Smoking hot: Mirage Omni S12 Home Powered Sub

[ncage]

Everyone this is a steal. This thing sold for $700.00 just a year ago. If you don't know the same company that makes mirage also makes energy speakers. This sub its pretty much the same thing as the energy 12.3 but they have different phase shifts. This thing is pretty much a steal. You better hurry because vanns runs out of these things quick. This is considered to be the sub to get for $400 and under. Also the SVS PB10 is another but it doesn't come with free shiping. Here is some reviews

http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/mirage_omni_s12.htm
--Notice how it comes close to one of the best subwoofers for the $700 price bracket. They Hsu VTF-3 Mk II.

http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/loudspeakers/energy-12-3-sub.html

If you want advise and all and see how many people are recommending this sub just go to avsforums.com.

Enjoy Everyone,
Ncage

 

[modestninja]

I think you forgot to post the link to the sub...

 

[ericlp]

Text

How hard is it to search on your own?

Thanks... I may have to think about this one. Free shipping is pretty good!



Highlights...

? 1200 Watts peak power, 300 Watt continuous (true FTC rated)
? 12 inch Titanium Deposit-Polypropylene Hybrid Woofer
? Patented ribbed Elliptical SurroundTM
? Produces bass frequencies down to 19Hz
? Two downward firing ports

 

[ncage]

lol thats kind of funny modestninja i posted all that information and forgot the most important one..the link

 

[gregtor]

I was thinking about getting the SVS PB10-ISD but this seems like a better deal but does it sound as good?

 

[ncage]

Originally posted by: gregtor
I was thinking about getting the SVS PB10-ISD but this seems like a better deal but does it sound as good?

The PB10 has a little bit more of an extension below 20hz. The S12 is going to have higher SPL (loudness) from 20hz up. I don't really think your going to get that much content below 20hz for the PB10s advantage to kick in really that much. Don't let this confuse you...the S12 still has good output below 20hz to about 18. They are both definitly excellent subs and you wouldn't go wrong with either selction. I chose the S12.

 

[ruckdaddy]

Interesting is that the SVS weighs at 60 lb. with a 10" woofer and NO crossover versus the mirage (12", x-over) at 51 lb. But for practical purposes the Mirage might be better for both the average and enthusiastic user. For example the SVS without its crossover is intended strictly for home theater, as they are counting on your using a receiver's integrated LFE cutoff. Since it only has a mono RCA LFE input, you cannot use the sub in, let's say, a traditional stereo seperates setup, where L/R RCAs or high-level (speaker) passthrough may be necessary. The SVS' front port is an interesting move; they probably expect you to place the sub flush against a back wall. All this makes me wonder how they tuned the sound, although Audioreview might lend some insight. The SVS has a variable phase control anywhere from 0 to 180 meaning precise blending with the rest of your speakers (although audibly I doubt you would notice the difference between 180 and, say, 135).
The Mirage on the other hand is versatile for all applications and has controls on the FRONT- great for the many people whose receivers don't auto-adjust LFE between DVD and music modes. Also, I am sure in person it looks very nice (especially the cherry/walnut looking woodgrain), whereas some might label the SVS bland. A drawback is that Mirage will probably have much less resell value than SVS at places like Audiogon.
Both subs have great extension- the 18 Hz for SVS' 10" is amazing and the Mirage does 19 (both -3 db). All in all, if connectivity and looks/WAF are most important to you, get the Mirage. If sheer quality is most important, and you are never needing any input besides mono LFE, get the SVS.

 

[screw3d]

I was considering the S12 a few months ago.. but I actually thought that the SVS was a lot nicer looking or more like the S12 isn't that great looking

 

[ericlp]

hehe... Yeah, Not to mention the SVS is smaller...

And if you looking for a full speaker setup you can't really get a better system for a 1K bucks. But that is just MO.

I was considering the S12 also, my thoughts are I want a SMALLER sub and this thing is like 19X19X15 that is almost as big as my sub I have now and it's friggen a monster. My box is like 18X17X22 ... I really need to go down in size. My next purchase I want to get a matching set. Right now I am just running some cheap o polk speakers. They are good speakers. but I can't see spending that kind of money when I can spend an extra 600 bucks and get a complete set of speakers to go with it. So I'll just wait for a B stock set or a deal at SVS next time.

Here is a hint tho. Sometimes if you email places like SVS or Audio Concepts and ask them really nice they will give you the "managers" speacial deal. Doesen't hurt to ask. Last year they were knocking off 100 bucks and free shipping. I think if you asked they would at least tell you when the next deal was going to come out.

 

[MisterJackson]

Originally posted by: ericlp
hehe... Yeah, Not to mention the SVS is smaller...

And if you looking for a full speaker setup you can't really get a better system for a 1K bucks. But that is just MO.

I was considering the S12 also, my thoughts are I want a SMALLER sub and this thing is like 19X19X15 that is almost as big as my sub I have now and it's friggen a monster. My box is like 18X17X22 ... I really need to go down in size. My next purchase I want to get a matching set. Right now I am just running some cheap o polk speakers. They are good speakers. but I can't see spending that kind of money when I can spend an extra 600 bucks and get a complete set of speakers to go with it. So I'll just wait for a B stock set or a deal at SVS next time.

Here is a hint tho. Sometimes if you email places like SVS or Audio Concepts and ask them really nice they will give you the "managers" speacial deal. Doesen't hurt to ask. Last year they were knocking off 100 bucks and free shipping. I think if you asked they would at least tell you when the next deal was going to come out.

Thanks for the tip

 

[gregtor]

i've tried emailing them about a discount before and all they said was that there prices were already discounted and they couldn't do any better then B-stock.

 

[ruckdaddy]

Originally posted by: screw3d
I was considering the S12 a few months ago.. but I actually thought that the SVS was a lot nicer looking or more like the S12 isn't that great looking

That's a matter of taste and although I kept and should keep my personal opinion out of it, the fact is many people will prefer the Mirage's silver accents and of course the script logo- this is the nature of today's average electronics consumer. If it were me and I only had a choice between these two subs I would take the Mirage on account of my vintage equipment, which needs the crossover and stereo RCA inputs.

 

[gregtor]

I will be using the sub for HT only no music and i'm using an HK DPR2005 receiver with LFE so I guess the best for me is the SVS?

 

[Aquila76]

Wow, if I didn't live in a tiny apartment with angry neighbors I'd be all over this. Amazing deal.

 

[ncage]

Originally posted by: gregtor
I will be using the sub for HT only no music and i'm using an HK DPR2005 receiver with LFE so I guess the best for me is the SVS?

Not necasarily. The mirage is awesome for home theater too. Just because a sub goes lower doesn't mean its better for home theater. The S12 has more output at 25hz-60hz. How many movies do you think have frequencies that go much below 20hz? Im not saying the PB10 is bad because its awesome sub it its own right. Even if the Mirage S12 was a little bit more money i would have got the S12. A year ago this sub was in the $700 price range. Now if it was that much i would have got the PB12-ID/V but for this price i know which one im going to get.

 

[ncage]

Originally posted by: Aquila76
Wow, if I didn't live in a tiny apartment with angry neighbors I'd be all over this. Amazing deal.

You might want to look at the baby version. Vanns also has the S8 for $199.00 which includes shipping. Im thinking on buying this one to have home theater in my bedroom.

 

[ericlp]

Originally posted by: gregtor
i've tried emailing them about a discount before and all they said was that there prices were already discounted and they couldn't do any better then B-stock.

Well, If they are the sales people, the dealer, and the builder... IE they don't outsource/resell to anyone else. It might just be me, but last time I asked for quotes they were always cheaper then the online price. Of course I was buying more then just a sub. Maybe also if they have a lot of inventory sitting around they may be willing to give you a deal. It's also obviously who you know. And it's pretty easy to find who is who in forms as the owner or one of top sales people will usually take care of issues in forums or reviews.

Doesn't hurt to try. Haven't tried getting a deal via SVS but if anyone is successful let us know. Maybe we could get a group buy going I suppose if we got 3-5 people wanting to buy from a certain vender then maybe we could get a better deal?

I am interested in buying a few pieces from them and if anyone is interested in group buy let me know if I can get 5 or so people together I can try to find out who the manager is at SVS or the top sales person to talk to and send him/her a list of what we want ...

Sorry to talk Off Topic. If this sub was smaller, then I'd be interested in getting it and I think this is a good deal as long as you have the room for it. I don't think you can go wrong with the Mirage.

 

[Robor]

I hate you! I hate you. You cost me $400!!!!!!!!!!!!!















j/k... I've been looking for a replacement for my budget sub for a while. This is probably more than I need but I couldn't pass up the deal.

 

[NuKe9]

This is killing me too, i've almost pulled the trigger twice. Been looking for a nice replacement for my KSW12, it's not that great for music. I just might cave in...must...resist...

 

[PDS]

There was some discussion on avsforum.com about the S12 deal from Vann's (pro and con).

And new subs from Mirage are coming soon (summer?).

PDS

 

[marincounty]

Here's a sub for you, costs a bit more and you have to assemble it, but they are high quality and have gotten good review. The Mirage sub has ports, which will ruin the transient response and the woofer will become unloaded below the port resonance, possibly damaging the woofer on ultra low freq notes.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdet...?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-762&ctab=1#Tabs
$536.70 with free shipping (it weighs 72 pounds).
Here's a link to the woofer, which I imagine is much more robust than the mirage, with it's 500w rms capacity, and it's 18.7 mm xmax (linear woofer travel)
and it weighs 20 pounds.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdet...?&DID=7&Partnumber=295-404&ctab=2#Tabs

If you want tight, clean bass, you want a SEALED BOX along with a LOT of power.

 

[The_Dude8]

Originally posted by: ncage

Originally posted by: Aquila76
Wow, if I didn't live in a tiny apartment with angry neighbors I'd be all over this. Amazing deal.

You might want to look at the baby version. Vanns also has the S8 for $199.00 which includes shipping. Im thinking on buying this one to have home theater in my bedroom.

vanns raises their price for the s8 to 249.99.

 

[ncage]

Originally posted by: marincounty
Here's a sub for you, costs a bit more and you have to assemble it, but they are high quality and have gotten good review. The Mirage sub has ports, which will ruin the transient response and the woofer will become unloaded below the port resonance, possibly damaging the woofer on ultra low freq notes.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdet...?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-762&ctab=1#Tabs
$536.70 with free shipping (it weighs 72 pounds).
Here's a link to the woofer, which I imagine is much more robust than the mirage, with it's 500w rms capacity, and it's 18.7 mm xmax (linear woofer travel)
and it weighs 20 pounds.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdet...?&DID=7&Partnumber=295-404&ctab=2#Tabs

If you want tight, clean bass, you want a SEALED BOX along with a LOT of power.

So your telling everyone ported enclosures are flawed? I absoluty disagree with you. Sure poorly designed ported enclosures will sound bad but not well designed ones. Go look at the reviews and see if anything damages this woofer at low frequency notes. Go look at high end subwoofers almost all of them are ported. Go look at high end subwoofers and see how many are sealed...very few. Regarded as some of the best subs: SVS, HSU, Velodyn pretty much use ported designs on all their subs. Just as long as you design the sub correctly there won't be any problem. I am not saying NO good subs use sealed design because the Paradigm Servo-15 would be an good example. If i was going to spend around $600 on a sub i would be getting the SVS PB12-ISD. I would never go with something from parts express for around the same price.

It still floors me that you say the port could ruin the low fequency extension.....have you read the reviews at all that i posted?

 

[gregtor]

Ordered one couldn't wait anymore. Screw SVS.

 

[ruckdaddy]

Originally posted by: ncage

Originally posted by: marincounty
Here's a sub for you, costs a bit more and you have to assemble it, but they are high quality and have gotten good review. The Mirage sub has ports, which will ruin the transient response and the woofer will become unloaded below the port resonance, possibly damaging the woofer on ultra low freq notes.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdet...?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-762&ctab=1#Tabs
$536.70 with free shipping (it weighs 72 pounds).
Here's a link to the woofer, which I imagine is much more robust than the mirage, with it's 500w rms capacity, and it's 18.7 mm xmax (linear woofer travel)
and it weighs 20 pounds.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdet...?&DID=7&Partnumber=295-404&ctab=2#Tabs

If you want tight, clean bass, you want a SEALED BOX along with a LOT of power.

So your telling everyone ported enclosures are flawed? I absoluty disagree with you. Sure poorly designed ported enclosures will sound bad but not well designed ones. Go look at the reviews and see if anything damages this woofer at low frequency notes. Go look at high end subwoofers almost all of them are ported. Go look at high end subwoofers and see how many are sealed...very few. Regarded as some of the best subs: SVS, HSU, Velodyn pretty much use ported designs on all their subs. Just as long as you design the sub correctly there won't be any problem. I am not saying NO good subs use sealed design because the Paradigm Servo-15 would be an good example. If i was going to spend around $600 on a sub i would be getting the SVS PB12-ISD. I would never go with something from parts express for around the same price.

It still floors me that you say the port could ruin the low fequency extension.....have you read the reviews at all that i posted?

Agreed- the mere existence of a port/ports will not in itself ruin the woofer over time; poor design or more typically, amplifier clipping will. Inexperienced users who turn their subs all the way up will "bottom out" the woofer, or really, tax the amp to the point that it can no longer control the back/forth pulsating motion of the cone. Then the VC and magnet "slap" inside the basket and well that's no good.

The one issue with Mirage's down-firing dual ports might be hardwood floors- result could be boomy bass. The problem with SVS' front-firing port might be that it is easier to hear any "chuffing," i.e. when the woofer can't play a low note at high enough SPL and instead you hear the port shooting air like crazy. Also termed the "fart" effect.

All things considered, though, with SVS' reputation and the proof-in-pudding user reviews, I have every reason to doubt believe they would skimp or tolerate a chuffy port design; the fact that their 10" w/no x-over is already 60 lb. tells me something. SVS also measured 20 Hz in an anechoic chamber, meaning it could play the quoted 18 or possibly lower in an actual room. I say "could" because there are nodes (destructive interference) and hotspots (constructive) in everyone's listening room which acoustic dampening on the walls or plush furniture can only hope to contain, never stop. On the other hand (IIRC) the Mirage was measured in-room, meaning its 19Hz is probably best-case scenario. Kind of like EPA estimated city/highway mileage.

Sure, the Mirage is 43% off and SVS is not, but to reinerate: SVS pb10 was specifically engineered for HT via the mono LFE input, and so it should do this FAR better than the Mirage. One poster was right in that program material seldom calls for bass below 25 Hz, but when it does, it's nice to have a sub that can let you feel that. Moreover, if a sub rolls off at 18 or 20 Hz this means that it will likely be much tighter-sounding and flatter across the more important range, 25-40 Hz.

My $.02