 from Pawn Shop

Summary:
Really What is an audiophile???? This speaker rocks my world! ACDC rocks!! They sound very loud in my house. Like they are there.

Strengths:
Big, Heavy, Expensive. Makes me look like I have lots of money.

Weaknesses:
ACDC

Similar Products Used:
Radioshack! Sony.

Price Paid:  $1999.00 from Tweeter

Summary:
Looked at variety of speaker systems from $1500 up to $5500, and the OM-7's made my decision easy. I have not heard anything using dynamic drivers as smooth, clear and transparent as OM-7's. To say these speakers are "musical" is an understatement. I've been an electrostatic fan for years, but the OM-7's have won me over. Never been happier with a audio purchase. In fact, I find these speakers are very close to the sound of my Stax Lambda Pro electrostatic headphones, except with a truly tactile bass output. Some might consider the OM-7's to be "laid back" with a warm midrange but everyone's hearing is different. A tube amp may not be ideal with these speakers. For me, the speakers have great balance and accurate reproduction with the other components I use, and in my listening room (24 ft x 26 ft). Your mileage may vary.

Strengths:
--Clarity, musicality, linearity, dynamic range; absolutely non-fatiguing; hi-quality binding posts and cabinetry is first rate (cherry model)

Weaknesses:
Placement can be tricky, but nothing like dipole ribbon speakers. Definitely use the spikes. Mirage recommends at least 3 feet from back wall; I find two feet fine, but it lessens bass output.

Similar Products Used:
OM-7's hooked to Carver 1.0mT amp, Carver C-1 preamp. Source is either Sony 222ES SACD disc player or Sansui T9900 tuner. Cables are AudioQuest Type 4 with Kimber interconnects.