Theater i or Stage?

[CherylGrrl]

My hubby and I just bought a beautiful pair of Vantages, a pair of Frescos for the rear, and are stumped about whether to buy a Stage center or look for a Theater i. It's clear they downsized but it's hard for me to believe the top of the line ML center would sound worse than the model it replaced. Hubby is looking at the specs, I'm looking at the space! Having never heard either one, it would be great to get some more experienced perspectives!

Man oh man do we love the Vantages!!! :bowdown:

 

[FISH_MAN]

go stage

I have a stage it sounds great althogh I should not post a reply beacuse I have never heard a theater I. the stage is a grand speaker it is newer and I think also looks better and it better matches your vantages "some of this is about looks". when I had the vantages wich I loved, the stage matched them perfectly.do not buy a cheeper center than these though or you not be happy.

 

[Pcar928fan]

The guy that co-owns the shop here in town that sells ML's got rid of his Theater i for a Stage he liked it so much! I have a non-i Theater myself and really like it, but it is SIMPLY HUGE!

 

[cstory]

I haven't heard the Theater i, but I used to have a Cinema. The Cinema matched my Aerius (older model ML) fine, but wasn't a great match for my Vista's in terms of sound quality. I would definitely go with the Stage with the Vantages, you should end up with a better match that way.

Chuck

 

[CherylGrrl]

XStat Technology?

I just found that the Stage uses the "new" XStat technology. Is that why it would be a better match for the Vantages?

Thank you all so much for your advice, it is SO helpful!

 

[DrJRapp]

I just found that the Stage uses the "new" XStat technology. Is that why it would be a better match for the Vantages?

Thank you all so much for your advice, it is SO helpful!

XStat doesn't sound any different than previous technology. It just exposes more surface area of the active element allowing the ESL panel to be smaller while outputting the same ultimate SPL.


I had a Cinema then a Theater i then a Stage, I preferrred the more robust low end of the Theater i. I'm one guy who prefers to roll off the sound of my center and surrounds to my sub as at as low a frequency as possible, while allowing my mains to produce full range. If you have an excellent sub and roll off the center at the THX spec of 80Hz, or have a Receiver or Pre-pro with Audassey or similar system correction the Stage should work just fine.

 

[tsmooth]

Wow, I wish my wife went on this site to help me decide what our next speaker upgrade should be :bowdown:. I currently have the Motif, but have installed the Theater-i and the Stage in a few theater setups. Both are excellent speakers and the only recommendation I have is to make sure you handle the rear wave of either speaker. The center channel needs to be tilted up or down (in relation to placement) to keep the rear wave from reflecting directly through the speaker ( = cleaner dialog). That can also be mitigated by sufficient distance from the rear wall or some sort of absorption. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Reverb2009]

I would go with the Stage over the Theater i, unless you found a smoking deal on a theater i. The Stage is not leaps and bounds better then the Theater center but it is a bit better and will match your Vantages nicly.

 

[TomDac]

I've seen and heard the Theater... It's nice, but it's GI-NORMOUS! I'm mean, it's really big...

I'd go for the Stage for sure, just because of that.

 

[pat2303]

Does someone know if the stage can be used with either 110 or 230 V?
Is the power supply is universal ?
Please answer me.
Thanks

 

[benleeys]

Does someone know if the stage can be used with either 110 or 230 V?
Is the power supply is universal ?
Please answer me.
Thanks

Its power supply comes from a small external AC/DC converter which accepts 100-240VAC input and outputs 15VDC. So you have no problem at all using the speaker anywhere in the world.

 

[pat2303]

Are you sure the power supply is universal ?
I'm about to buy one from USA and the seller told me it was 110 V only ?
Are the ones sold in the USA not universal ?
Thanks

 

[benleeys]

Are you sure the power supply is universal ?
I'm about to buy one from USA and the seller told me it was 110 V only ?
Are the ones sold in the USA not universal ?
Thanks

I can only confirm what we have here in Singapore. I do not see why ML should stock 2 kinds of power supply when a universal version is available for both markets. Perhaps our USA owners in this forum can confirm what is being offered in that market.

 

[pat2303]

Is there a US resident who can confirm that we can use either the power supply for 110 / 230 V ?
Thanks

 

[Chris J.]

International power supply.

Yes, you can use that power supply for any AC voltage from 100 Vac to 240 Vac. The power supply shown in the photo also accepts any line frequency from 50 Hz to 60 Hz. In other words, you can use that power supply shown in the phpto any where in the world, you just need to get a line cord suitable for your country.
Yes, I really do know what I am talking about, I am an Electrical Engineer specializing in AC power distribution.

 

[zaphod]

Yes, I really do know what I am talking about, I am an Electrical Engineer specializing in AC power distribution.

go Mustangs. although i do miss J.W.Little stadium. oh - and isn't it time that you start buying orange paint for the observatory?