System edited: More news... For those that may be interested, we will be attending AXPONA Chicago this year in April 24th-26th. We will be in room 626 and look forward to seeing all our friends. Great music to all! Dale

dale_harder February 23, 2015 22:27

System edited: Hello All. Been a long while since we updated our virtual system. We have added Many new speaker products, new pictures of equipment and more complete descriptions including lots of tweaks. Look forward to your comments. Great listening to all Dale

dale_harder February 17, 2015 04:20

Fred,

Thanks for sharing your experience. You have some truly unique modern day technology going for you. Congrats! I hope to be able to actually see and hear a TLS speaker someday as well.

mapman January 22, 2013 17:29

Walsh style TLS-1 speaker by HHR Exotics review 1/21/13

I recently purchased a pair of HHR Exotics Walsh style TLS-1's. Before doing so I spent many months on a quest for the best system I could afford to celebrate my fiftieth year on planet earth. After reading some great reviews on Audiogon and other threads I decided to give Dale at HHR Exotic Speakers a call.
When I first spoke with Dale it was not too hard to come to the conclusion that Dale was very passionate and beyond qualified when it came to all things audio. Dale referred me to a client who purchased a pair of their TLS-1’s and who was also a musician. This was very helpful because I could speak to someone who shared a view point that was similar to my own. After that call, I did what was the unthinkable for me. I purchased a pair of TLS-1’s without hearing them! Mind you I did much reading and learned as much as I could about the Walsh style transmission line driver.

The process took about three months from the time I ordered the speakers from Dale, as their were prior orders ahead of me. We shared many ideas and had many phone conversations over the course of the time Dale was building my speakers. He also provided pictures and info teaching me about the speakers as he built them.
I drove to Ohio to pick them up when they were completed. When I arrived I was welcomed by Dale and his wonderful wife Yin like an old friend. Dale had my speakers set up and ready to go. We sat in his listening room, he fired up his system and off we went. After putting the TLS-1’s though a laundry list of music spanning many decades and styles focusing on content as well as recording techniques I must say I was feeling like the Cheshire Cat.
What the HHR TLS-1’s produce is much more than I could have conceived. The sound stage was more than a wide front facing curtain of sound, it was enveloping me. The amount of uninterrupted overtones produced by a single driver delivering the whole wave over the three different cone materials captured so many nuances in the timbre of all instruments it was mind boggling. I had never heard music produced this way. The sound is so three dimensional it actually becomes addictive, like some ride at Disneyland that stimulates senses you’d forgotten or didn’t know you had.
After spending two great days with Dale I packed my truck with my speakers and headed home. It has been three months and I must say this is turning out to be a never ending honeymoon. I must also mention the fit and finish of the speakers all the way around are impressive.
Dale Harder offers a hand built speaker with old world craftsmanship while incorporating cutting edge upgrades that bring this speaker design to a whole new plateau. At this price point it would seem impossible that you could acquire something of this quality custom built by a master like Dale.
My System:
Speakers- HHR TLS-1
Amps- Carver Cherry 180 mono blocks
Pre- Conrad Johnson PV-12 (tube upgrade)
Processing: Aphex Aural Exciter
CD Player: Jolida DD-100A (with platinum Hotrod upgrades)
Tape: Akai 747 DBX
Tape: Denon DR-M44HX
Turntable: Audio Linear TD 4001
Dale and I still stay in touch and share our passion for music, I am so grateful for such an amazing product and experience.
Dan Donofrio, Connecticut

freddieish January 22, 2013 08:06

Walsh style TLS-1 speaker by HHR Exotics review 1/21/13

I recently purchased a pair of HHR Exotics Walsh style TLS-1's. Before doing so I spent many months on a quest for the best system I could afford to celebrate my fiftieth year on planet earth. After reading some great reviews on Audiogon and other threads I decided to give Dale at HHR Exotic Speakers a call.
When I first spoke with Dale it was not too hard to come to the conclusion that Dale was very passionate and beyond qualified when it came to all things audio. Dale referred me to a client who purchased a pair of their TLS-1’s and who was also a musician. This was very helpful because I could speak to someone who shared a view point that was similar to my own. After that call, I did what was the unthinkable for me. I purchased a pair of TLS-1’s without hearing them! Mind you I did much reading and learned as much as I could about the Walsh style transmission line driver.

The process took about three months from the time I ordered the speakers from Dale, as their were prior orders ahead of me. We shared many ideas and had many phone conversations over the course of the time Dale was building my speakers. He also provided pictures and info teaching me about the speakers as he built them.
I drove to Ohio to pick them up when they were completed. When I arrived I was welcomed by Dale and his wonderful wife Yin like an old friend. Dale had my speakers set up and ready to go. We sat in his listening room, he fired up his system and off we went. After putting the TLS-1’s though a laundry list of music spanning many decades and styles focusing on content as well as recording techniques I must say I was feeling like the Cheshire Cat.
What the HHR TLS-1’s produce is much more than I could have conceived. The sound stage was more than a wide front facing curtain of sound, it was enveloping me. The amount of uninterrupted overtones produced by a single driver delivering the whole wave over the three different cone materials captured so many nuances in the timbre of all instruments it was mind boggling. I had never heard music produced this way. The sound is so three dimensional it actually becomes addictive, like some ride at Disneyland that stimulates senses you’d forgotten or didn’t know you had.
After spending two great days with Dale I packed my truck with my speakers and headed home. It has been three months and I must say this is turning out to be a never ending honeymoon. I must also mention the fit and finish of the speakers all the way around are impressive.
Dale Harder offers a hand built speaker with old world craftsmanship while incorporating cutting edge upgrades that bring this speaker design to a whole new plateau. At this price point it would seem impossible that you could acquire something of this quality custom built by a master like Dale.
My System:
Speakers- HHR TLS-1
Amps- Carver Cherry 180 mono blocks
Pre- Conrad Johnson PV-12 (tube upgrade)
Processing: Aphex Aural Exciter
CD Player: Jolida DD-100A (with platinum Hotrod upgrades)
Tape: Akai 747 DBX
Tape: Denon DR-M44HX
Turntable: Audio Linear TD 4001
Dale and I still stay in touch and share our passion for music, I am so grateful for such an amazing product and experience.
Dan Donofrio, Connecticut

freddieish January 22, 2013 08:02

System edited: Hello All, I have finally made some new updates to our system including the M2 Tech Young DAC and the Q-Sonix Music server. The M2 is very affordable, but very, very good and I highly recomend it. The Q-Sonix server brings a whole new dimension to our system and managing our music library. This thing is just plain fun and a joy to use. In addition I have posted a few more pictures of our newest products for mid 2012. Please enjoy.

dale_harder August 15, 2012 07:23

System edited: New product updates, pictures and additional text.

dale_harder May 02, 2012 16:10

Hi Pete,
No problem. Happy to help.
Dale

dale_harder March 25, 2012 02:19

Hi Dale, nice system! I am curious about your PV-11 mods.
I have a stock unit which I am thinking about modifying.
Would you be kind enough to E-mail at - [email protected]
Would be much appreciated if we could have a quick chat regarding this.
TY

Pete

petieboy12003 March 24, 2012 07:21

Just wanted to say Thank You to "everyone" for a terrific year (2011). We are most gratified that our offerings have been received so well.

I promise a few new products in the new year.

Great listening to all,
Dale Harder
HHR Exotics
www.hhr-exoticspeakers.com

dale_harder December 28, 2011 18:33

I had the pleasure of meeting Dale and his wife and listening to these remarkable speakers. First, you are not going to meet a more interesting person. His experiences and accomplishments sound as though they were accumulated over multiple lifetimes and his knowledge of audio is amazing.

His continued work and improvements on an already great design are evident because the TLS-I speakers are perhaps the best speaker I have ever heard. Now I cannot say that I have listened to every speaker and I'm sure others have listened to many more, but I have been fortunate to listen to Magnepan, Thiel, Wilson, Avalon, DeVore Fidelity, Vandersteen, Swan, Joseph Audio, Usher, B&W, Martin Logan, Salk, Aerial and Anthony Gallo Reference. And I'm sure I forgot a few. I have always enjoyed a large, open sound that goes well beyond the dimensions of the speaker. Also, I have always placed a premium on accuracy of the mid and high frequencies because way too many speakers sound incredibly harsh. Let me say these speakers do very little, if anything wrong. I enjoy a wide range of music and my mother has played the piano for over 40 years and I know what I like and dislike. Of all the speakers I have listened to, this is the first speaker that doesn't beam the music at my head or force me to listen in one specific position that drastically changes with every inch I move. When listening to a piano, it sounds incredibly large and dynamic and for the first time, I was listening to speakers that understood that. This was the first time I have listened to a pair of speakers that I thought I could turn down the lights and kickback with a drink and simply enjoy the music without thinking of swithching speakers, amplifiers, cables, ...; well you get the idea.

For those also in this hobby and for those that spend A LOT more for speakers than the TSL-I's do yourself a favor and contact Dale. We all know you can spend a lot more for speakers and will end up with many of the same problems associated with conventional speakers. And yes, I understand the room plays a big role. But these speakers sounded better in his room with minimal room treatments relative to some other very expensive speakers in highly treated rooms I have been in. Worst case scenario, you'll talk to him for hours and come away just impressed as I did.

These speakers had the best aspects of all the other designs I have heard without the beaming, small critical listening area and they present the music in a lifelike manner. I walked between the speakers and it sounded as though I was on the stage with the artist. Walk into the next room and it sounds as though the artist is in the next room. No matter where you were, the sound did not disappear. Articulation, accuracy, soundstage, air; it was all present. These speakers will let you know the integrity of the recording, as most speakers do at this level. And it's a shame how bad many of the recordings have become. But after talking to Dale, I now have a plan on how I can ensure I'm getting the best possible recordings.

Now I am a critical person and realize there are others out there that are much more knowledgeable than I am, but listening to these speakers brought the actual instruments and artists into the room and more importantly, brought back very fond memories of my mother playing the piano. And that is what it's all about. This was the first time a pair of speakers made me forget about the pair of speakers and simply enjoy the music. Now I have known people to switch equipment pretty frequently. And that's fine because they like equipment, technology and change.
But for me, it's the fact the equipment got out of the way and the artist took center stage. I was not fortunate to hear the original Walsh designs and I think it's a shame more manufacturers have abandoned or disregarded this type of speaker. Just because something is difficult it doesn't mean it should be ignored and I applaud Dale for improving a legend. If you can't tell by now, Dale's speakers are amazing and you owe it to yourself to contact him and listen to his designs.

dfirca March 11, 2011 16:52

Hello All,

Just thought you might enjoy some comments from a "few" of our clients around the holidays of 2010.

These will soon be added to our web page of testimonials.

Thanks to you, we had a very successful year.

Hi Dale:
“Happy holidays and new year to you and Yin.
I've actually begun writing my speaker review. The problem is, that I'd rather listen to them than write about them.”
Regards
Brad Powell 12/26/10

"Merry Christmas Dale...BTW the new TLS-I speakers are awesome. Just as I remember them."
Bill Gonzo 12/24/10

“I've been the proud owner of a set of TLS-1's for almost 3 months now. To be brief They are simply astounding..... the descriptions can be endless. Silky smooth mids and highs, quick, tight, punchy sometimes startling bass. Dale's passion and knowledge of these"instruments" are unrivaled. He is willing to sit and listen to any questions about these speakers you may have for him. You can either go out and listen to a pair of speakers at his home showroom, or you can contact Dale Harder and purchase them direct. Thanks again Dale,...for everything.”

John S. (Ocean County, N.J.) 12/23/10

“I love my Walsh speakers they are by far, the best that I have ever heard in my life and they are not even broken in yet! I am definitely a satisfied customer.”
Hope all is going well for you!
Thanks,
Tony Pierco 10/21/10

As Always, great listening to all.
Dale Harder
HHR Exotics

dale_harder February 01, 2011 07:11

Hi Mapman,
We didn't actually get to exhibit. This was our first visit. The cost is rather high so we are scouting a partnership for the next time.

We and a few others simply did some mental comparrisons.

dale_harder November 01, 2010 10:21

Dale,

I was looking for your gear in the Agon RMAF coverage and couldn't find it. Which room did you exhibit in?

Thanks.

mapman October 31, 2010 16:34

Hello Aaron,

Fortunately, you or anyone else does not need to have previously owned an F or an A to have this style of speaker any longer.

We offer as a service for some of our clients that have old pairs the ability to re-manufacture their speakers and get within 65% of the new TLS series speakers.

We do make brand new Walsh Style Speakers from scratch and these are the full line of our new TLS products. The 12" and the 18" drivers and 2" thick constrained layerd cabinetry.

So, if you are wanting to own a speaker that far outways the original, then please contact us and you can be the proud owner of one of the finest pseakers ever made.

BTW, all...Just got back from the RMAF show, and I am happy to say that our speakers held their own very, very well into the very high dollar systems.

The TLS models can simply outperform most speakers out there.

I will be posting many rave reviews from our clients and more techincal data soon.

I can also say, that currently we do not have any clients that are not more than 100% satisfied and amazed with our products. To those clients I thank you whole heartedly.

We are most priveledged to give the gift of music to those that trust in us.

Good listening to all
Dale Harder

dale_harder October 31, 2010 04:35

Aw Dale, what are you doin' to me! Years ago (early 90s or so) my father gave me his old pair of Ohm F's which I cherished. Then one of the surrounds went. I had it refoamed(?) by a local repairer but I always felt as though the speakers had lost a step from then on. So a couple years later I was looking to upgrade and my friend bought them from me, he absolutely loved them, so I sold them to him as I simply needed the money to upgrade. Of course, that was quite a few years ago now as well, but he still has them... and I've always wanted to buy them back.

So now I find this and I don't have a pair of model F's to upgrade any longer. Damn you Dale! And thank you for doing justice to these terrific classic speakers. Should I ever become the owner of another pair or my old pair I'll be sending them your way!

-Aaron

aewhistory October 02, 2010 12:20

System edited: Hello All, New pics of our latest and greatest Walsh style TLS-I drivers with recessed frame mounts and redesigned driver mountig boards. (please see virtual systems, "My Walsh Dream"). All driver bases consist of Marine Ply, Oak and Maple construction. Driver frames with 8 point mounting and stainless steel hardware. We have eliminated all MDF products in the new TLS-I series. Additionally we have added our own line of all Silver audio fuses for use with the TLS products. These are based on a 4 amp AGC style 1 1/4" fuse with a full ceramic body, Silver end caps and Silver burn wire. 4 amp for TLS-I @ $50 per pair. Great Listening to all...Dale

dale_harder August 04, 2010 20:11

Love seeing a Ohm speaker based system...nice work on your rack as well. Happy listening.

glenfihi July 01, 2010 11:40

Interesting, as this speakers are both single and truly full range drivers at the same time. In fact I wonder, are there any other direct competitors on the market at all.
Dale, would you comment on how does the frequency response graph looks?

odelb June 20, 2010 08:55

Mapman, Sorry about delay. New surrounds and some X-over parts replacement etc. Getting rid of foam on Can Sides to begin with.
Mr. LeGall would not explan further, but said most of his improvements envolve the Mid-Woofer cone.

Very impressed and happy. They now go deeper, sound cleaner and clearer than before, and they were damn nice before Bill upgraded them. Mr. LeGall of Millersound knows how to bring the best out of Quality drivers.
A Loudspeaker Genius with magic hands.

PS: I ALMOST WISH my OHM-F"s would fail ... so Bill could redo them, but they also sound so good, I kidded to Bill he must have already did them ... hey, who knows!

musicbox78 March 28, 2010 15:49

Must B Heard 2 Believe!!!

Nice to see you on Audiogon Dale!

I joined here while researching some of the "verbage" and dynamics of sound and wave function. this is really a great resource.

ciao, John

blackhawk53 March 15, 2010 19:09

Wow, Tojelbo, that sounds quite involved. A nice system too! I take it you are very much into home theater.
Do you have any trouble integrating the subs with the F's?

Typically piston drivers do not integrate well with the true Walsh, which is why I have begun the developement of the worlds only Walsh Subs. Slow going though, since the economy is so dead.

I myself only run a 2-chnl stereo. The pics of the speakers in the rear of my shots, (where my equipment rack is located) are only sitting there temporarily as I ran out of space. The drivers are not actually in the cabinets as they would interfere with the sound from the front even though they are not powered.

I too would like to see some of your pics.

dale_harder March 12, 2010 02:44

Tojelbo,

That's a nice sounding setup. Could you post pictures of your system here sometime? I think a lot of people would like to see that!

mapman March 11, 2010 19:56

HI, I run a system like yours, I use 7 of the OHM Fs for left - right and all of the surrounds, front, rear and center rear and 3 Acoustat panles across the top of my 12 ft. screen for the center, driven by a CJ PRIMIER 1 and a custom made Nestrovic 8 - 12"drivers for the 90hz. down. driven by a Krell ksa200 everything else is driven by Rowland 7s.

tojelbo March 11, 2010 19:00

Thanks for the pictures Dale, I hope to see and hear them in person some day.

line March 01, 2010 14:57