Analysis Audio Omega Review
- Thread starter Ron Resnick
- Start date
The review was carried in 2011 using a single the D-Premier. IMHO at that time Devialet's were too "grainy" and flat sounding to be used with ribbons. And a single D-Premier was not enough for these speakers - I need two internally configurated bridged stereo D200's (a D400) to drive the SoundLab A1's, of similar efficiency.
Precisely. Just goes to show why not to trust reviewers who don't go about their task well. This review is creating similar noise to the Harman Logan measurements
Hello everyone,
I’m new to this forum and have been following this thread, along with several others on panel speakers, before deciding to purchase a pair of Audio Analysis Omega speakers. It’s refreshing to find a detailed discussion about these speakers, as they don’t get as much attention online. For those unfamiliar, the Omegas were updated with new internal filters and more durable rubber components in recent years.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to experiment with many systems in my listening room, including high-end Dalis, D&D cardioid speakers (along with some homemade designs), Kharma speakers, and large transmission lines. However, the Analysis Audio Omega speakers stand out as the best I’ve ever owned—or listened to.
I’ve also spent time with Apogees, Magnepans, and AMT-based speakers, which I’ve particularly enjoyed. Cardioid systems also impressed me with their controlled dispersion characteristics. In general, I’ve found that speakers with controlled directivity deliver the best performance, and proper room acoustics play a crucial role in achieving great sound.
That said, I’m not particularly fond of the sound of horns or Tannoy’s dual-concentric design. While some of these systems can be excellent, they’ve never felt quite perfect to me. The same goes for most conventional “normal” speakers, whether closed-box or bass-reflex designs. Over the years, I estimate I’ve listened to over 80-100 setups across all price ranges: some very exotic!
The Omegas, paired with two JL-E112 subwoofers, BACCH binaural software, and a NAD M33 amplifier, form one of the most impressive audio systems I’ve experienced in a typical listening room.
To optimize my setup, I use REW to fine-tune the system and identify the best PEQ settings for Roon DSP. The result? Whether I’m enjoying classical, jazz, pop, or dark ambient, the listening experience is an absolute pleasure. The sound is smooth, detailed, natural, and incredibly three-dimensional—like being enveloped in a bubble of sound.
I personally prefer a strong, focused soundstage rather than the diffuse “wall of sound” effect often associated with dipole speakers like Magnepans. To achieve this, I’ve placed large bass absorbers (170x40cm) 10 cm behind the speakers to cancel the backwave. This adjustment has resulted in an incredibly pinpointed soundstage, something I didn’t realize was possible with dipole speakers until someone suggested it to me.
The speakers are positioned in a listening triangle, with roughly 3 meters between each point, and the results have been phenomenal. If you ever get the chance to try these speakers, I highly recommend it. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to traditional cone speakers for midrange and high frequencies.
Later this week, I plan to test tube power amplifiers in my system. I’m curious to see if they can enhance the already airy quality of these large ribbons.
I’m new to this forum and have been following this thread, along with several others on panel speakers, before deciding to purchase a pair of Audio Analysis Omega speakers. It’s refreshing to find a detailed discussion about these speakers, as they don’t get as much attention online. For those unfamiliar, the Omegas were updated with new internal filters and more durable rubber components in recent years.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to experiment with many systems in my listening room, including high-end Dalis, D&D cardioid speakers (along with some homemade designs), Kharma speakers, and large transmission lines. However, the Analysis Audio Omega speakers stand out as the best I’ve ever owned—or listened to.
I’ve also spent time with Apogees, Magnepans, and AMT-based speakers, which I’ve particularly enjoyed. Cardioid systems also impressed me with their controlled dispersion characteristics. In general, I’ve found that speakers with controlled directivity deliver the best performance, and proper room acoustics play a crucial role in achieving great sound.
That said, I’m not particularly fond of the sound of horns or Tannoy’s dual-concentric design. While some of these systems can be excellent, they’ve never felt quite perfect to me. The same goes for most conventional “normal” speakers, whether closed-box or bass-reflex designs. Over the years, I estimate I’ve listened to over 80-100 setups across all price ranges: some very exotic!
The Omegas, paired with two JL-E112 subwoofers, BACCH binaural software, and a NAD M33 amplifier, form one of the most impressive audio systems I’ve experienced in a typical listening room.
To optimize my setup, I use REW to fine-tune the system and identify the best PEQ settings for Roon DSP. The result? Whether I’m enjoying classical, jazz, pop, or dark ambient, the listening experience is an absolute pleasure. The sound is smooth, detailed, natural, and incredibly three-dimensional—like being enveloped in a bubble of sound.
I personally prefer a strong, focused soundstage rather than the diffuse “wall of sound” effect often associated with dipole speakers like Magnepans. To achieve this, I’ve placed large bass absorbers (170x40cm) 10 cm behind the speakers to cancel the backwave. This adjustment has resulted in an incredibly pinpointed soundstage, something I didn’t realize was possible with dipole speakers until someone suggested it to me.
The speakers are positioned in a listening triangle, with roughly 3 meters between each point, and the results have been phenomenal. If you ever get the chance to try these speakers, I highly recommend it. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to traditional cone speakers for midrange and high frequencies.
Later this week, I plan to test tube power amplifiers in my system. I’m curious to see if they can enhance the already airy quality of these large ribbons.
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Congrats! I have been enjoying following the threads on various panels. Would love to hear more about your Omegas. Siam and resolution are the ones I am most intrigued by. Other than Apogee slam, many panels have historically struggled with bass slam until the more recent generation…and even then I hear some detractors from time to time. Will you be considering cone bass for sub 30hz? I see many even with big horns now doing this.
Thanks
The Omega speakers reveal details with greater ease and naturalness than I’ve ever heard before in my room. I know it’s a cliché. So just give them a try. Wherever you are.. Make sure it's silent, be alone.. Put on the music you love. You do not need "audiophile" music for this.. And just listen. That's all
Some years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to the Wilson Alexandria speakers. The sound was truly extraordinary—easily the closest I’ve ever come to experiencing the intimate reproduction of a live performance by a female singer accompanied by a guitar. However, those speakers are simply far too large for my room.
You’re absolutely right: the latest generation of full-range speakers, like the Dyptiques 160 MkII and the Analysis Amphitryon, offer impressive full range performance.
However, they still don’t surpass two JL-E112 subwoofers. I’ve set the crossover point at 100 Hz.
The Omega speakers reveal details with greater ease and naturalness than I’ve ever heard before in my room. I know it’s a cliché. So just give them a try. Wherever you are.. Make sure it's silent, be alone.. Put on the music you love. You do not need "audiophile" music for this.. And just listen. That's all
Some years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to the Wilson Alexandria speakers. The sound was truly extraordinary—easily the closest I’ve ever come to experiencing the intimate reproduction of a live performance by a female singer accompanied by a guitar. However, those speakers are simply far too large for my room.
You’re absolutely right: the latest generation of full-range speakers, like the Dyptiques 160 MkII and the Analysis Amphitryon, offer impressive full range performance.
However, they still don’t surpass two JL-E112 subwoofers. I’ve set the crossover point at 100 Hz.
Welcome to WBF, doorofnight!
(Your screen name sounds like the title of an M. Night Shyamalan movie.)
Thanks for chronicling your panel speaker journey for us.
I heard the Omegas outside of London with NAT Transmitters (I think), and I like them a lot! Congratulations!
I'm a big fan of tubes on dipole panels! Enjoy that audition process!
(Your screen name sounds like the title of an M. Night Shyamalan movie.)
Thanks for chronicling your panel speaker journey for us.
I heard the Omegas outside of London with NAT Transmitters (I think), and I like them a lot! Congratulations!
I'm a big fan of tubes on dipole panels! Enjoy that audition process!
Thank you! When I said I’ve been following posts about the Omegas, I was mostly referring to your contributions.
NAT: Even if I could, I wouldn’t spend that much money on amplifiers
I'd appreciate advise on more affordable tube-amplifiers.I tend to stay quiet since I’m more of a reader than a poster. By the way, ‘The Door of Night’ is from Tolkien—it’s been my screen name for ages!
For anyone curious, here’s a link: The Door of Night - Tolkien Wiki.
Can you post a few pictures.... would like to see the back wave cancellation devices you used.
Thanks....
Fantastic. Thank you. Very good to know about JL subs. I enjoy learning from people who take great pains to set up great systems.Thanks
The Omega speakers reveal details with greater ease and naturalness than I’ve ever heard before in my room. I know it’s a cliché. So just give them a try. Wherever you are.. Make sure it's silent, be alone.. Put on the music you love. You do not need "audiophile" music for this.. And just listen. That's all
Some years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to the Wilson Alexandria speakers. The sound was truly extraordinary—easily the closest I’ve ever come to experiencing the intimate reproduction of a live performance by a female singer accompanied by a guitar. However, those speakers are simply far too large for my room.
You’re absolutely right: the latest generation of full-range speakers, like the Dyptiques 160 MkII and the Analysis Amphitryon, offer impressive full range performance.
However, they still don’t surpass two JL-E112 subwoofers. I’ve set the crossover point at 100 Hz.
As for tube amps, I think the CJ amps are incredible good value for money…owned CJ myself for over 20 years and never had any repairs done. Not one. And beautiful sound.
Of course! Thank you for asking.
Each "device" consists of two frames, both filled with rockwool. The frames need to be close enough to minimize sound leakage to the back and sides, yet spaced far enough apart to allow the speaker to function as a dipole and achieve controlled directivity. With the height of the speakers (at least 170 cm) and the BACCH4Mac binaural software, my goal was to create a 3D soundstage that is precise, detailed, and free from coloration. And I have always loved the sound of ribbons.
The absorbers are a bit of a downside to the project. They’re large—not particularly ugly—but the design would definitely look cleaner without them. The lengths audiophiles go to for the perfect sound!
One reason I’m sharing this information is that I know others are looking for the same solution I was. However, finding clear, concrete guidance can be challenging. I also had help and had to do some research along the way. But I feel this system should be on a "whats best forum" ;-)
I put considerable thought into the choice of fabrics. The most transparent fabric is used at the front:
61078 - Gabriel Atlantic Screen, the same material used by Lyngdorf Audio in some of their models.
The most visible fabric is 61179 - Gabriel Tonal, which is also highly transparent.
