Towers for $2000 or less?

[mdrew]

I need to buy a new set of towers for my two channel system and want to make sure I haven’t missed anything in my price range. Which is, under $2000.

I have several Axiom speakers now (M80’s, M22’s, M3’s, QS8’s) and love them all, pretty much. Until recently the M80’s have been my two channel speakers but they are getting a new home in the dedicated HT room. I’ve also got an EP 500 and an EP 600 for the HT and I use an Outlaw LFM1 for the two channel system. I’m using a Rotel 1070/1080 for the two channel system as well.

I suppose your wondering why I don’t just buy another set of M80’s if I already like them so much. Well, I just might. I’m waiting to see what their new wood veneer finish is going to look like, as that is a must this time. Whatever I buy needs to be real wood, no vinyl.

While I absolutely love the detail the M80’s have, it can be a double edged sword at times. I listen to a lock of rock and unfortunately but true, many rock CD’s aren’t recorded very well. Axiom speakers reproduce the defects very well, and they can be downright painful to listen to at times. The mid range bass is just as impressive. I can feel kick drums in my spine. Low end bass is there, but I would mind some more.

By now I bet you audiophiles are shaking your head thinking I’m smoking crack…….I want detail, but forgiving detail, I want tight hard hitting bass, but I want more low end bass. I do realize that these are somewhat contradictory, but hell, maybe there is a perfect speaker out there for me. Can’t hurt to ask right?

I’ve listened to Paradigm studio 100, vrs III’s and liked them, but actually prefer the M80’s mid range. I’ve heard 703’s, and thought they sounded pretty good too, but they didn’t rock my world. I’ve heard Boston Acoustics, and was not impressed at all. I absolutely hated any flat panel speaker I’ve heard, including Maggie’s.

I’m looking real hard at Rocket 850’s and 760’s now and I’ve also taken a peak at Swans, but know absolutely nothing about them.

I should mention that I like my music loud at times. The M80’s do that effortlessly being a highly efficient 4 ohm speaker.

I’m in Alaska and there aren’t that many high end audio shops for me to just plop my but down in front of several different brands and compare. The Paradigms and BW are the only brands available, besides Polk and Infinity _ and they do nothing for me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you………..mike

[Xsound]

You may want to take a look ath the Wharfedale Pcific Evo 40 @ $1499. It's a little under your budget, but a good speaker. If you are looking for something that offers a slightly different sound from the Axioms.

Here is a review to check out...

http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/1105wharfedale/

May be of some help.

Enjoy
X

[Loner]

Here's a few articles on the Onix line, something I'm seriously considering. I'm thinking about the Ref 3's, 760's and 850's - in that order. In the one article re the Ref 3's, the reviewer uses quite a few superlatives.:cool:

If you do end up wanting the 850's, wait until their new crossover is released. The 760's already have it.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/onix-reference-3-speakers-11-2004.html

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_3/onix-rocket-rs850-speakers-8-2005.htm

http://hometheatertalk.com/httalk/viewtopic.php?t=17775

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_3/onix-rocket-speakers-8-2003.html

[Snarl]

Polk RTi12's ?

[zumbo]

Something to audition. Around $1600.00 retail:

http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/2Celit2.html

Another brand I like:
http://www.hometheaterbythesea.com/Monitor-Audio-Silver-S10-Towers-pair-P8800C1033.aspx

[mdrew]

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep them coming.

I would love to have a set of the Ref 3’s, but they are simply too far out of my price range. Sure makes me try to come up with more cash to buy them though. I’d have to skimp on my projector to afford them though, and I don’t want to do that. The 850’s might just be the ticket, or possibly the new 760’s. I’m waiting to hear what Craigsub has to say about the 760’s.

I’ve also heard many good things about the Monitors and will have to put them on my short list. I’ve heard the Polk’s, but they just didn’t call to me.

Those Wharfedales also look like a dandy speaker.

[Xsound]

The Evos are Wharfedale's middle line. They have a higher end line, the Opus. They are a seriously good looking and excellent sounding speaker. Not much publicity on them on this side of the ocean. They start at $2400, so I didn't mention them; but if you decide to stretch the budget, they would be an excellent option as well.

[mdrew]

Those are some damn good looking speakers. Do they sound as good as they look? Is there an on-line dealer?

[3db]

I need to buy a new set of towers for my two channel system and want to make sure I haven’t missed anything in my price range. Which is, under $2000.

I have several Axiom speakers now (M80’s, M22’s, M3’s, QS8’s) and love them all, pretty much. Until recently the M80’s have been my two channel speakers but they are getting a new home in the dedicated HT room. I’ve also got an EP 500 and an EP 600 for the HT and I use an Outlaw LFM1 for the two channel system. I’m using a Rotel 1070/1080 for the two channel system as well.

I suppose your wondering why I don’t just buy another set of M80’s if I already like them so much. Well, I just might. I’m waiting to see what their new wood veneer finish is going to look like, as that is a must this time. Whatever I buy needs to be real wood, no vinyl.

While I absolutely love the detail the M80’s have, it can be a double edged sword at times. I listen to a lock of rock and unfortunately but true, many rock CD’s aren’t recorded very well. Axiom speakers reproduce the defects very well, and they can be downright painful to listen to at times. The mid range bass is just as impressive. I can feel kick drums in my spine. Low end bass is there, but I would mind some more.

By now I bet you audiophiles are shaking your head thinking I’m smoking crack…….I want detail, but forgiving detail, I want tight hard hitting bass, but I want more low end bass. I do realize that these are somewhat contradictory, but hell, maybe there is a perfect speaker out there for me. Can’t hurt to ask right?

I’ve listened to Paradigm studio 100, vrs III’s and liked them, but actually prefer the M80’s mid range. I’ve heard 703’s, and thought they sounded pretty good too, but they didn’t rock my world. I’ve heard Boston Acoustics, and was not impressed at all. I absolutely hated any flat panel speaker I’ve heard, including Maggie’s.

I’m looking real hard at Rocket 850’s and 760’s now and I’ve also taken a peak at Swans, but know absolutely nothing about them.

I should mention that I like my music loud at times. The M80’s do that effortlessly being a highly efficient 4 ohm speaker.

I’m in Alaska and there aren’t that many high end audio shops for me to just plop my but down in front of several different brands and compare. The Paradigms and BW are the only brands available, besides Polk and Infinity _ and they do nothing for me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you………..mike


If you have a strong amp/receiver with lots of guts, I'd suggest looking at PSB Silveri. They are much better than Axiom M80s in every respect, tighter deeper bass, smoother mids and smooth accurate highs. IMO, they are better speaker still then the B&W 805s.

[steelhrd]

Boston acoustics vr-m80 get my vote a detailed speaker with great range and versatile use


http://www.bostonacoustics.com/home_product.aspx?category_id=2&product_id=189

[Xsound]

Here is a link to the Wharfedale Opus.

http://www.wharfedale.co.uk/model.php?model_id=2&finish=5

Here is a link to an authorized dealer for Wharfedale, Boston Acoustics, Monitor Audio, and Triad...

http://www.mcsoundlightandvideo.com/

Hope this is kosher to post. I am not an employee, just know that these guys are dedicated to customer service and doing a good job.

Enjoy
X

[zumbo]

http://www.yawaonline.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=YO&Product_Code=WHA_OPUS1&Category_Code=WHA

[Xsound]

http://www.yawaonline.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=YO&Category_Code=SP


That has to be a mis-print. I don't care how good mc sound light and video is at customer service, if they will sell new opus 1's at $1499, somebody ought to snatch them up before they correct the mistake. Personally I prefer the Opus 2, but where else can you get a $1k discount on a pair of $2499 speakers. That is a speaker that has detail, without harshness.

Buy It,
X

[Sheep]

Maybe something like this. Might be out of your price range.

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=12

SheepStar

[zumbo]

That has to be a mis-print. I don't care how good mc sound light and video is at customer service, if they will sell new opus 1's at $1499, somebody ought to snatch them up before they correct the mistake. Personally I prefer the Opus 2, but where else can you get a $1k discount on a pair of $2499 speakers. That is a speaker that has detail, without harshness.

Buy It,
X


Yawa is known for good deals. I paid $899.00 a pair for my MB Quart 830's. Got two pair. Retail is $1699.00.:D

[mdrew]

Thanks for the links! I’ve got a call into them for shipping quotes. Although the Opus 1 looks like a heck of deal, I suspect that the Opus 2 would be more up my alley. If I bought the Opus 1, I’d just want the size up. The Opus 3 is simply too big.

I gave the Energy’s a hard look too. I think they are very similar to Axiom’s though. Craigsub did a blind review and had a hard time telling them apart, but if memory serves me right, he ended up preferring the Axioms.

When I last heard the Boston Acoustics, they were side by side some Paradigm studio 100’s. I preferred the 100’s hands down.

[Sheep]

Thanks for the links! I’ve got a call into them for shipping quotes. Although the Opus 1 looks like a heck of deal, I suspect that the Opus 2 would be more up my alley. If I bought the Opus 1, I’d just want the size up. The Opus 3 is simply too big.

I gave the Energy’s a hard look too. I think they are very similar to Axiom’s though. Craigsub did a blind review and had a hard time telling them apart, but if memory serves me right, he ended up preferring the Axioms.

When I last heard the Boston Acoustics, they were side by side some Paradigm studio 100’s. I preferred the 100’s hands down.

Those towers I link are the step down from the ones craig did the test with. They are not as neutral as the Axioms, but I love their sound. The ones Craig tested are 5500 a pair (CAD).

SheepStar

[dannv]

so ur lookining for deatailed highs without the harshness, and tight bass with all the power. These look interesting
http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/powertower/powertower.html
personnally i am getting a pair of 7001sc's

[Jack Dotson]

After owning many really good speakers through the years, these fit the bill for me better than any I've owned.

Very detailed, but never harsh with just a bit of a laid back mid. They are absolutely fantastic on rock because of their supurb dynamics, but they perform very well on all types of music. Great dispersion, huge soundstange, great dynamics, all the detail you could want.

I could go on and on, but I wont. All I can say Is I strongly suggest you give these a listen.

BTW, I had the M80's in my home for awhile and sent them back, just didn't do it for me. And, like you said, they need to have a real wood finish instead of the cheapo looking laminate. The ones they sent me actually had the laminate starting to peel away at the bottom of the speaker when I pulled them from the box new.

I have the 2.3i's in black piano finish, just beautiful to look at a listen to.

[craigsub]

Having spent over 6 months with each the Paradigm Studio 100 V.3's, the Axiom M80's (in the extra cost "piano gloss" finish) and the Energy 2.4i's - they are all terrific performers.

The standard Axiom vinyl, while understandable for cost controls, is a bit of a negative for the appearance, and can have a slight tendency to "roll up" at the seams (easily remedies with a spot of glue). Axiom is coming out with real wood finishes soon - and for a "honest" price to price comparison with both the Paradigms and Energies, it will be against the new "wood Axioms".

There is also the fact that the street price of the Paradigms and Energies is less than one would think.

The Energies are pretty easy to get 25% + off - Figure a street price of around $3200 and the Paradigms can be purchased for appx. $2000.

If the M80's add $300 for wood, suddenly they are $1570.

A funny thing about speaker finishes, too. The M80's ALWAYS scored higher when tested blind. We humans tend to LIKE a prettier look to our stuff. Even neandrathal men. This means, IMO, that the finish on a speaker DOES enhance its long term value to us.

[markm]

Don't rule out Aperion. For $2000 you can get the highly acclaimed 533-PT's, matching 533-VAC center and two 534-SS dipole/bipole surrounds. Your requirement for tight bass would seem to be met with the PT's having an 8" powered subwoofer in each tower.

Free shipping *both ways* if you don't like them after the try-out period. I haven't come across a single reviewer that didn't think these speakers were simply amazing for the money and all say they sound like speakers many times their price. You could drop down to direct radiating surrounds and to the 633-t's and pick up one of their subs which are highly rated as well and keep it close to $2000.

[Wid]

I have not heard of the Axiom standard finish as having a tendency of "rolling up at the seams". I have had mine for close to 3 years and have had absolutly no problems with the finish. I have also been reading the Axiom forums for nearly as long with very few mentions of people having any trouble with the finish.

[Arthur Nelson]

:) If You Can Find A Pair Of Wharfedale Emerald 99's Buy Them.
This Was The Flagship Model Prior To Opus & The 99 Mk Iv
Sounds Almost Exactly Like The Opus With A Little Less Bass ,but Same Mid & Hi. Bi-wired They Are Nirvana & Can Be Bought For Less Than $4oo.. Used

[mdrew]

I feel the need to clarify something on this string. While I did ask for input and expressed a desire to purchase a different ‘sounding’ speaker than my Axiom M80TI’s, I in no way, whatsoever am dissatisfied with their performance or build quality. I am simply looking for something different. I also want a speaker that has a real wood finish, and as I initially indicated, Axiom is still on my shopping list (they now offer a real wood veneer). I in no way feel that the vinyl finish is anything but superb, considering that it is in fact vinyl. I have several Axiom products, many of which I bought through Axiom’s Factory Outlet store which is their “B” stock items that they sell at a 10% discount. In fact, when I received my “B” stock items, I looked them over very thoroughly and could not detect any blemish of any kind on all but two out of eight speakers and subwoofers. I had to look very hard to find these “B” stock blemishes, and on both occurrences, they were a slight discoloration on the bottom of the speaker that will never be seen.

Axiom customer service is bar none, the best I’ve ever dealt with regardless of product. They go to simply amazing distances to support their product. I’ve had numerous email, forum and phone conversations with their tech, sales, service departments and even Amie and Alan themselves (the owners).

If all I ever listened to were top notch recorded CD’s in which a highly detailed speaker can make beautiful sound out of, I’d not consider buying anything but Axiom. Unfortunately, many of my CD’s are not recorded very well. This is a fault of the producers, not the speaker. I’m not about to quit listening to some genre’s as that is my preferred taste. Therefore, I need to find a more forgiving speaker. I do not intend on ditching the Axiom products I currently have either, they are just going to live in my little home theater room. This room will be dark and I don’t give a hoot what finish the speaker has. The area where my two channel system resides is another story. The speakers are out in the open in a log home with nothing but wood under them and all around them where they get a lot of attention. Vinyl just doesn’t look right.

So for those of you, who may stumble onto this string, please don’t leave thinking Axiom is a sub-par speaker. They are anything but. If you take the time to look their specs over a little closer, you will soon see that they are in fact ‘high end’. In fact, through all this searching, asking questions and research, I’m finding it difficult to find similar performance from any speaker close to Axiom’s price point. The price point just leaves one thinking that they are low end. Don’t let that fool you.

[Jack Dotson]

Snip..

In fact, through all this searching, asking questions and research, I’m finding it difficult to find similar performance from any speaker close to Axiom’s price point. The price point just leaves one thinking that they are low end. Don’t let that fool you.[/QUOTE]

I got my Energy 2.3i's new for $1699. Sound good with everything you throw at them, not just with really good recordings.

[einsteinjb]

Mdrew, I'm quite difficult to please when it comes to speakers, though I don't have the budget for $2000 speakers right now. I insist on neutrality, accuracy, clean sound... Which is why after a lot of listening, research, conversations with owners, etc. I bought a pair of Ascend CBM-170SEs when I wanted an ACCURATE bookshelf speaker for my little mixing studio. Didn't give a hoot what they looked like, I just wanted the most accurate sounding little boxes I could find within my budget. I couldn't be happier with them.

Of course I can't recommend the Ascend CMT-340SEs to you (much as I'd love to) because they're plain black boxes, not what you're looking for. I also haven't heard them so I'd be recommending purely based on extrapolating what my 170s sound like combined with owner comments.

However, with the same desire for accuracy, detail, natural sound etc., after a similar bout of research, listening, conversations with owners, etc., I decided to order a pair of the new Swans 5.2 for my little HT. Don't have them yet so I can't give you first-hand listening comments yet (gimme 2 weeks!), but I would suggest you at least have a conversation (phone, email, whatever) with Jon Lane at theaudioinsider.com. Great guy, and he gave me what I believe are honest answers about his speakers. It can't hurt for you to at least ask him the same questions you asked here and see if he thinks the Swans (the 6.2s most likely) would do it for you. If so you always have the 30-day money back, though the shipping costs both ways might be a bit painful...

[mdrew]

Thank you. The Swans most certainly look like a heck of bargain. I have looked at them before and am currently corresponding with someone who has a set of 6.1's and 6.2's. He actually prefers the 6.1's but is thinking he has a bet set of 6.2's.

I'm trying to find a set of those Wharfendale Opus 2's right now. If I can't locate a set in the color I want, and at a reasonable price, I'll give the Swan's a closer look, along with several others mentioned in this thread.

I sure do appreciate all the feedback. I'm glad I asked here as y'all have pointed me towards many speakers I had not even heard of. This has been fun!

[craigsub]

I have not heard of the Axiom standard finish as having a tendency of "rolling up at the seams". I have had mine for close to 3 years and have had absolutly no problems with the finish. I have also been reading the Axiom forums for nearly as long with very few mentions of people having any trouble with the finish.

Wid, I had it happen twice with the various Axioms I have tried. A drop of glue fixed it - and speakers get moved a lot more often around our place than what normal people will do. So - while it is not a common occurence, Axiom's standard finish IS more susceptable to "roll up" than with speakers which are real wood. I would not shy away from Axioms due to this, though.

Jack Dotson, I agree that the Energy's will sound good, even with less than great recordings, that also points towards the Energy'a being somewhat less than a "Very Accurate" loudspeaker. They are somewhat forgiving, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

My preference is for more accuracy, but others will prefer more forgiving. Having a LOT of choices is a good thing. :)

[Wid]

Craig,

I have no doubt that any speaker that has a vinyl finish would be more susceptible to this but to say they have tendency (A strong attraction to something) to do so seemed a bit to strong of a statement, that's all.

[DaveN]

Vandersteen 2Ce's are sensational, especially for the price $1,549. per pair. The are open, clean and create an amazing stage. I didn't notice what you are using for power. I use an old 2 channel Crown workhorse (not exactly audiophile grade) rated at a conservative 150 WPC and they deliver nice clean sound levels. I strongly recommend auditioning them.

[3db]

I feel the need to clarify something on this string. While I did ask for input and expressed a desire to purchase a different ‘sounding’ speaker than my Axiom M80TI’s, I in no way, whatsoever am dissatisfied with their performance or build quality. I am simply looking for something different. I also want a speaker that has a real wood finish, and as I initially indicated, Axiom is still on my shopping list (they now offer a real wood veneer). I in no way feel that the vinyl finish is anything but superb, considering that it is in fact vinyl. I have several Axiom products, many of which I bought through Axiom’s Factory Outlet store which is their “B” stock items that they sell at a 10% discount. In fact, when I received my “B” stock items, I looked them over very thoroughly and could not detect any blemish of any kind on all but two out of eight speakers and subwoofers. I had to look very hard to find these “B” stock blemishes, and on both occurrences, they were a slight discoloration on the bottom of the speaker that will never be seen.

Axiom customer service is bar none, the best I’ve ever dealt with regardless of product. They go to simply amazing distances to support their product. I’ve had numerous email, forum and phone conversations with their tech, sales, service departments and even Amie and Alan themselves (the owners).

If all I ever listened to were top notch recorded CD’s in which a highly detailed speaker can make beautiful sound out of, I’d not consider buying anything but Axiom. Unfortunately, many of my CD’s are not recorded very well. This is a fault of the producers, not the speaker. I’m not about to quit listening to some genre’s as that is my preferred taste. Therefore, I need to find a more forgiving speaker. I do not intend on ditching the Axiom products I currently have either, they are just going to live in my little home theater room. This room will be dark and I don’t give a hoot what finish the speaker has. The area where my two channel system resides is another story. The speakers are out in the open in a log home with nothing but wood under them and all around them where they get a lot of attention. Vinyl just doesn’t look right.

So for those of you, who may stumble onto this string, please don’t leave thinking Axiom is a sub-par speaker. They are anything but. If you take the time to look their specs over a little closer, you will soon see that they are in fact ‘high end’. In fact, through all this searching, asking questions and research, I’m finding it difficult to find similar performance from any speaker close to Axiom’s price point. The price point just leaves one thinking that they are low end. Don’t let that fool you.

in one gulp and still look good doing it? take a look at this site. Another fine product out of Canada.

http://www.focusaudio.ca/index1.htm

http://www.focusaudio.ca/graphics/FS888creative_original.jpg

[mdrew]

Thank you David. Unfortunately, where I live there are very few speakers to audition. I did look at them though. I just don’t like the way they look. I know that sounds vane, but I have to look at them every day as well as listen to them.

For power I’m using a Rotel 1070/1080 separate combo. 200 watt per channel at 8 ohm. I believe it is close to 350 per channel at 4 ohm. Wid has the same set up and knows for sure what it is, if you’re still around Rick.

I actually bought the Rotels on Rick’s recommendation because he has the same speakers as I and is using the same Rotel combo. The M80’s are power hungry and love to be played loud.

[Wid]

The RB 1080 @ 4ohm is around 330 per channel.

[Sheep]

I forgot to mention the Ref. Connoisseur line.

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-line.php?id=264

These should fit within your price range.

SheepStar

[craigsub]

Craig,

I have no doubt that any speaker that has a vinyl finish would be more susceptible to this but to say they have tendency (A strong attraction to something) to do so seemed a bit to strong of a statement, that's all.

Ok. Bad choice of words. ALL better now. :)

[Wid]

Ok. Bad choice of words. ALL better now. :)

Of course it's all good Craig, you know I have a deep respect for you and always will.

[mdrew]

Well I’m not having much luck finding the Wharfendale Opus 2’s. At least not at a reasonable price. I’m stuck with the opus 1’s or opus 3’s.

I’m concerned that the 1’s will not have enough bass with their single 8” driver, and I’m concerned that the 3’s will have too much bass with two 10” drivers. The 1’s go down to 37, while the 3’s go down to 30.

Any thoughts on this?

[einsteinjb]

Well I’m not having much luck finding the Wharfendale Opus 2’s. At least not at a reasonable price. I’m stuck with the opus 1’s or opus 3’s.

I’m concerned that the 1’s will not have enough bass with their single 8” driver, and I’m concerned that the 3’s will have too much bass with two 10” drivers. The 1’s go down to 37, while the 3’s go down to 30.

Any thoughts on this?
Mike, haven't you gotten the memo? There's no such thing as too much bass!!! :p ;)

OK there is, but IMO there's no such thing as too much bass capability, or any other capability for that matter as long as the speaker is properly designed and sounds great to you. You could put a half dozen SVS PB12 Ultra/2s in your room and it won't be "too much bass" as long as you position and calibrate them correctly. (It'll just be way more bass headroom than you're ever likely to need, which is not at all the same thing. :))

[Wid]

Mike,

Have you thought about trying the resistors that Axiom sells? If you try these on your exsisting M80s and like the results then you could wait for the wood veneer finish and know you would be happy.

[mdrew]

No, I hadn't though of that Rick. Good idea. Practical and cost concience. Neither traits that I have....LOL

[s002wjh]

Mike,

Have you thought about trying the resistors that Axiom sells? If you try these on your exsisting M80s and like the results then you could wait for the wood veneer finish and know you would be happy.

I didn't see axiom selling resistor?? could you provide a link?

[jcPanny]

If you want real wood, check out the Onix Reference series from AV123.com
You can get the 1.8 and 1.5 floorstanders for <$2K.

I also saw a pair of the Rocket 750's on B-stock for <$800 and the Onix 1.5's for $1250.

They have a generous return policy so you could demo against your current Axom M80's.

[MacManNM]

I know you guys are going to think I'm nuts, but:

http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=167

I just bought the tweeter and midrange used in these speakers for some units I am building, they are really good sounding drivers. These speakers have gotten some outstanding reviews, I assume the build quality of the towers match the quality of the drivers. Plus you cant beat the price, and newegg sells them with a moneyback guarantee.

[dannv]

did you ever look at the def techs?
what did you think of them?

[MacManNM]

did you ever look at the def techs?
what did you think of them?


We'll pretend you didn't say that.

[Jack Dotson]

Snip..
Jack Dotson, I agree that the Energy's will sound good, even with less than great recordings, that also points towards the Energy'a being somewhat less than a "Very Accurate" loudspeaker. They are somewhat forgiving, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

My preference is for more accuracy, but others will prefer more forgiving. Having a LOT of choices is a good thing. :)

I remember that you like the really accurate speakers from your reviews. I do too, but only with the right set-up.

Your right about the Energy's, they do have a somewhat laid back sound. But, this works to my taste as the majority of my collection is classic rock and Jazz. Many of the older classic rock albums weren't recorded that well to sart with, and a really accurate speaker with sharp sounding electronics (Bryston comes to mind) could spell disaster.

For this reason I get the SACD/DVDA copy's when available. But even some of these aren't that good.

You wont get every last detail out of this speaker (BTW, my old Klipsch LaScalla's were the best I've heard in this regard), but they certainly aren't lacking in this regard either. A really good balance IMO. And, they excell in other areas, such as dynamics and soundstage. Two of the things that are essential for a good rock or jazz speaker.

You already know that I didn't care for the Axiom's that I demo'd in my home. Another speaker that many people just drool over is the Vandersteen's and I once bought a pair of the 2Ci's when I lived in Hawaii (in the Navy) without every having heard them, based strictly on their reputation.

Ordered them from the mainland and waited anxiously. Once they arrived I hooked them up immediately, slapped on an LP, set back in my listening chair and almost got sick to my stomach. I hated them. Try as I might for serveral months I just could not warm up to this speaker, and now that I think about it, this is also a speaker many consider to be very accuarate.

Just goes to show how different our taste can be.

As you said, it just depends on what you like.

BTW, what did you do with your 2.4i's?

[craigsub]

The 2.4i's are still here. They get their turn in my basement theater. I rotate between the 2.4i's, the M80's and the ACI Sapphire XL's.

I had Klipsch Belles for several years, and also Cornerhorns - but they started to affect my wife's decor too much, so I sold them.

Loved those speakers ...

[Sheep]

The 2.4i's are still here. They get their turn in my basement theater. I rotate between the 2.4i's, the M80's and the ACI Sapphire XL's.

I had Klipsch Belles for several years, and also Cornerhorns - but they started to affect my wife's decor too much, so I sold them.

Loved those speakers ...

You know, I would gladly give those a nice home, where they would be played 24/7... :rolleyes: I <3 those speakers.

SheepStar

[larry7995]

so when is axiom going to offer wood veneer? I am fixing to buy a VP-150 and I think I would pay the extra for wood...

[craigsub]

so when is axiom going to offer wood veneer? I am fixing to buy a VP-150 and I think I would pay the extra for wood...

It is supposed to be happening pretty soon - I would call them, they have a toll free line on their website.

[silversurfer]

It is supposed to be happening pretty soon - I would call them, they have a toll free line on their website.
Craig, do you know who is making the cabinets for Axiom? Overseas(SAC) or in-house(Canada)?

[Wid]

The wood veneer cabnits are being made in house in their facility in Dwight, Ontario.

[craigsub]

Wid is correct- They are being made in house.

[mdrew]

I asked Axiom about the wood veneers a couple weeks ago when I was ordering another sub. They expect to launch in the later part of March. It was important to them to keep this in house, so they bought all the machinery, got it set up and have been working on different finishing applications. From my talks with them, it sounds as if they are putting a lot of effort into getting it right the first time.

A little update to y’all that provided input. I ended up ordering a set of Wharfdale Opus 2’s in the piano gloss rosewood from Sound Advice Stereo. I was all fired up to buy the Opus three’s but after speaking with Greg at Sound Advice ( www.soundadvicestereo.com ), went with the Opus 2’s. Greg’s been great to deal with (so far). It’s not very often that someone in sales talks you into spending less money. They should be here in about two weeks.

Thanks again, it’s been fun.

[silversurfer]

Thanks guys. Building cabinets in-house is quite an undertaking. It will be interesting to see the quality and costs of the new option.

[larry7995]

Mdrew
I will be really interested to see how the M80s fare against the Opus2s, I am a headbanger at heart listening to a lot of old Judas Priest and stuff which I usually crank up the guitar and play along so my speakers have to really be able to crank up the volume but I also listen to everything from Dixieland to bluegrass to finger-picking ragtime blues guitar to Steely Dan to BR5-49 to Mozart and movies and concert dvds of all sort so I still think the M-80s with monoblock 200watt amps will satisfy for my mains.

[AudioArcher]

For less than $2000

With a Sub - B&W 705 or Focal JMLab Cobalt 816S

Without a Sub - Paradigm 60v.3 or B&W DM603

[mdrew]

Larry,

It’ll be a couple weeks, but I’ll write something up. I’m really not expected any winners though. Axioms are hard to beat. You’ll be happy with them if you buy a set.

[Fastnbulbous]

So after nearly a year, how are those Opus 2's faring? Did you get them for under $2,000? I have a soft spot for them because of their look and value, but they're not faring well in my <a href=http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28258>speakers under $3K poll</a>. But I'll see what happens after there's a better sample, like 100 votes...

Additionally, I'm particularly interested in the issue with finding speakers that are forgiving for bad recordings, as I listen to a lot of punk, post-punk and cheaply recorded indie rock. In this thread it looks like the only suggestions that directly addressed that problem were Opus and Energy. The most popular speakers in my poll by far are the B&W 703, yet those are particularly known for being difficult for bad source material.

What exactly is it that could make a high-end speaker more forgiving? I can't get anyone to talk about it in my thread, and if no one responds here I'll try one with a more specific title.

[mdrew]

So after nearly a year, how are those Opus 2's faring? Did you get them for under $2,000? I have a soft spot for them because of their look and value, but they're not faring well in my <a href=http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28258>speakers under $3K poll</a>. But I'll see what happens after there's a better sample, like 100 votes...

Additionally, I'm particularly interested in the issue with finding speakers that are forgiving for bad recordings, as I listen to a lot of punk, post-punk and cheaply recorded indie rock. In this thread it looks like the only suggestions that directly addressed that problem were Opus and Energy. The most popular speakers in my poll by far are the B&W 703, yet those are particularly known for being difficult for bad source material.

What exactly is it that could make a high-end speaker more forgiving? I can't get anyone to talk about it in my thread, and if no one responds here I'll try one with a more specific title.

Like I said in my PM, I love the Opus 2's. I still love my Axioms too though. If I had to give up a set for reasons of life or death and could only keep one, I would keep the Opus 2's.

The soft dome tweeter is very detailed, but yet not overly bright / harsh / painful??? Not real sure what term I'm looking for, but they have detail without being painful at high volume.

The mid range is tight, precise, directional but at the same time non directional. Ya, I know, hypocritical statement. To expand, these speakers do not "need" to be towed in. The dome mid range makes them forgiving. Obviously for critical listening, you want to sit in front of them, but when just wandering around the room, I don't feel the need to get back to the sweat spot.

Low end bass is there, and lots of it. I was a bit nervous that with two big assed drivers the bass would be muddy or just too overpowering, but it isn't. It's just there. I have a sub woofer that augments this two channel system and where the volume used to be around 50%, it's now at about 25%.

And if you like you tunes loud as hell, no worries, these babies will crank and sound wonderful at over 100 db's. I got to playing around one day and pinned the volume on the Rotel 1080 1070 combo. After about a minute the grills were bouncing across the floor. I thought that was pretty cool. The grills suck, but still, it was cool.

[abefroeman]

Just get these... (http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/45cb36b10020ae082740ac10034105ea/Product/View/2660)

[Matt34]

He already got them guys, no more recommendations needed.;)

[Nuglets]

Like Matt said. He already got speaker's so no more recommendations are needed. This thread is from last year.:)

[Fastnbulbous]

I got to playing around one day and pinned the volume on the Rotel 1080 1070 combo. After about a minute the grills were bouncing across the floor.

Thanks for telling us your impressions after having a good long while to live with 'em. I'm 99% sure I'll go for some Opus 2s or 3s later in the year. I was considering adding a Rotel RB-1080 to my HK AVR 645 for some 2 channel listening. You mentioned two Rotel 2 channel amps. So you have them piggybacked to get 320+ watts per channel? I've never heard of that.

Rotel seems to be a popular combo with B&Ws. You're pretty happy with the Rotels with the Opus then?

[Fastnbulbous]

Or do you mean the RB-1080 and RC-1070 combo? It's damn confusing how Rotel uses the same numbers between RB and RC.

[mazersteven]

No ones mentioned these (atleast I didn't see it) They seem to be getting good reviews

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=104.1

And if your into building some speakers yourself.

http://www.madisound.com/thor.html

[mdrew]

Or do you mean the RB-1080 and RC-1070 combo? It's damn confusing how Rotel uses the same numbers between RB and RC.

That's what I am using.....sorry. It's a great two channel set up, good price, good power, good sound.

I never did buy into the whole "amps sound different" debate. They are all solid state, and an X is an X and an O is an O. Surround processing however is a a whole different animal.

All that jiberish aside, they sound great.

[mazersteven]

Like Matt said. He already got speaker's so no more recommendations are needed. This thread is from last year.:)

Oops :eek: :eek: :eek:

[snowy1]

I’m in Alaska and there aren’t that many high end audio shops for me to just plop my but down in front of several different brands and compare. The Paradigms and BW are the only brands available, besides Polk and Infinity _ and they do nothing for me.


Where at in alaska? It sounds like from your description of available brands that you are in fairbanks. REGARDS SNOWY1