Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 257
local
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 257 |
I realize it's liable to get ugly quickly even asking, but wondering if anyone had tried out the Strata Mini's and M80's and had thoughts? I'm shopping for 2 channel speakers for the living room and stumbled across the Mini's. The idea of diversifying my gear is appealing for whatever reason. Eggs in once basket and all that. I welcome any other speakers you'd recommend considering in the 1-2k range.
The speakers will be paired with some sort of stereo receiver. I'm thinking either the Outlaw RR2150 (pseudo-retro) or a truly retro stereo receiver and a USB DAC to get audio from my macbook into analog. Vinyl will probably be added later.
I have M60's in my HT setup in the basement so I'm familiar with their sound. They're the first "expensive" speakers I've ever owned or really listened extensively to so of course I think they sound fantastic. Ignorance is bliss and all that. I assume the M80's would sound even better (and reduce the need for a sub woofer)?
-Nick
My M60's make me listen My M80's make my ears hear Either way - I'm not deaf anymore
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Re: Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786 |
check out the measurements at soundstage.com The minis have a pronounced midrange and quite a bit more distortion than the M80. The enhanced midrange will give a warmer sound from what I have read. The distortion will color the sound as well. I would imagine that increased distortion would also have a negative effect on the level of detail the speaker will deliver, but don't know for sure. In all, I would expect the M80 to deliver a better sound at a lower price, but if you are looking for something different...
Fred
------- Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
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Re: Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 175
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 175 |
I always wanted to hear some comparisons between the M80's and the Rocket RS850's.... but have yet to come across any
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Re: Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 257
local
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OP
local
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 257 |
Maybe I'm oversimplifying, but it seems like "distortion" would always be a bad word in the world of audio.
There's no point in wanting 'lossless', well recorded albums if the gear I'm going to use makes is sound differently than intended.
Thanks for mentioning the measurements, I missed them on there.
My M60's make me listen My M80's make my ears hear Either way - I'm not deaf anymore
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Re: Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
Very true. If accuracy is your thing then you definitely do not want distortion. Accuracy can also be measured, so it's easier to compared speakers for this feature.
However, good sound is subjective for some people. Some will prefer an enhanced mid range or really dig an exaggerate bass. Also, certain changes to the sound can sometimes compensate for poorer quality recordings. If all someone's music is going to play from their iPod, maybe super accurate speakers are not the best choice.
So yes, I agree with you but in the end, people have different tastes and preferences. Like those crazy tube amp guys! Just kidding, of course!!!!
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441 |
Like those crazy tube amp guys! Just kidding, of course!!!! Only a little, though.
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Re: Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786 |
I agree with you murph. However, what I find is that most people seem to first pick a sound they like, and then define it as neutral and clean. I have also told that warm sound means neutral/flat.
Turbo. I have seen one review of the Rocket 750 (older speaker) with measurements and it does not measure particularly flat either. I have run across one 850 owner that did a direct comparison of the M60 and the 850. He felt the M60 was slightly better for music, but chose the 850 system for movies because he liked the bigfoot center better.
In the end, if you want something different, give them a listen and if you like what you hear, what does it matter how they measure or what other people like.
Fred
------- Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
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Re: Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420 |
In the end, if you want something different, give them a listen and if you like what you hear, what does it matter how they measure or what other people like. I agree with Fred, order up a set of each do a comparison, let us know your thoughts, with some pics of course, and keep the ones you like the best.
Jason M80 v2 VP160 v3 QS8 v2 PB13 Ultra Denon 3808 Samsung 85" Q70
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Re: Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
I think someone around here got a pair awhile back. Try searching for it (using the search thread in the Water Cooler).
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Strata Mini's -vs- M80's
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
And now that I've found it, I'd take it with a grain of salt. Any review that says the Axioms are metallic means the reviewer was listening with his eyes, not his ears.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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