Hi Adrian,
Comparing omnidirectional speakers and forward-radiating designs is almost an apples/oranges comparison. The problem with using omnidirectional speakers in the front and center channels for movie soundtracks is that you lose the precise imaging and soundstaging. I especially dislike an omnidirectional design for the center, which results in a murky, non-specific dialog presentation that may be indistinct.
Mirage omni-polar main speakers can produce a very large, generous and quite seductive soundstage for music, and that may be very appealing. However what you give up is the precise imaging that a good forward-radiating speaker like the M80 can present.
Overall, in the past, Mirage speakers have been quite good but they don't have the same linearity as the Axioms. They have some noticeable colorations in the midrange.
Klipsch now owns Mirage (along with its sister brands Energy and Athena Technology) and I heard that all production had been moved to China.
Regards,
Alan
