Posted by Jim Holtz [ 67.0.100.98 ] on July 10, 2004 at 23:53:29:

In Reply to: Re: Anyone interested in reading a Selah Audio Omegarray review? posted by FredT300B on July 10, 2004 at 20:51:22:

I’ve been listening to my new line arrays for some time now and thought it was time to share some listening impressions. The Omegarray is Rick’s latest creation in his new “Next Level” series of speakers. It consists of (10) Aurium cantus AC-130 MKII 5” drivers and (8) Fountek JP-2 ribbons per cabinet. I also built in a Stryke AV-12 (TC Sounds) 12" sub powered by a PE 500 watt plate amp in each cabinet to fill in the bottom end.

I use these for both music and home theater so anything less than full range dynamic speakers just won’t do. My goal has been to have a pair of reference speakers that accurately reproduce a live performance as I perceive it. Here’s what I think of them…

Imaging: Any evaluation of a line array has to start with imaging. I expected a walk around image but I didn’t expect it to be so 3 dimensional. The Omegarrays create a “you are there, reach out and touch them” type image that is deep and layered. The separation of vocals and performers is amazing. The Omegarrays simply disappear and let the music come through as it was intended. Very realistic!

Detail & Dynamics: 10 low distortion drivers doing the work of one, creates spectacular dynamics and detail. The AC130’s have a Kevlar/Carbon Fiber composite cone and are very detailed without being analytical while remaining extremely smooth and musical! The JP-2’s are airy, detailed and very extended. The sound of triangles float in front of you and cymbals shimmer just the right amount. Beautiful!

Vocals: The Omegarrays have the most realistic presentation of vocals that I’ve ever heard in a speaker. When you close your eyes while listening to a good recording, you’re transported to the original presentation. I’ve heard really, really good speakers in this regard but the Omegarrays are truly the next level.

Home Theater: I had concerns about integrating a line array with a point source center channel and surrounds. I had nothing to worry about. They integrate better than point source mains. The superb imaging of an array makes surround sound even better and the Omegarrays simply disappear. Very, very nice!

Miscellaneous thoughts: The Omegarrays have 97+ db sensitivity and will play at outrageous volumes effortlessly. A 10 watt amp could easily hit THX volume levels. There just isn’t any compression to the music when you crank the volume. Also, the clarity is superb at all volume levels. The sound is uncanny in it’s realism.

Summary: I have finally found reference speakers that take me to the performance from my listening room. I’ll have these for a very, very long time. Rick told me that omega meant the end in Greek. Now I see why he named these speakers the Omegarrays. They are the end of my search for audio nirvana. I highly recommend them. If anyone is near the Midwest and would like to hear the Omegarrays, send me an email and I’ll arrange a listening session.

Jim

• Omegarray!

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