General Comments, Sound | Mirage Loudspeakers OMNI 5.1 instruction

Product Review

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and a 20 Hz 3 dB down point. Knowing the value of the BPS-150, this was an intriguing concept. We now know the new OM sub line is designed to replace the BPS lineup, and if the OM-200 is the baby of the group, then Mirage’s competition should be paying attention.

The OM-200 consists of two 8” Titanium Deposit-Polypropylene Hybrid woofers with 28 oz magnet structures and 1.5” voice coils, small on the outside, big on the inside. It sports a 200 watt amp (with claims of 800 watts peak) and all the typical controls and adjustments you would find on a subwoofer, such as auto on/off, level control, variable phase and crossover. Mirage did not stop with the typical, because they also included a video enhancement mode (+3 dB @ 40 Hz) for those who want a little more kick with their movies. There is also clipping and thermal protection, a variety of inputs, and some pretty hefty rubber feet and spikes.

For inputs, Mirage has given the user lots of choice. First, there are speaker level inputs and outputs for use in a stereo setup. Second, there is a standard low level input which utilizes the subwoofer controls, and finally another low level input which bypasses the controls except for phase. This last input is the one to use with most SSPs and receivers.

General Comments

With the OMNI series replacing Mirage's existing FRx lineup, it is appropriate to make some comparisons. The new OMNI 260 lacks the powered subs and lower frequency extension of the FRx-9, but makes up for it by being $200 cheaper. On the lower end of the scale, the smallest OMNI speakers, the OMNI 50s, are $150 more than the FRx-one. To address this, Mirage has released a couple of smaller and cheaper offerings in the OMNISAT series. Mirage has kept a speaker for everyone's price point.

The design and finish of the OMNI lineup is excellent and betters the FRx series. I also believe Mirage has improved on the audio performance of the FRx series, and I will talk about that below.

Sound

I have been using the OMNI series for a couple of months in my home theater which doubles as a multi-channel music system. During that time, countless CD and DVDs have traversed the system from two-channel audio like EMINEM and Diana Krall, DVD-Audio from the Corrs to Queensryche and movies from The Ring to Harry Potter. The OMNI setup is a flexible system and works well with all the material I put through it. As with all of Mirage’s OMNI polar speakers, the sweet spot is one of the largest in the industry. Sitting off center by a couple of feet will not hurt the perception of image or soundstage. This adds value when you have multiple people in the room, but as with all speakers, there is still that 1 cubic foot spot where it is almost magical. With the OMNI setup, that spot can send chills down your spine as two-channel music surrounds you, and you have

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5/5/2003

OMNI 5.1 specifications

The Mirage Loudspeakers OMNI 5.1 system represents a significant advancement in home audio technology, designed to deliver an immersive surround sound experience. This upscale speaker system combines an elegant aesthetic with cutting-edge acoustics, making it a great choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the standout features of the OMNI 5.1 is its unique OMNI directional design. This technology allows the speaker to produce sound in all directions, creating a three-dimensional audio field that envelops the listener. This omnidirectional soundstage ensures that every seat in the room enjoys a uniform listening experience, eliminating the typical sweet spot limitation found in traditional speaker systems.

The OMNI 5.1 package includes a total of five speakers, comprising four satellite speakers and one powerful subwoofer. The satellites are designed with a sleek profile that can blend seamlessly into any décor. Each satellite features high-quality drivers that reproduce a broad range of frequencies, resulting in crystal-clear highs and rich mid-range sounds. The full-range performance of the satellites ensures that dialogues in films and music alike are reproduced accurately and without distortion.

At the heart of the OMNI 5.1 system is an advanced digital signal processing technology that optimizes audio playback based on your room’s characteristics. This feature tailors the sound to the listening environment, allowing for enhanced clarity and detail. Additionally, the subwoofer is engineered to deliver deep, impactful bass, which significantly enhances cinematic audio and music experiences.

The installation of the OMNI 5.1 is straightforward, thanks to its plug-and-play design. The included mounting hardware allows for versatile placement options, whether on stands, walls, or shelves. This ease of configuration ensures that users can set up their systems without hassle, adapting the layout to their space needs.

Moreover, the OMNI 5.1 is compatible with a variety of audio sources, making it an adaptable option for modern entertainment systems. With its impressive range of features, distinctive technology, and modern styling, the Mirage Loudspeakers OMNI 5.1 system stands out as a top choice for anyone seeking a high-quality home audio solution that delivers an exceptional listening experience.