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Ownership and Review of a pair of Ohm Super Sound Cylinder

Greetings all - I recently ordered a pair of Ohm Super Sound Cylinder speakers, or SSC-4900's. They are in the middle of the Ohm Walsh lineup, and are about 38 inches tall and the cylinder cabinets about 12.5 inches in diameter.

Specs are listed at 88 dB for a 2.8 V input, and a response curve of +/- 3 dB from 25 to 20,000 Hz. 

This whole process is part of a "high end, high value, USA made two channel system" thread I started a couple of months ago on another forum. The electronics are the PS Audio Stellar Gain Pre-amp/DAC and a pair of PS Audio M700 mono amps.

The PS Audio equipment has already elevated the Axiom M100's and Martin Logan Electro Motion ESL speakers in terms of performance. The Axioms have a "twin" available in Brick and Mortar outlets from Bryston called the A1's. 

For reference, other speakers which we have or still have in house include: Klipsch LaScala II's, Legacy Signature SE's, Infinity IRS Sigmas, Ascend Sierras, PSB Strata Goldi, VMPS Super Towers and a host of other speakers. 

The Ohm Walsh speakers have been something about which I have read since 1977 (the year I got the audio bug), but have never had the chance to experience. The SSC-4900's sell for $4900 per pair, though the name and pricing are coincidental. The "4900" is due to the idea that the speakers are "almost a 5000", but with less controls - one switch vs. 4 for the 5000, but also a lower price.

John Strohbeen, who is he president at Ohm and who has been with them for almost 40 years, was gracious enough to spend an hour talking on the phone about our room, the associated gear, and also that there would be a review thread. It was after this discussion that we decided on the SSC-4900's. 

I am purchasing the speakers, not getting a review pair. They are under the 120 day return policy. John is well aware that my daughter sings opera, my son is adept at classical guitar, and that live music is the reference. He was actually quite pleased about this. 

This will be fun (at least for me), and hopefully informative. Comments are welcome. 

I honestly have no idea what to expect from the Walsh sound. They are so different from other speaker designs that the only thing to do is set them up properly and hear what happens! 
craigsub
bondmanp
1,465 posts
 

@audionoobie - I will tell you, but I will also tell you that things aren't good right now, and I don't know why.  I have an Odyssey Audio Stratos HT3 (3 channels), which failed last September.  I sent it in for a repair and upgrade to full Kismet internals.  The amp seems fine, but it no loger plays well with my Vandersteen subwoofers.  I am working with a local dealer on resolving this issue, but it has baffled everyone who I have explained it to.  But prior to the amp failure, I was in hog heaven and listened to music every chance I got. 


My cables are simple Kimber 4PR, which I have always liked, but would eventually like to upgrade.


I am sure Ohm will offer you a demo at their factory.  I know they have a listening room there, although I have never been.  Just call to arrange it (Ohm is better at replying to phone calls than emails).

snapsc
148 posts
 
I have no doubt that loudspeaker designers (think Eric Alexander, Sean Casey, Clayton Shaw, Paul Barton, John Strohbeen...and many others) are designing products that to their ears, sound like music with the goal to be as musically engaging as possible.  As a listener, I may conclude that John's interpretation is more to my liking whereas you may prefer Clayton.

No doubt there is no substitute for having the loudspeakers in your room hooked up to your equipment in order to make the best evaluation...and almost all manufacturers make that possible for the price of return shipping (if you are not happy).

Reviews and owner comments help a person decide whether go down the "home trial mode" or not...but often reviews and comments don't answer the comments a person might have based on their own experiences and concerns....For Example:

The few "official" reviews out there would make it seem as if the Ohms are position sensitive (as in they need to be close to the rear wall) and power hungry (as in they need hundreds of watts) in order to sound good.

I think it would be helpful if anyone who own a pair of ohms would comment on their experiences with location...close to walls vs 3' out (for example), 6' apart vs 9' apart (for example), 100 watts vs 300 watts (for example), high quality electronics vs entry end electronics (for example)....in other words, the more people can share, the more it will help those trying to decide on whether to move ahead with a home trial.
enginedr1960
130 posts
 
I use a pair of 2.000 satellite speakers that sit on REL Q201e subs they are 2 feet from the back wall and 6 feet 4 inches apart . The Ohms are powered by a pair of VTL 100 mono blocks running 2 KT120 Tubes that have a high pass filter 50 Hz . They make 75 watts . There is two more subs in the room distributed bass . All I can say I am bathed in great full range sound . There are very few systems that I have heard that move me like my own . Except one that was Jim Smiths the author of Get Better Sound book . After that visit and some room treatment additions I am moved every time I play music .Ohm speakers Highly recommended .   
bondmanp
1,465 posts
 
@snapsc - If you look at my review for the 2000s in the reviews section here at Audiogon, I addressed most of your questions. I don’t have a lot of options for positioning my 2000s in my room, so they are where they are. That is about 2.5 to 3 feet away from the side and front walls, and only about 5.5 feet apart. Also, my cieling is only 6 feet high (a basement), which I am sure is not ideal. I can’t really speak to the power requirement issue, as I usually run them with powered subwoofers so that the Ohms roll off, first order, beginning at 80Hz.
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
Have larger Ohm 5s with 12" driver and smaller 100s with 8" driver.

Positioning considerations are similar to most modern speakers that image well. You always want drivers a couple feet away from wall to avoid early reflections for best results. Optimal location from there will vary room by room, case by case.

I’ve used my 100’s with as little as 1 foot from walls to good effect, though perhaps not optimal in regards to detail and imaging.

I’ve had amps as little as 20 w/ch deliver very good results but the OHMs love power and current and will generally reward that if ultimate dynamics and very high SPLs matter to the user.

They are also very transparent. Most any change in the system might be heard. That may include power cords, interconnect wires, source device, pre-amp and amp.

If bass obscuring the midrange is an issue, that is often due to floor interactions. Set the OHMs on an isolation pad or stand of some sort, much like one would do with a subwoofer.


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