Axiom Audio Epic 80 Loudspeaker Review with EP600 Subwoofer

[Audioholics]

<P><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2><A href="http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/AxiomAudioM80tiEP600p1.php"><IMG style="WIDTH: 94px; HEIGHT: 100px" alt=[AxiomAudioEpic80600] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/AxiomAudioEpic80600_th.jpg" align=left border=0></A>Ray Adkins&nbsp;became interested in trying to assemble a loudspeaker system that would provoke the "WOW" factor, but not break the bank.&nbsp;Getting more bang-for-the-buck, along with all the positive comments that&nbsp;he had&nbsp;read about Axiom Audio speakers over the last several months, prompted him to order a complete system for evaluation and review.&nbsp; After a couple of phone calls to Axiom Audio advising them of his 4000 cubic feet room size they suggested the Epic 80 system with dual EP600 subs.&nbsp;For this review he also added&nbsp;two center channel speakers for use with his front projection system. Let's see what&nbsp;this THX-certified custom installer has to say about Axiom Audio and their new monster-sized subwoofer...</FONT></P><P><FONT face=Arial size=2>[Read the Review]</FONT></P>

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Ray - nice review. So I take it you like them?
How would you recommend connecting two centers? It sounds like Axiom needs to add one model up from this existing center.

 

[trw005]

Great review

This review just confirms what us Axiom owners(a modest bunch, lol) have been raving about. For the money this brand gives a WOW response consistantly. I bought M3 bookshelf 's 2 months ago, sent em back and now I'm sittin on $1500 worth of AX gear and still shopping.
Those %@#&%$!! at Axiom. (JK) TY Ray, Clint and members, you helped me rediscover audio thrills.

 

[Takeereasy]

Nice review. Glad to see that the whole system provided such a high quality experience.

 

[jaxvon]

Nice review! I do have a question for Ray though....did you, just for fun, crank the EP600s up to rediculous levels just to see what they could do? I mean, they have circuitry that stops them from blowing up so....

 

[Spiffyfast]

Dual EP600's..........sorry was day dreaming, I wonder if thats structurally safe to put in a house, that would have to loosen every single nail and screw used to build the walls

 

[RLA]

did you, just for fun, crank the EP600s up to rediculous levels just to see what they could do? I mean

Yes I did crank them up a little but I decided to stop when they started to float my suspended ceiling tiles

 

[Spiffyfast]

Yes I did crank them up a little but I decided to stop when they started to float my suspended ceiling tiles

thats awesome, if that doesnt give you that "WOW" factor you were looking for I dont know what would

 

[jcPanny]

Nice Review. Good thing you didn't have a rating for WAF because the dual EP600s would have gotten a Zero.

 

[RLA]

How would you recommend connecting two centers? It sounds like Axiom needs to add one model up from this existing center.

I used a "Y" splitter terminated at the center channel preout of the Yamaha
And used the Aragon 2002 to power the dual centers The M-80Ti's are very dynamic having a single center channel solution to keep up with the M80-Ti's would be a nice addition

 

[RLA]

Nice Review. Good thing you didn't have a rating for WAF because the dual EP600s would have gotten a Zero.

Actually I have a very understanding wife but if you are designer challenged then the EP-500 may be a solution

 

[Audioholics]

Apparently the system also serves as a good rodent exterminator and insect barrier when played at regular intervals.

Not recommended if you have small furry animals in the house...

 

[HookedOnSound]

Great review!

It is nice to see some experimentation, sometimes the results are simply stunning!

I have to agree with Buckeyefan 1, it seems as though the VP-150 center channel is the weakest link of the chain. Maybe I'm wrong, but after reading the review, it doesn't appear that the VP-150 is as well matched with the M80's as it should be.

Strictly speaking, based on the configuration done in the review/subjective listening test comment(s), for adding a second center channel requires an additional amplifier which IMO does remove some of its "value" appeal in regards to center channel sound reproduction. I honestly think the consumer would benefit if axiom offered a third center channel more closely matched for the M80's.

Again, just an opinion.

Thanks,

 

[Jaycan]

Great review!
have to agree with Buckeyefan 1, it seems as though the VP-150 center channel is the weakest link of the chain. Maybe I'm wrong, but after reading the review, it doesn't appear that the VP-150 is as well matched with the M80's as it should be.QUOTE]

If memory serves me correct, when this system was reviewed some time ago with a different subwoofer, the VP150 outperformed the M80s, but I think the reviewer was someone else. I could be wrong.
I actually will have to go against the grain here and disagree with the majority in this thread. I don't think that the top of the line axioms are a great value. I bought a full Epic 80 system that I found disappointing. I found the towers way too bright, and the bass too thin. Yes they were razor sharp, but to a fault. Also, the veneer is anything but robust, it damages very easily. I do enjoy their smallest bookshelves, M2s. I have 4 installed in a 7.2, and they perform very well in that capacity, even when now paired with high end towers. They calibrate easily, and produce high SPL, distortion free output. Even though I have replacements, I still haven't switched them yet. I have moved the M80s and VP150 to a smaller system with overstuffed furniture and carpets,and they sound a little better. I disagree that the VP150 struggle to keep up with the M80s. In the HT system, you have to set the crossover high anyway, to acommodate the sorrounds, and in this setting, the center holds its own.