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Posted By: poolandspadude Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/13/05 09:53 PM
Has anybody ever auditioned the Ohm Walsh mini speakers? They have a "breaking in" period and they claim to have 3D imaging and very accurate sound. Any advice? Their speakers seem to be rather inefficient 87db vs Axiom's 92db(excuse me if I got my figures incorrect!) They claim that dollar for dollar they will beat anybody's speakers. I'm thinking of buying an Epic 80 home theater system with an EP500 sub.I could also purchase a complete Ohm system with satellite speakers and sub for approx. the same or less money. I've never have heard a bad thing about Axiom speakers but I've only read 1 review of Ohm's Micro Walsh series. Any comments would be very appreciated!!
Posted By: Ajax Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/13/05 10:24 PM
Welcome. I'm sorry, I'll be no help. I've never heard of the Ohm speakers. I just wanted to let you know that should you not get any responses, it will be for that reason, and NOT because you're being ignored.
Posted By: 2x6spds Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/13/05 10:29 PM
I haven't heard their micro speakers, but I have listened to their big Ohm towers. Their towers are a tough load for an amp but are incredible world-class speakers.
Posted By: tomtuttle Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/13/05 10:31 PM
Hi Rene, welcome.

I also do not have listening experience with the Ohms, but they have been highly regarded by audiophiles for many years.

How big is your room? What other equipment do you have or plan to acquire? Are you anticipating a 5.1 system?

Have you auditioned any speakers that you particularly liked? Your satisfaction is directly related to your ears, your preferences and your room.

Beyond observing that the Ohms may be difficult to drive at higher volumes without a robust amplifier (6 ohm load, low efficiency), I'm afraid I can only help with Axiom questions.

The Axiom surrounds are great, btw. And the EP500 is state-of-the-art technology. I'm thrilled with the performance and the value of my Axioms.
Posted By: snippy Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 03:50 AM
Did you mean the Walsh Micro's?



I have to say, they are one ugly speaker. I am guessing there is a reason everyone on the net talks about Axiom, Rocket, Ascend, SVS, and HSU but not Ohm. But that is just my opinion, try them out.
Posted By: bray Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 05:44 AM
I just hope their photography doesnt represent the sound of their speakers.
Posted By: 2x6spds Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 06:38 AM
Yeah, those low class, ugly Walsh Ohm speakers, must sound as bad as they look ...


Posted By: pmbuko Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 08:47 AM
Oooh. Check out the doorknob!
Everybody should learn how to crop -- the world would be a better place.
Posted By: LT61 Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 01:42 PM
2x6spds,

HA!..thats funny...........good one.

LT
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 01:58 PM
Hey Rene:

I have to echo what Tom (TomTuttle) said.

When I was a kid twenty-odd years ago, Ohms were outstanding (though expensive) speakers. For awhile the Ohm I (eye) was my dream speaker. Tom's also right that they have a reputation for not being easy to drive. In many cases, that means a real-world, possible expenditure in amplifiers. Ohm really hasn't been on the radar much in the last ten or 15 years. That's not to say their quality has declined, it just means that there's not nearly as much opportunity to hear some opinions on them.

I'm not exactly sure how I stumbled across the Axiom name and this site, but I'm sure glad I have. I'm extremely pleased with my Axiom speakers and this little community here. If you stick around, you'll hear lots of accolades. We're not blowing smoke or on commission; we just really like our speakers. Likewise, you'll find that we're quick to be open minded about other brands if they better fit someone's needs.

I see that you're not too far away from me geographically and age-wise. I'm just barely wrapping up my HT upgrade and haven't as yet notified Amie to put my name on the board for people willing to give an audition of my Axioms, but if you'd like one, drop me a personal message! Because Axioms are sold internet-only, some owners are willing to give a demo in their homes. Bring some of your favorite discs.

I also see that you're into photography; that was my full-time profession for twenty-five years though it's been eclipsed by video production in recent years.

Lastly, I see that you are new to these boards. There's lots of friendly banter here... just a bunch of guys having a beer discussing stereo and home theater stuff. It's a great crowd. Welcome!

Posted By: Ajax Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 02:28 PM
2x6, Brady is a professional photographer. I believe it's safe to assume that his comment was directed toward the quality of the photo, not the beauty of the speaker.

Well, so much for my concern that you'd get no replies. DOH! LOL!
Posted By: bridgman Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 03:27 PM
You have to admit, though, the big towers look great but the micros do look a bit odd.
Posted By: alan Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 03:39 PM
Hi poolandspa,

I've not heard the Ohm Micro, but the company has an interesting history. Some 35 years ago, Ohm, which began as a house brand, produced a costly speaker (the Ohm F) using the Walsh driver, which claimed to radiate a coherent 360-degree wavefront. At the time, it was impressive and vastly superior to things like the Bose 901. The Ohm F produced a flattering almost omnidirectional soundfield from a 2-channel source. It lacked directional precision but made up for that with its enveloping soundfield, rather like what you'd experience from some of the better Mirage Bipolar and Omnipolar models. In later years, Ohm dropped the Walsh driver and substituted several angled tweeters facing upwards combined with a conventional woofer.
Some of those speakers were quite good, although I don't recommend omnidirectional speakers for front channels in a multichannel home theater music system. Movie soundtracks and multichannel music discs are mixed with direct-radiating front speakers to achieve precise imaging. If you plan to listen only in stereo, the Ohm may be quite satisfying, in the same way that Mirage Bipolar fronts can yield a more expansive soundstage. But you do sacrifice precise imaging--that's the trade-off. And vocals and solo instruments will often seem to be spread over a broad space between the two speakers.

Regards,
Posted By: spiffnme Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 04:04 PM
Might make for a nice surround speaker though, no?


Posted By: tomtuttle Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 04:16 PM
Wait, wait, wait...

In reply to:

just a bunch of guys having a beer discussing stereo and home theater stuff




So, let me get this straight... You actually drink beer WHILE you're perusing the forums?!?!?! And presumably listening to music ALL AT THE SAME TIME!?!?! That sort of multitasking is simply beyond me. Oh, the possibilities!



Mark, you crack me up almost every day. Thanks for being here.
Posted By: bray Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 04:55 PM
Thanks Jack,
My comment was directed at the photography only.
I know they were just trying to show scale in that photo......but give me a break, my dog could have come up with a better shot.
Posted By: 2x6spds Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 05:22 PM
OK Bray, credit for one 'break' redeemable at a speaker listening party at my place after my current 'task' is done. Probably in about 2-3 weeks.
Posted By: poolandspadude Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 05:43 PM
Alan,
Thanks for the input!! Learning as much as possible is a good thing. Now tell me about Rocket speakers. Never heard of them till I started reading this forum.

Rene
Posted By: bray Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 05:48 PM
2x6
For my "break", how about airline tickets to your house?
I'll be the official party photographer.
Posted By: alan Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 06:05 PM
Rene,

Re the Rockets, I've never heard them so I can't comment. I think Spiff or Curtis has heard them. Try doing a search for Rocket on the boards.

Regards,
Posted By: snippy Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 01/14/05 10:53 PM
I am currently eating lunch, drinking a beer, listening to music, and perusing this forum. If only I could also do the dishes.
Posted By: critofur Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/17/06 04:52 AM
Hey! I took those pictures, those were some of the first ones we made and we had to ship them out the same day so I just set them down outside in front of the factory and had Brian stand next to them for scale. We just wanted to give people an idea of how small they are. I think they look really cool done in all white, put them in a room near a white wall and the WAF can be quite high!

Here are some better? photos:

http://www.ohmspeakers.com/microwalshrosewood.jpg

http://www.ohmspeakers.com/microwalshset.jpg

Posted By: HomeDad Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/17/06 05:10 AM
Wow, busted a year later.
Posted By: richeydog Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/17/06 06:17 AM
What's the deal with the cat?

Posted By: St_PatGuy Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/17/06 06:21 AM
In reply to:

What's the deal with the cat?




The speakers are mass-loaded with kitty litter.
Posted By: pmbuko Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/17/06 01:52 PM
Link brigade to the rescue!

http://www.ohmspeakers.com/microwalshrosewood.jpg

http://www.ohmspeakers.com/microwalshset.jpg
Posted By: Asynchronous Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/17/06 05:53 PM
Yes, I know the thread is a year old, but I thought I'd pass on the following. There is a reviewer named Don Lindich who does a syndicated column (sometimes called "Sound Advice") on audio and digital photography. He used to have a website at donlindich.com but it has been down for a while. You can still google his name and get his weekly columns.

Anyway, Mr. Lindich highly recommends both Axiom and Ohm speakers. Specifically, the M3 & M22 were his highest recommendations for low-priced speakers. A few of his comments can be found here on the Axiom website. He also owned and recommended the Ohm Microwalsh and larger Ohms if you had the $$$. One thing I never read was his opinion on the Axiom towers (M60 & M80). Given his love for the M3 & M22, I'm sure he liked them, but his specific comments would have been interesting. Not sure why his web presence is gone, but his columns are still in the newspaper every week or so.
Posted By: Asynchronous Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/17/06 05:58 PM
Here's a sample link for those that were interested. His website featured the Axioms more prominently than in this article. He's where I first learned about Axioms. If I ever get my basement done, I'll finally own some, too.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04114/305002.stm


Posted By: SirQuack Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/17/06 06:02 PM
Ajax, Tharkun, and Richeydog own Rockets, they can comment. You really need to listen yourself, as everyone hears diffently and has different taste. Check the audition thread for your area.
Posted By: mwc Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/18/06 01:26 PM
Dear Link Brigade (hi Peter!),
When I click the link I get an alert saying that the "connection was refused when attempting to contact www.ohmspeakers.com". Is it my computer or Ohm's website?
Posted By: Spoiler Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/18/06 01:32 PM
Worked for me yesterday... apparently the site is down.

Posted By: Spoiler Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/18/06 03:16 PM
Update... site's back up!


Posted By: poolandspadude Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/23/06 07:44 PM
Instead of buying Axiom or Ohm, I bought a real expensive set on the internet(I'll omit the brand) for a "good" price and they don't even sound half as good as I imagined!! I could kick myself. I didn't even test listen to Ohm or Axiom. I wish I did!! I thought I would save money and now I have $2000+ invested in speakers that didn't save me a dime. I should have listened...... I hope somebody learns from this.
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Axiom vs. Ohm Microwalsh - 03/23/06 08:29 PM
Turn'em right back around on eBay...if it's a brand name you should do well...
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