Mirage Omni S10/S8 vs. Energy S10/S8

[arielshiran]

Hi,
I wanted to know what the differences are between these models and which one is a better product if they cost the same (Mirage 10" or Energy 10" and Mirage 8" or Energy 8")? I saw there are some differences between the products but I assume most of the components are the same and just the design and outside is different. However, I wanted to make sure if there are any differences in the drivers and how many downfiring ports the Energy uses (the S10) because it is not indicated as opposed to the Mirage Omni S10 which uses two downfiring ports.
Please help.
Thanks,
Ariel.

 

[warpdrive]

From what I gather, they are practically the same from the performance point of view since they use similar cone technology, similar power ratings, and similar internal dimensions.

The cone material does seem different with the Mirage using a material with Titanium deposits whereas the Energy uses a Mica/Ceramic poly cone.

The Energy has a variable phase which the Mirage doesn't have, so that's an advantage in terms of setup. But the Mirage has more front panel controls ( phase, crossover, and level)

I bought a Mirage S12 and it's met all my expectations for a sub in this price range, but it was cheaper than the Energy after negotation for me

 

[arielshiran]

The Energy has all of the

adjustments (phase, crossover, power mode, etc.). What did you mean by saying that the Mirage has them and the Energy not?
Besides, Is the woofer in the Mirage made of better components or vice versa? How many downfiring ports do the Energy have?
Thanks,
Ariel.

 

[anamorphic96]

The all seem to have similar inputs. The Enerygy phase control is variable so you get a touch more control over set up. Performance should be the same give or take a few hz in extension. Both companies are owned by the same parent company. API. You will be safe with either. The differences are more cosmetic than anything.

But in all honesty you should be looking at HSU or SVS for a real sub.

Cheers,
Glenn

 

[warpdrive]

But in all honesty you should be looking at HSU or SVS for a real sub.

While Hsu and SVS make an awesome product, they are not the only game in town. It's not like they rewrote the laws of physics for making subs, or figured out some secret that nobody else has. To say that they make "real subs" and everybody else is inferior is misleading...even if you said so tonque-in-cheek. I chose the Mirage S12 over my leading choice (VTF-3) because it worked better in my listening room, and effectively sounded just as good. While the Hsu did extend just a bit deeper, it was also more expensive and a lot larger too. So for me, the Mirage was a better choice (plus I prefer buying locally with established dealer support)

For the original poster, yes, you're right.....both subs have the three primary adjustments, all subs have a crossover frequency adjustment knob, bass volume knob, and all higher priced subs have a phase switch....BUT the Energy sub has a knob (-180 to 180), whereas the Mirage version has a switch (0 *or* 180). So the Energy is more flexible. The Mirage has three controls on the front so it's a bit easier to access, where the Energy has some of the controls on the back instead.

You won't really go wrong with either sub, just pick the one that you can get the best deal on (since it's likely that you have to go to a different store to buy the other one). The specs for the driver are identical except for small differences in cabinet size, and the rated performance is identical. I think they will perform identically in any real world situation. In fact my dealer thinks so too.

I'm pretty sure the Energy 10.3 has two down ports also. I think *only* the real practical difference between the Energy and Mirage is the phase switch vs knob difference I mentioend above.

 

[arielshiran]

the differences are

the driver material, the phase issue you talked about and the crossover frequencies (the mirage has a broader band of frequencies for the crossover-I think 40HZ-120HZ as opposed to 50HZ-110HZ in the Energy). All of these issues make it more difficult to decide as I can get both subs at the same price and I need them to work with a set of the new TAKE speakers by Energy. So, what do you think? And besides that, the well known subwoofers manufacturers are Velodyne and REL and not HSU and SVS, aren't they ?

 

[warpdrive]

If you're already buying Energy, just pick the Energy sub. Then you only have one dealer to deal with.

You're likely going to bypass the crossover anyway by using bass management on your receiver...so it doesn't matter what the range of crossover is.

I would have picked the Energy over the Mirage if it wasn't for the fact I got a much better deal on the Mirage. I actually use Energy speakers (C-series), so it would have been natural for me to buy the Energy S12.3

I highly recommend Hsu and SVS (I prefer Hsu myself just because I've heard them personally and can vouch for them), but I'm happy as clams with my recent Mirage purchase, they make excellent products. Hsu and SVS are not the only makers designing good subs, people forget that.

 

[anamorphic96]

Wow Warp you took that WAY to seriously. Relax man. Besides I never attacked you or your purchase. I only gave my strong endorsement for two brands. If you noticed I winked at the end of the statement.

 

[warpdrive]

Wow Warp you took that WAY to seriously. Relax man. Besides I never attacked you or your purchase. I only gave my strong endorsement for two brands. If you noticed I winked at the end of the statement.

Sorry if it came out sounding harsh. You'll see I recommend Hsu and SVS subs in other threads....so don't take it as an attack.

I've just heard too much blind SVS/Hsu hyping that I thought I had to say something *this time*. It's just too often that somebody asks for X vs Y, and then Hsu or SVS is the ONLY answer.

 

[anamorphic96]

the driver material, the phase issue you talked about and the crossover frequencies (the mirage has a broader band of frequencies for the crossover-I think 40HZ-120HZ as opposed to 50HZ-110HZ in the Energy). All of these issues make it more difficult to decide as I can get both subs at the same price and I need them to work with a set of the new TAKE speakers by Energy. So, what do you think? And besides that, the well known subwoofers manufacturers are Velodyne and REL and not HSU and SVS, aren't they ?

Yes that is true and they are two of the best along with HSU and SVS. In fact your looking at probably the top 4 manufactures of subs. I give the edge to SVS and HSU for price and SERVICE. The have eliminated the middle man therefore you are not giving money to the retailer to sell a product and gaining a tremendous amount of performance and your not paying for the Velodyne or REL name as well. One other MAJOR reason I would by HSU or SVS is I can speak to the designer himself and get top notch customer support unlike what you would get from a large company. You may speak to a tech or engineer but chances they wont get the knowledge or support. You may have to mail the sub back if it does not workout but thats the only drawback I can see.

 

[warpdrive]

Yes that is true and they are two of the best along with HSU and SVS. In fact your looking at probably the top 4 manufactures of subs. I give the edge to SVS and HSU for price and SERVICE. The have eliminated the middle man therefore you are not giving money to the retailer to sell a product and gaining a tremendous amount of performance and your not paying for the Velodyne or REL name as well. One other MAJOR reason I would by HSU or SVS is I can speak to the designer himself and get top notch customer support unlike what you would get from a large company. You may speak to a tech or engineer but chances they wont get the knowledge or support. You may have to mail the sub back if it does not workout but thats the only drawback I can see.

I agree....all good points. Hsu and SVS have excellent support.

There is something to be said with dealing locally with a dealer too. I had a defective Energy speaker which developed a buzz, and within an hour I had a new speaker because I drove back to the dealer and he replaced them. And don't be too hard to judge big companies. Energy has been very good to me as far as replacing or sending me stuff. I damaged my grill and they just sent me a new one, no questions asked and no charge.

As far as value, most people look at MSRP when comparing speakers. With aggressive discounts or negotiation, you can sometimes beat the value of Internet direct speakers. I was able to buy my Mirage substantially cheaper than a VTF-3 even though the Mirage has a higher MSRP price.

 

[anamorphic96]

Sorry if it came out sounding harsh. You'll see I recommend Hsu and SVS subs in other threads....so don't take it as an attack.

I've just heard too much blind SVS/Hsu hyping that I thought I had to say something *this time*. It's just too often that somebody asks for X vs Y, and then Hsu or SVS is the ONLY answer.

No worries Warp. However in my case I have experienced HSU on three occasions and SVS on two. I use to not believe the hype until I heard HSU and SVS subs in person. Very tight and clean bass with exceptional detail.

Cheers

 

[anamorphic96]

I agree with you about parts and getting things replaced most big names will replace things with no question, and the ability to replace the item within an hour is always nice. But the fact that I can talk to Dr. Hsu himself is a huge deal for me. What I guess it comes down to is compromises. Like all things in audio ?

 

[warpdrive]

If there were some local dealers actually carrying Hsu locally (the closest dealer is 1.5 hours away), then that would have been the best of both worlds (In Canada, Hsu is carried at some local dealers). I would have more likely to pick Hsu over the Mirage I bought.

I still like the fact that Mirage subs are made in Canada (well at least mine is)....doing my bit to support Canada.

SVS hasn't set up shop in Canada, so importing them is more troublesome.