Mirage Prestige S10 worth it?

[Yuji Kimura]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I'm currently building my first HT setup ever. Since I have no experience with sub woofers I thought this would be a good place to get some advice from.

I have found a Mirage Prestige S10 in pretty good condition for about $150 on craigslist (might be able to haggle to $120 or so) and I was wondering if it's a good buy or not.
I was considering getting a BIC F12 or maybe a BIC PL-200 II if it goes on sale. But after finding this Mirage sub and reading about it I am unsure if getting it used might be a better idea.
Even though it's an old model it was supposed to be fairly good when it launched and the few posts online I read about it praise it for it's musicality and tightness.

So, do you think it's a good buy or should I just go for a BIC F12 or PL-200 II new? Do you have any other suggestions (my budget is up to $200 or so).

 

[j_garcia]

Dayton Sub1500. Similar extension as those you're looking at, but likely a whole lot more output.

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1500-15-150-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-634

Or maybe just the 12" 1200 if you want to save $50

How big is the room?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Mirage Prestige S10, 10" Sealed sub with 300w amp able to reach and play -3 db at 23hz ?
Somehow I doubt these are real numbers. Even SVS SB1000 with 12" driver and heavy EQ only plays 24hz down.

 

[speakerman39]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I'm currently building my first HT setup ever. Since I have no experience with sub woofers I thought this would be a good place to get some advice from.

I have found a Mirage Prestige S10 in pretty good condition for about $150 on craigslist (might be able to haggle to $120 or so) and I was wondering if it's a good buy or not.
I was considering getting a BIC F12 or maybe a BIC PL-200 II if it goes on sale. But after finding this Mirage sub and reading about it I am unsure if getting it used might be a better idea.
Even though it's an old model it was supposed to be fairly good when it launched and the few posts online I read about it praise it for it's musicality and tightness.

So, do you think it's a good buy or should I just go for a BIC F12 or PL-200 II new? Do you have any other suggestions (my budget is up to $200 or so).

I have owned a Mirage S10 and S12 many years ago. Though not at the same time. But, I do not recall them mentioning "Prestige" in the model #. I also remember that both had down-firing ports that was said to significantly reduce distortion. I got both of them from Vann's.

The Prestige models have rear-firing ports. As such, they are a bit different design than what I owned. I will say both were exceptional in that they were very punchy and articulate. Extension was also decent from what all I can remember. If you can get it for $120 or so, then I say go for it. That is, if it has been well taken care of. Otherwise, I would look at other options. Best wishes!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[Yuji Kimura]

Dayton Sub1500. Similar extension as those you're looking at, but likely a whole lot more output.

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1500-15-150-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-634

Or maybe just the 12" 1200 if you want to save $50

How big is the room?

I'm afraid the Sub1500 is too big. Not for the room, but my for my wife's approval. She'll kill me if I get something that large.

 

[Yuji Kimura]

Mirage Prestige S10, 10" Sealed sub with 300w amp able to reach and play -3 db at 23hz ?
Somehow I doubt these are real numbers. Even SVS SB1000 with 12" driver and heavy EQ only plays 24hz down.

I'm pretty sure they exaggerated their specs, which I hear quite a few sub manufacturers do, but this still seems to be higher quality than the budget BIC subs.

 

[Yuji Kimura]

I have owned a Mirage S10 and S12 many years ago. Though not at the same time. But, I do not recall them mentioning "Prestige" in the model #. I also remember that both had down-firing ports that was said to significantly reduce distortion. I got both of them from Vann's.

The Prestige models have rear-firing ports. As such, they are a bit different design than what I owned. I will say both were exceptional in that they were very punchy and articulate. Extension was also decent from what all I can remember. If you can get it for $120 or so, then I say go for it. That is, if it has been well taken care of. Otherwise, I would look at other options. Best wishes!


Cheers,

Phil

I'm deciding, but I'll probably go check it out by the end of this week to see the state of it. If it's in good shape and for this amount of money I'm seriously considering it over my other options.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'm afraid the Sub1500 is too big. Not for the room, but my for my wife's approval. She'll kill me if I get something that large.

A General rule with subs: Small subwoofer/Powerful bass/cheap Price - pick any two.
If you want a solid sub for mostly music for smaller room (below 1500 cu ft) get the above mentioned SVS SB1000. Maybe you could find it second hand.

I'm pretty sure they exaggerated their specs, which I hear quite a few sub manufacturers do, but this still seems to be higher quality than the budget BIC subs.

Tentatively agreed. BIC is nothing to write home about. Dayton runs circles around it.
As for Mirage S10, Keep in mind. MSRP of $800 is BS. It was sold as low as $300. So $150 for used is a just ok deal, not great.
https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/should-i-keep-my-mirage-prestige-s10.54729/

 

[j_garcia]

I'm afraid the Sub1500 is too big. Not for the room, but my for my wife's approval. She'll kill me if I get something that large.

Size of course is an issue with most 15" subs, but at $200 it is tough to get the best of all worlds.

The mirage should be fine for ~$120.

My kids have the flat 10" version, stood up on its side and it takes up very little space while sounding pretty decent for the price. Not a window rattler, but quite good for the small space it takes up.

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000l-10-100-watt-low-profile-powered-subwoofer--300-639

Agree, a used SB1000 is also a good choice, but you may not find it at the $200 price point.

 

[Yuji Kimura]

Oh, by the way. I'm pairing it with my Philharmonic Audio AAMs and a Denon AVR-X1300W. Later I'll get the center from Philharmonic Audio as well.
I don't think I'll get surrounds. I really wanted to, but it was already extremely hard to convince my wife about the sub, and she only agreed if I did not buy and install "the ugly small speakers that go behind".
I'm on the fence about getting the top-firing atmos speakers from pioneer. I feel like there aren't many films with it and I'm not sure they're even worth it.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Oh, by the way. I'm pairing it with my Philharmonic Audio AAMs.

Definitely don't get the Mirage S10. These AAms could play down to 32hz without sub. Save up a bit till you could buy a good sub to well match the AAMs

 

[Yuji Kimura]

Size of course is an issue with most 15" subs, but at $200 it is tough to get the best of all worlds.

The mirage should be fine for ~$120.

My kids have the flat 10" version, stood up on its side and it takes up very little space while sounding pretty decent for the price. Not a window rattler, but quite good for the small space it takes up.

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000l-10-100-watt-low-profile-powered-subwoofer--300-639

Agree, a used SB1000 is also a good choice, but you may not find it at the $200 price point.

Man I cannot show this flat 10" to my wife, or else that'll be the only one she would let me buy. I tried looking for a used SB-1000 or PB-1000, but couldn't find any and the price is way above my limit.
The room is a little big (~2000 cubic feet) because it's connected to our dining room as well. Half of it is the living/tv room and the other half is dining/kitchen. It's divided by a bar table kind of like this.
________________
|.dining/.|..|...sofa..|
|.kitchen.|_|..........|<--tv room side
|___________TV__|

 

[Yuji Kimura]

Definitely don't get the Mirage S10. These AAms could play down to 32hz without sub. Save up a bit till you could buy a good sub to well match the AAMs

Hmm, you think so? When I talked to Dennis he did tell me they should go down to 34 Hz and still produce some bass.
Well, maybe I'll just wait then. Maybe I'll get then center channel first then.

 

[speakerman39]

I'm deciding, but I'll probably go check it out by the end of this week to see the state of it. If it's in good shape and for this amount of money I'm seriously considering it over my other options.

From what I looked up the Prestige S10 is not a sealed sub. It has rear ports. However, if it is anything like the S10 or the S12 that I owned back over 13-14 years ago it should be a pretty good sub. Provided it is working properly. Extension into the high 20's is probably the best that you are going to get though. For $120 or less it is a good option. Certainly would take it over the Bics. Best wishes on your decision!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[j_garcia]

Hmm, you think so? When I talked to Dennis he did tell me they should go down to 34 Hz and still produce some bass.
Well, maybe I'll just wait then. Maybe I'll get then center channel first then.

My kids have the AAs with that flat sub and it works very well. I tested the AAs in my system and they definitely have a lot of bass for a bookshelf and I agree, I'd save up longer because your options open up quite a bit at around the $500 point.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

From what I looked up the Prestige S10 is not a sealed sub. It has rear ports.

Cheers,

Phil

Phil is right, S10 is vented. I misread the description. Still, realistically low/mid 30s is what I'd expect out of it. It's a decent sub, if your speakers only play down to 80hz, but in your case, like I've said, it probably best to wait till your budget improves.

p.s:
Hot stock tip: Micron (MU) is very cheap now at $47. In fact, I bought 3k worth of it today on limit order I've placed a few weeks ago. Robinhood gives you free stock trades.
If you buy 9 stocks of MU tomorrow, within 2 months you could have enough for decent sub 20-30% after next stock earnings. Don't get greedy if it reaches $60 - sell

 

[speakerman39]

Phil is right, S10 is vented. I misread the description. Still, realistically low/mid 30s is what I'd expect out of it. It's a decent sub, if your speakers only play down to 80hz, but in your case, like I've said, it probably best to wait till your budget improves.

p.s:
Hot stock tip: Micron (MU) is very cheap now at $47. In fact, I bought 3k worth of it today on limit order I've placed a few weeks ago. Robinhood gives you free stock trades.
If you buy 9 stocks of MU tomorrow, within 2 months you could have enough for decent sub 20-30% after next stock earnings. Don't get greedy if it reaches $60 - sell

I agree 100%! The OP should consider saving up a bit more before pulling the trigger. Just upping the budget a couple hundred dollars can open up much better possibilities. In that price range, I would certainly be looking at the Hus's or even the RSL Speedwoofer S10. Might even find a SVS SB12-NSD in that price range as well. There are others, but I just mentioned a few here. FWIW, the BasX subs from Emotiva has also been well received.


Cheers,

Phil

 

[Yuji Kimura]

My kids have the AAs with that flat sub and it works very well. I tested the AAs in my system and they definitely have a lot of bass for a bookshelf and I agree, I'd save up longer because your options open up quite a bit at around the $500 point.

I guess I'll go that route. It seems more reasonable, I don't want to suffer buyer's remorse in a few months. Only problem will be not wanting to get an OLED tv before I can save up enough for the sub.

 

[Yuji Kimura]

Phil is right, S10 is vented. I misread the description. Still, realistically low/mid 30s is what I'd expect out of it. It's a decent sub, if your speakers only play down to 80hz, but in your case, like I've said, it probably best to wait till your budget improves.

p.s:
Hot stock tip: Micron (MU) is very cheap now at $47. In fact, I bought 3k worth of it today on limit order I've placed a few weeks ago. Robinhood gives you free stock trades.
If you buy 9 stocks of MU tomorrow, within 2 months you could have enough for decent sub 20-30% after next stock earnings. Don't get greedy if it reaches $60 - sell

Nice tip, but I don't know if it's a good idea to start getting into stock investment while I'm still a student. Maybe after I finish my Ph.D. and get a good paying job I'll look into it.
I'll wait out and hopefully save up some money for a better sub.

One more thing, are these sub wireless kits worth it? I tried reading about them and it seems like they should be fine since subs already work at really low frequencies, and delays can be calibrated by the receiver.

 

[Yuji Kimura]

I agree 100%! The OP should consider saving up a bit more before pulling the trigger. Just upping the budget a couple hundred dollars can open up much better possibilities. In that price range, I would certainly be looking at the Hus's or even the RSL Speedwoofer S10. Might even find a SVS SB12-NSD in that price range as well. There are others, but I just mentioned a few here. FWIW, the BasX subs from Emotiva has also been well received.


Cheers,

Phil

I'll continue saving up. The problem will be then convincing my wife that spending $400-$500 on a sub is worth it. I feel like she'll be more open to buying an OLED tv or a new sofa. One way I found of convincing her that a sub works is because if it's positioned by the sofa (if a sub crawl shows it's fine there) it can act as a side table as well (not that I would let her put anything on it once we get it though).