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Do speaker wires matter

I recently was given a pair of Mirage M1 speakers. All highs, mids and lows work but I don’t believe they sound like they should.

The tweeters are not giving the detailed highs. I am not sure if the mids and lows are where they should be.

i am currently using a vintage 2226b Marantz I just had restored. Impedance is 8 ohms and it only puts out 26 wpc. I know these speakers require A much more powerful amp. I’ve done a little research on this.

im wondering if the speakers could not sound as good because of the Marantz and/or also because of the speaker wires I’m currently using. I don’t know what gauge they are. They were given to me as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

i did also find a Mirage technician in Canada who still repairs them if I’ll have to take that route. No turning back now 😊
em2music

Showing 5 responses by berner99

berner99
216 posts
 
8 sets of comments from M1 owners you may find helpful.

http://www.audioreview.com/product/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/mirage-loudspeakers/m-1si.html
berner99
216 posts
 
And if your speakers each have two sets of binding posts you have to have separate jumper wires between the two red and two black binding posts (on each speaker) or biwire them ie run 2 left and 2 right speaker wires from the amp to the two sets of binding posts.
berner99
216 posts
 
I still have M3sis and they do have advantages ie type of sound which mostly can’t be gotten with sealed/ported box speakers.
Firstly the foam surrounding your drivers may have gone bad. You can inspect to see (I have directions somewhere how to take them apart).
You will need a more powerful amp. When I bought mine 30 years ago I was recommended a 75 W class A amp (worked well). Mine has several db more sensitivity so you’ll need more than that. Least 100-150W. High current solid state might be ideal. No clue about class D for this situation.

I’m sure you know these must be placed away from back wall, so hope you have a big room.  
berner99
216 posts
 
Sounds reasonable.  If the issue is the mirages, you might ask the repair person in Canada if it sounds like a foam repair issue or a driver issue, and feasibility of fixing that.

Basement is plenty large enough, though a 5' tall speaker in a 6' tall basement must be a sight.  I suspect you'd be better off with the speakers at least 3' away from the rear/side walls.  If you google the ancient reviews on the M1s, they may give you their opinion on the topic.  Or just experiment.

If the speaker works or can be made workable, an idea to save money is to buy used SS amp (of enough watts).  Just make sure it has been had capacitors replaced (if needed).  

Let us know how it turns out and how you like them.
berner99
216 posts
 
Agree, mine are warm and a bit laid back. If you like bright forward speakers...there is no shortage of options.
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