Conclusions

Product Review

Page 8 of 10

a stand below my screen which places it no more than 1 1/2 feet off the floor. This is not optimal placement, but is the only option in my setup. Using the CC was a real treat, as most of the problems with speaker placement went away. The image from the CC appeared about midway up the screen, right where it should and sounded as natural as any conventional center. Transitions of sound across the front of the room were smooth and did not experience the drop in placement as with my previously center. So as you can imagine, I am happy with this speaker, and OMNI polar comes through again. In my setup, the OMNI CC is a warm sounding speaker, certainly warmer than the OMNI 260s. This is caused by the lower positioning of the speaker. If the speaker is positioned at the same level as the mains, it sounds almost identical.

Remember I said I would get back to making a decision if the FXs were more like dipoles or direct radiators. To be truthful, I still haven’t made up my mind. They sound more direct than my OM-R2s which are bipoles, but the FXs still do not sound as direct as many home theaters I have heard with directs as rears. Since Mirage claims they are neither, I guess I should just leave it at that. Regardless, they do a great job from pans of helicopters around the room off the THX sampler DVD, to the rain in the opening scene of "Seven".

The OM-200 maintains Mirage’s excellence in subwoofer design and hold up to its claims of bettering the already successful BPS-150. The bass is tight, controlled, and

blends well for both music and movies. I am amazed by the performance achieved by the little cabinet sitting between my center and the right main speaker. It easily holds up to the task of my 12x24 foot room. While I do not use the entire room for my home theater, the sub still has to fill it with sound. The little dual 8” sub never faltered once during real listening tests or even the most involved action sequences. Sure, I could push it beyond its limits, but I cannot imagine a user would find that point under normal circumstances.

Remember, I said this little dual 8" sub was $1,000. The question is do the features and performance justify the price? Looking at the features alone, it has everything a $1,000 sub would have. The only feature it might be missing is a remote to adjust level, phase, and output from your seat, which adds little to no value after calibration. The sub easily gets down to 20 Hz and even a little lower in my room. It is a great looking compact design that your wife will allow in the room (priceless). So all-in-all I think it is worth $1,000 and chances are you will be able to purchase it slightly cheaper from a Mirage dealer, making it an even better buy.

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.