Mini Strata Hookup Question

[kgingras]

I've read the various threads over on AV123 about the different ways to hook up the Mini's - ie line level vs speaker level using the jumpers. I'm using mine for both 2 channel and HT but the priority is on 2 channel. I use the Parasound 2100 pre so have really good flexibility in the way these are hooked up. From what MLS has said, line level should be the way to go. I can't say I hear much oif a differnece either way? Anyone own these and have a definitive preference? If so why?

Thanks,
Kevin.

 

[gmichael]

I've read the various threads over on AV123 about the different ways to hook up the Mini's - ie line level vs speaker level using the jumpers. I'm using mine for both 2 channel and HT but the priority is on 2 channel. I use the Parasound 2100 pre so have really good flexibility in the way these are hooked up. From what MLS has said, line level should be the way to go. I can't say I hear much oif a differnece either way? Anyone own these and have a definitive preference? If so why?

Thanks,
Kevin.

I use the speaker level & the jumpers. This way, I don't need to use the LFE line (which adds to the processing). 2 channel in = 2 channel out. Nothing added. This is the way that was recommended in the instructions that came with mine. The only time I use my LFE line is for HT, and then it runs to my sub instead of to these speakers.

 

[kgingras]

I use the speaker level & the jumpers. This way, I don't need to use the LFE line (which adds to the processing). 2 channel in = 2 channel out. Nothing added. This is the way that was recommended in the instructions that came with mine. The only time I use my LFE line is for HT, and then it runs to my sub instead of to these speakers.

I know what you're saying about the instruction manual and the recommendation to go with speaker level. However, looking at some of the AV123 threads it seems that the consensus was the manual was not written very well and depsite it recemommending speaker level, line level was the way to go.

 

[gmichael]

If you are going to use them for HT and don't have a dedicated sub, then the LFE line in is the way to go. If you are going to use them for music, then the speaker level inputs & jumpers are best.

 

[MatthewB.]

I own a pair of Stratas (used in stereo mode only, but I also just use line level and the jumpers, I feel this works best for what the engineers of the speakers had in mind. I find the sweet spot is way too small, but if sitting in the sweet spot, it is just heavenly with how great the speakers sound.

 

[kgingras]

I own a pair of Stratas (used in stereo mode only, but I also just use line level and the jumpers, I feel this works best for what the engineers of the speakers had in mind. I find the sweet spot is way too small, but if sitting in the sweet spot, it is just heavenly with how great the speakers sound.

Interesting about the sweet spot. How far away are you sitting from them? Are they toed in? Distance between them? I'm still experimenting with mine. I've got about 7 feet between them and listen from 9 feet away. They are toed in around 10 degrees and more than 12 inches away from any wall. My couch is a little low to the flor so am a little below tweeter level in height but I do have the spikes installed on the rear.

 

[gmichael]

Interesting about the sweet spot. How far away are you sitting from them? Are they toed in? Distance between them? I'm still experimenting with mine. I've got about 7 feet between them and listen from 9 feet away. They are toed in around 10 degrees and more than 12 inches away from any wall. My couch is a little low to the flor so am a little below tweeter level in height but I do have the spikes installed on the rear.

Mine are 11 feet apart and 15 feet away from my seat. They are toed in to cross just in front of my nose. Spikes in the rear. (no letters, please)

 

[MatthewB.]

Kevin, here's a pic of them in my guest room/office. Because of space constraints, I have them about 7 feet apart, toed in, spikes on the rear (only)with the built in sub at the 10:00 position (any louder and the bass gets boomy for my room. I have to sit directly in the middle of the two speakers (on the bed) in one generaly sweet spot that is about three feet circular, if outside that circle than the one speaker will overpower the other. I have a setup of DefTechs in the great room and Acoustic Reseach in my Master bedroom setup and they both have large sweet spots, but the Minis is so small, but will say when sitting in that sweet spot, the sound (to me) is better than the DT's and AR's for music. I havent tested it for HT, but I am positive placement is key for that application.

 

[kgingras]

Kevin, here's a pic of them in my guest room/office. Because of space constraints, I have them about 7 feet apart, toed in, spikes on the rear (only)with the built in sub at the 10:00 position (any louder and the bass gets boomy for my room. I have to sit directly in the middle of the two speakers (on the bed) in one generaly sweet spot that is about three feet circular, if outside that circle than the one speaker will overpower the other. I have a setup of DefTechs in the great room and Acoustic Reseach in my Master bedroom setup and they both have large sweet spots, but the Minis is so small, but will say when sitting in that sweet spot, the sound (to me) is better than the DT's and AR's for music. I havent tested it for HT, but I am positive placement is key for that application.

I'd post a pic of mine but post count isn't high enough yet!