Product Review

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to check to make sure the processor is not in some sort of DSP mode.

As with the earlier OM series, the OMNI series is somewhat sensitive to placement. Some people believe these speakers have a huge soundstage, but do not image as well as a conventional design. Living with the OM series for several years, I have grown to disagree with that statement. Instead, I tell people it all depends on placement. With the OMNI series, a very similar statement can be made. First off, these speakers like some room to breathe, so place them a foot or two away from the walls. Next, you will want to make a decision about toe in, as there are some tradeoffs to be made. If you want pinpoint imaging, use lots of toe in and point the speakers such that they are facing the listener. This will

collapse the width of the sound stage slightly and make the sweet spot smaller, but the pinpoint imaging is amazing, easily as good as any other speaker I have used.

If you want a huge enveloping soundstage, then place the speaker without any toe in. I use just a small amount of toe in which gives me the best of both worlds. The OMNI speakers are capable of producing a truly three-dimensional soundstage. I have never experienced a speaker in a two-channel audio setup that was capable of creating images behind the listener. The original OM series were always capable of producing images to the sides of the listener on certain tracks but never behind. To be truthful the OMNI 260s were a holographic experience. I had to check 3 times (seriously 3 times) to make sure the processor was not in some sort of surround mode. I even got up out of my chair and put my ear against the surround speaker just to verify one last time. I was of course sitting in that perfect sweet spot and it does not happen with all recordings, but when it does, it is a real pleasure. The OMNI 260s are very natural speakers and do not appear warm or bright in presentation. I would recommend using a sub for home theater applications, because, like most floor-standers, they just don't have the lower frequency extension required to get the most out of a good movie soundtrack.

The benefits of a timbre matched speaker setup in home theater or multi-channel music had been discussed here before, so I will save you the details. In panning around the room with pink noise, the setup is well matched. There is some minor tonal difference between each speaker, but I have yet to hear a 5.1 setup that did not exhibit this. In most rooms even different speaker positions will cause tonal changes.

The biggest problem I have setting up a 5.1 system is with center channel placement. I can never have it at the same level as my main speakers, as the display device is in the way. My home theater with a 60”x80” screen is the worst case. I set up the OMNI CC on

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_2/mirage-omni-speakers-5-2003.html

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.