Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Decisions decisions

Via review of the AVS forum I was swayed to purchase the M2i's and was I blown away. I was so impressed it has put me in a delima for which I solict your alls help. Oops, I guess you just figured out I am from the South.

I currently have a dedicated home theater that is 11 x 19 and 8 foot ceiling. The floor covering is carpet and I have stadium seating with two rows of reclining couches for seating. I have a Yamaha 2095, two 2002 Def Tech towers with 125 watt built in subs, a 2500 Def Tech center channel and two BP1 surrounds. My video source is a NEC HT 1000 projecting on a Dalite Hi Power 106" screen.

I am considering two alternatives and would like to solict your advise on what you would recommend or to suggest any ohter option.

Option one would be to purchase a pair of M60's and sell my Def Tech towers then add a subwoofer, probably an SVS PB 12 +. This would appear to be the most economical route but I am concerned about mixing the speakers, esp the fronts.

A second option I am considering is selling the entire Det Tech set on e-bay and purchasing the Epic 60 package.

Almost forgot, I also plan to move the Yamaha upstairs and purchasing the Marantz 7400 for the theater. I assume that is a good match for the Axioms?

Would most appreciate anyone's thoughts and or recommendations.

Without question, Option One. With M60's and a PB12+, you're more than half-way to unbeatable sound. The sub in the Epic 60 package can't compare, and you might want to upgrade the VP100 to the VP150. Stick around here and we'll convince you to get the QS8's.

i would definitely get some M60's for the space. 80's not needed. and you just cant go wrong with SVS, but take a look at the new axiom subs. EP500 and EP600. they are rather expensive, but all indications go to show that those subs are setting new industry standards.

i would also suggest the VP150 center, and some QS8's. the VP100 and QS4's could get the job done, but why leave yourself in a position to wonder 'what if'?

it sounds as though you have a pretty killer HT set up already. i would love to see some pics of your dedicated room, and its a must once you get your new axioms.

bigjohn

Daffy - you clearly picked your name to fit in here easily.

Try this on. You are best matching your speakers. Since you have chosen Axioms, I'd suggest, for your room size, M60s/VP100/QS8s. The VP150 is an optional upgrade, but not really necessary as the 100 is a special speaker to begin with. To expand on bigjohn's comment - the QS8s are stunning and are "must have" choices.

The new Axioms look pretty good, but they are a bit expensive. For your sub, the PDS-12+ you are looking at would do the job - ALOT. You really don't need that much sub for that room. A PBS-12 ISD would be more than enough. I've got a 20-39 PCi in a 16x22x10 room and the gain is only at 45%. Lotsa "woofing" is still available. Any of the SVS subs mentioned here will be more equipment than an Axiom EP350.

I'd suggest you call SVS and let them help you with the sub choice. They actually sold me DOWN a model and they are just special to deal with.

Good luck with it.

Ray

Thanks alot guys for your input. You confirmed what I thought that the M80's were too big for my room. It would appear the only deviation is which center channel is best for my needs.

Amie at Axiom had recommended that I at least match the fronts by getting the M60s + the VP150 so that all the tweeters in the front matched. In order to get the 5% discount Amie recommended that I order the QS8s which would save me about $70. By selling my Def's on E-bay I won't be deplited of too much cash. With the 30 day trial I thought I might do a comparison between the two and if I see no difference just pay the shipping costs to send the Axioms back. I know, there is no way I am probably going to want to ship them back. I will call SVS as suggested next week but I gather the PDS-12 will be sufficent. Haven't really considerined the QS8's so will explore the posts for some comments.

Thanks again for the help and I will take some photos of my theater when I get it back together. My HT 1000 developed a problem, I think a short in the line and I will be sending it back next week. I am not what you would call a computer wiz, you will note I couldn't figure out how to post a photo so who knows if I can figure out how to post.

I am curious Ray, what caused you to decide to purchase the 20-39 PCi as opposed to the more conventional box type sub?

I don't know if I'd say the M80s were "too big" for your room. If you had a burning desire for them, I think they would work out OK. But, the M60s will give you all you need, and then some, in a room that size. I have the 60s in a room 11.5x18x8 with a 10x10 dining area adjacent. They do the job, believe me.

Daffy, the 1PB 12 will be MORE than sufficient. What I am suggesting is that you may be looking at too much sub (if there is such a thing ) and might save a few $$.

To answer your question - when I spoke to Eric at SVS he explained that the cylinder is a bit more efficient than a box, but the difference isn't enough to wring your hands. I ultimately decided on the cylinder because of my room and the furniture I have. The box would have akward to place, but the cylinder fit very nicely behind a chair/in a corner. I also liked the look of the cylinder and it's ability to spark conversation. Really boils down to a matter of personal choice.

Spent quite a bit of time discussing the 20-39 vs. the 25-31 with Eric. The 20-39 goes lower and I wanted to capture all of the LFE I could. The 25-31 has more headroom, but it seemed to me that louder is only important if you are going to crank it and try to peel the paint off the wall. Hence, the 20-39. In my room, it is more than enough sub and I have not even come close to pushing it to its limits.

At this point, I have about decided to go with the 60's up front and the 150 center. When I recover financially, will go for the qs8's on the side wall and use direct radiating speakers in the back. Right now I have a pair of Bostons I will use.

In addition, I am leaning strongly toward purchasing the Marantz 7400 but having second thoughts for a couple of reasons. One, the speakers will be used about 90% of the time for home theater and Marantz strong suit appears to be music. I have been a Yamaha fan for a long time so could get the Yamaha 2400 for about the same price, $650 and I think Yamaha's strong suit is home theater. If I go Denon i would want the 3805 but it is around $1,000 and it does not seem to be worth the difference.

Anyone have any thoughts on receiver selection? I have checked out several profies and the majority appear to own Denons.

I have a Marantz receiver and love it for both music and movies. I think you'll find the consensus here is that there's really almost no discernable difference between brands once you start moving up to the price point where you're looking. Ignore the British magazines, if you read them. Denon, Yamaha, Marantz, H/K, Rotel, etc. all make fine products and it's unlikely you'll do poorly with any of those choices. Having said that, the SR7500 is slated for release after the first of the year.