Should I keep my Mirage Prestige S10?

[roshi]

So I bought a Denon 3808 last week and it came with a free Mirage Prestige S10 (and also a free bluray), all for a really nice price. I was happy with it until I realized that the Denon and my Sharp LCD don't like each other, there is some weird HDMI handshaking issue. (I actually posted about that in the Amp section of the forum, if you want to help.)
Anyways, unless I can figure out a way to not have the issue, everything is going back to vanns.com and I'll get the Emotiva UMC-1 when it finally comes out. I could however keep the Sub for $350, I actually kind of like it, but then I haven't heard any other subs in that price range, so there is no point of reference.

Here is my question: Should I keep the Mirage or should I return it with everything and get something different. If something different, what should it be?

Please stay close to the price range and I do want a new product, nothing used from audiogon.com or so.

Thanks for any help and/or input with this.
Roshi

PS: What do you think about the Chrysalis BassMatrix-10, that can be had for a good price from audioholics, and I would get a free Auralex thingie...

 

[GlocksRock]

Have you by chance tried different HDMI cables, or seeing if there is a firmware update for either the Denon, or your Sharp? I would start there, and if there is no resolution, then you can decide if the sub is worth the price, if you really like it, it might be. If not, then I would suggest looking into an SVS or HSU sub, they may cost a little more, but what you will gain in sound quality and performance will be money well spent.

 

[j_garcia]

I haven't heard that sub, but a few years back when they were originally released, they were pretty well regarded around here. I'd say keep it for now, since it was free, and decide if you like it like Glocks said.

IMO, I don't think it will be quite as good as a SVS PB-10, but unless you have a large room, I think it should do fine.

 

[alphaiii]

I picked up an S10 from Vann's when they were running the deal of the day for $300. I think it was well worth that price, and I'm keeping it over the Acculine Asub I had (which has been well regarded for its price/size). The difference wasn't huge, but overall I think the S10 is better in both SQ and tightness, as well as a little better output.

I'm not sure what else you'd find in the $350 range that will match it. The SVS PB-10 will certainly extend a good bit lower...and will probably have better output...but even with the sale, after shipping it's going to run at least $450.

The general consensus is that the PB-10 isn't the most "musical" sub...but great for HT. The S10 on the other hand, has a rep for being tight and musical....and I have to agree. You do however sacrifice some low end extension.

The HSU VTF-1 is also on sale, but will run about $440.

 

[alphaiii]

Have you by chance tried different HDMI cables, or seeing if there is a firmware update for either the Denon, or your Sharp? I would start there, and if there is no resolution, then you can decide if the sub is worth the price, if you really like it, it might be. If not, then I would suggest looking into an SVS or HSU sub, they may cost a little more, but what you will gain in sound quality and performance will be money well spent.

I wouldn't make the assumption that he'd gain in SQ by getting the SVS or HSU. The S10 is a very clean sounding sub. Perhaps it would lose out in overall performance to comparable 10" offerings from SVS or HSU...but SQ is a strong point of the Mirage Prestige/Energy Veritas subs.

Of course, it's all relative... despite the rep for clean tight bass, I wouldn't have bought the S10 had it not been $300, since I wasn't absolutely sure it'd be an upgrade over my Asub....that is, until I listened to it.

I'm glad I did buy it....and think it's easily worth the $300 I paid. I'd still say it's a good deal even at $350, but definitely not worth $800 MSRP, especially considering the ID options available for under $500.

 

[GlocksRock]

The mirage subs that I have heard do sound good. My folks have the nanosat 5.1 system, and I thought the little 8" sub that they have sounds pretty good for what it is.

 

[roshi]

Hey, thanks for all the posts. As far as the hdmi, it seems to be a thing between my sharp tv and the denon, both firmwares are up-to-date, so there is nothing to do there. Plus there is another feature that the UMC-1 can do that the Denon doesn't so I guess I just have to live for 2 months without a receiver...
Anyways, I was actually thinking about the SVS PB-10, maybe i can get a b-stock or so, but I do want a clean sounding sub, it needs to be rather tight then go down very low. Another sub I was looking at is the Velodyne SPL-800 II which I found a deal for $450. This is more than my actual budget, but then on the other hand its usually a lot more. I don't know, there are so many options...

 

[rnatalli]

Mirage actually makes a good sub. They won't hit as low and as hard as an SVS, but they're quite musical.