Press Release: AV123 Introduces the Strata Mini Loudspeaker

[Tom Andry]

<P><A href="http://www.audioholics.com/news/pressreleases/StrataMini.php"><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2><IMG style="WIDTH: 37px; HEIGHT: 100px" alt=[Strata1] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/Strata1_th.jpg" align=left border=0></FONT></A><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>The Strata Mini represents the “wish list” as developed by our company Founder and President --- Mark L. Schifter. “The Mini” (as they like to call it) represents the very best in modern design, engineering, and technological application(s) all wrapped in a sleek --- even sexy package that most of us can actually afford. One reviewer upon listening to the prototype called it the best $6000/pr speaker he has ever heard. The only problem with that is the Mini is priced at $1595/pr (moving to $1995/pr in January 2007)!</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>[</FONT><A href="http://www.audioholics.com/news/pressreleases/StrataMini.php"><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>Read More</FONT></A><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>]</FONT></P>

 

[j_garcia]

Wow, it looked cool when they released the drawings of it as a teaser, but it looks even better than I expected. Good to 27Hz. One question, what does it mean by 27Hz - user selectable? Does that mean the bass enclosure is vented and configurable?

 

[Duffman-OOHYEAH]

Wow, it looked cool when they released the drawings of it as a teaser, but it looks even better than I expected. Good to 27Hz. One question, what does it mean by 27Hz - user selectable? Does that mean the bass enclosure is vented and configurable?

Each mini pretty much has an x-sub (so to speak) built into the cabinet , with x-over, phase and volume controls.

Absolutely amazing speakers. Although I was not that impressed at first as these things need major consideration given to positioning and woofer integration.

Now, I'm simply floored. If you can afford them, GET THEM!


JR

 

[Geno]

Looks like these guys are trying to tap into the Martin Logan audience. If they sound as good as they look, they'll give M-L major headaches.

 

[Rob Babcock]

Dealing with Mark & the crew at AV123 couldn't be any easier! I bought an Onix SP3/Ref 1 combo and found the service & products to be top notch. The finish of those little Ref 1's was considerably nicer than my $3,000 Monitor Audio GR20's!

 

[Buckle-meister]

Planar magnetic drivers are known for their amazingly detailed presentation; effortless, airy and transparent in nature…

I understand (though I've never personally heard ) that this type of driver delivers incredible detail in the upper (and mid?) frequencies but that its downside is that it can't compete in the low frequencies with cone drivers.

However, if planer magnetic drivers are better at higher frequencies and cones better at lower frequencies, why aren't the majority of speakers seen in this hybrid configuration? It can't just be due to manufacturing costs because even in far pricier speakers you still commonly see silk dome tweeters.

Can someone please explain this to me?

 

[Pianoman84d]

I think the reason is that it is hard to get a transition from the planar mag driver to the traditional cone driver right. Apparently, the thing that makes the minis special is that av123 got the transition right on. (I only say apparently b/c I have not heard them, I have however read lots ).

 

[j_garcia]

I understand (though I've never personally heard ) that this type of driver delivers incredible detail in the upper (and mid?) frequencies but that its downside is that it can't compete in the low frequencies with cone drivers.

However, if planer magnetic drivers are better at higher frequencies and cones better at lower frequencies, why aren't the majority of speakers seen in this hybrid configuration? It can't just be due to manufacturing costs because even in far pricier speakers you still commonly see silk dome tweeters.

Can someone please explain this to me?

Planar drivers still typically cost a LOT more than most dome tweeters.

 

[Starmax]

Question.

Those Strata Mini's sure are tempting, especially at that price, but I'm unsure about trying to blend them into my existing system, or keep them as separate stand-alones for music only. Right now I've got Polk LSi15's for fronts, LSiC center, RTi 12's on the sides, RTi 10's in back, and a Klipsch RSW 12 Sub. The two fronts run off a B&K Ref. 200.2 amp, the center, sides & backs run off a Denon 3805 receiver (Denon 3910 universal player with D-Link III for movies and music). This set-up works great for home theatre...and not too shabby for DVD-A and SACDs, but I'd still like to hear more mid-to-high range detail, especially at lower volumes (I live in a condo). That's why the AV123 Strata Mini's caught my attention. If I replaced the LSi15's with the Mini's (and shuffled the LSi's to the sides) would the Minis blend with my LSiC whenever I wanted to use them for home theatre use? Are the Minis THAT much better for music than the LSi15's? Price IS a consideration, but I'd part with $1,500 if it would make a significant difference. Any thought, suggestions, advice?

 

[Sheep]

Those Strata Mini's sure are tempting, especially at that price, but I'm unsure about trying to blend them into my existing system, or keep them as separate stand-alones for music only. Right now I've got Polk LSi15's for fronts, LSiC center, RTi 12's on the sides, RTi 10's in back, and a Klipsch RSW 12 Sub. The two fronts run off a B&K Ref. 200.2 amp, the center, sides & backs run off a Denon 3805 receiver (Denon 3910 universal player with D-Link III for movies and music). This set-up works great for home theatre...and not too shabby for DVD-A and SACDs, but I'd still like to hear more mid-to-high range detail, especially at lower volumes (I live in a condo). That's why the AV123 Strata Mini's caught my attention. If I replaced the LSi15's with the Mini's (and shuffled the LSi's to the sides) would the Minis blend with my LSiC whenever I wanted to use them for home theatre use? Are the Minis THAT much better for music than the LSi15's? Price IS a consideration, but I'd part with $1,500 if it would make a significant difference. Any thought, suggestions, advice?

You sir, need to be externally amping all your channels.

SheepStar

 

[j_garcia]

You sir, need to be externally amping all your channels.

SheepStar

I agree completely.

 

[Starmax]

Re: external amping of all channels

You mean the 3805's "stated" 120 watts per channel (ok, it's really more between 80-90) isn't enough to drive the 8 ohm RTi's? Keep in mind they're only called upon for surround duty. My LSiC is 4 ohms, but my receiver has extra juice to bi-amp it if I want. Are you guys saying I'd hear more of a return on my $1,500. by buying a 5-channel amp instead of putting it on those Mini's?