I have already ordered a fully optioned SE34I.35 integrated from Steve. Based on my position on the build list, I expect it should be done some time in March 2013. This is for nearfield desktop use (3-4 ft). My musical listening tastes are: classical (all types); movie soundtracks; popular music; Jazz; and a little rock (Pink Floyd type).

I'm currently listening to my vintage Fisher X202B, bought new a very, very long time ago and rebuilt last year, and Allison Six's (Le Cubes / 87db). The combo sounds very good and I usually have the attenuator set between 9 and 10 o'clock for pretty much all my music, except some very low level recorded classical CDs which might need an 11 or 12 o'clock setting. According to my Radio Shack sound meter (C weighted), average peaks run about 80-85 db.

I've settled on Louis Chochos Omega/Hoyt-Bedford line of speakers for the "Rachael" amp. I want a single full range speaker setup this time around (and hopefully the last time around). Steve checked out the website and advised that any of the new Model 3 speakers ("T" and "E" both 94db sensitivity) should work well.

My quandry is which speaker would yield the best results (money is not the big issue). I've narrowed things down to the Hoyt-Bedford 1.5 monitor (8" fibre cone/ 97db), the Omega Super 6 Monitor (6.5" ALNICO hemp cone / 93db) and the Omega 3E (4.5" fibre cone / 94db). I have not heard any of these speakers, so I'm buying blind. But, Louis is such a nice guy, that he has offered me an extended listening evaluation period since I will be buying his speakers before I actually have the "Rachel" on hand.

From what I have read so far, they will all sound great, but I'm slightly hung up on efficiency given the small 5.8w "Rachael". Since classical music and soundtracks can reach peaks upwards of close to 110 db it seem that the Hoyt-Bedford 1.5 monitor (97db) would be the way to go, but I'm drawn to the Omega Super 6 Monitor (93db). These speakers all present easy 8 ohm loads from what I am told and have read. If my calculations are correct that means the Hoyt-Bedford 1.5 can reach about 108db with the "Rachael" with both speakers playing, whereas the Omega Super 6 monitor will reach about 105db with 2 speakers. I'm only concerned about the peaks here, since, any of these speakers will be fine for my average listening levels which are in the 70-80 db range. Of course, any comments about the overall sound of each speaker would also be appreciated.

For those who either own or have heard these 3 newer speakers, I'd sure like to know what you think.

Thanks and a Happy New Year to all.

Dunno about Omega speakers, but I can say my SE34I drives my MarkAudio Alpair 10.2's to uncomfortably loud levels in my 13 x 24 room, louder than I'd ever listen. YMMV, of course.
These with a tested eff. of 87db/W/M !
You need not worry , especially in the nearfield. Any of those mentioned drivers will be sufficient to cause significant hearing loss!
As to the sound suiting your taste(s), you'll have to let us know!
I once owned the same Fisher unit, It likely still sounds pretty good.
Don

I also wanted to point out that of the three speakers you mention the 3E's also have the smallest drivers which will most likely provide the best soundstaging in a nearfield listening environment

Have you ever considered a DECWARE speaker for this application?

Hi Rizlaw..I guess what I was trying to point out in an ineloquent way is that it is my understanding that whizzer cones are an engineering solution for increasing bandwidth and dispersion from a single driver.. From a regular listening perspective, this can provide a very positive listening experience...   but from a nearfield perspective the presentation could be disjointed... Unfortunately most reviews that you will come by are not done from a nearfield point of view, so even if they are positive they may not be the right choice in your application... I agree that the 4.5 inch drivers may not provide the scale you are looking for... If you have your heart set on the Omegas, I would talk to Louis and get his recommendation....  perhaps he could even provide a custom solution to specifically meet your needs...