My review of the Onix Strata Mini’s from AV123.

[GMichael]

I like the analog better just because I can eyeball the needle movement during peaks etc...don't think it really matters. I have DVE and AVIA for calibration discs. To be honest, for speaker calibration, YPAO and its test tones are pretty damn accurate. I have a Galaxy SPL meter as well that's super expensive and accurate, but doesn't set the speaker levels any better.

Thanks. It looks like RS has them back in stock now. Can the YPAO be used by me to calibrate the subs? Between the Titanic and the 2 Mini's I have several adjustments to make for base. Knobs, knobs knobs, there are enough d'm knobs. So far, I've just been doing it by ear. It would be nice to graph the frequency curve. Does the YPAO put out white noise and the SPL will let me choose frequencies one by one? Or do I need a test CD that puts out the frequencies one by one?

To be honest, I can't think of anything simple to improve what you've done off the top of my head. I can appreciate not wanting to compromise the house plan just for an HT.

It does sound nicer to me than anything I've spent time with. (Although those 3.6's I heard were d'm nice) I've been thinking about the panels since you brought them up. Really only have room for one though. I could use some on the ceiling for the surrounds. Lowering them would be better. Not so concerned with them right now as I've been concentrating on getting the two channels down first.

That's kind of what I did, the 2 channel system is in another room altogether that is not exactly the most efficient use of living space, but makes for a great 2-ch room and practice area. Of course, my speakers are ugly and covered in carpet so banishing them to another part of the home made sense. My wife has been pretty good about the audio stuff...

Right now my DIY speakers are in the basement and garage. They sound better than they have a right to for what they cost me to build. (about $100 each total) Not too ugly, as I've built many in the past and have learned how to make them fairly nice. But nothing like how the Mini's look. Not sure how long it takes them to get that finish but it's beyond what I can do.

Ugh...I will be in yet another new home in 2008...dunno what I'm going to do. An HT room is a must. I doubt it's going to be the 24 X 20 I have now. Actually, I'd like it smaller, but not too small...maybe 20 x 14. Hmmm...Just when things were coming together perfectly...

Congrats. It's great to have a new project. Don't forget to take lots of pics. I assume you'll be wiring everything ahead of time to hide the wires etc. Will there be a projector in your future? I see a few 1080p models in the $3k range. There are a few DIY screens projects out there that will get you a nice screen in the 100 to 200 range. Even a couple that are less. How far are you moving? Will it be bigger? Will there be a moose running around the yard?