Paradigms or Axiom

[zepaholic]

Very soon I will be changing my surrounds. Looking for anybody who's heard:
Axiom Qs8s or Paradigm Studio 20's side by side. I've never heard the Axioms' but I have heard the Paradigms. Is one that much better than the other?

 

[jcPanny]

Surround speakers

The Axiom QS8's are a surround speaker. For Main speaker that are more comparable to the Studio 20's check out the Axiom M22 model. Both are good options. You could buy the Axioms and borrow the Studio's from a dealer for an in-home shoutout.
In your price range, also checkout the Onix Refrence 1's on bstock or used. I am enjoying mine and the real wood veneer looks great.

 

[EnzoPolotso]

I used to have Axioms and liked them a lot for home theater. For music... Not so much. Can't comment on the Paradigms, but Axioms are CHEAP on the second hand market.
Reference 1s are definitely a good choice.

 

[Nick250]

I have owned the Studio 20's for 6 years so you know where I stand them. Many people seem to like Axioms, but I have not heard them myself. I have heard comments about them being a bit bright, but in your listening room, you may find they just about perfect. Good luck on your search.

Nick

 

[mpompey]

I definitely recommend the Axiom QS8s, best surround speaker I've ever heard for the price.

 

[gene]

Axiom Qs8s or Paradigm Studio 20's side by side. I've never heard the Axioms' but I have heard the Paradigms. Is one that much better than the other?

These are two entirely different animals and it really depends on your listening preferences and speaker location choice.

The Paradigms are direct radiators and suited better for music purposes while the Axioms are a dedicated surround speaker meant to provide more spatial presence. If your seats are in close proximity to the surround speakers, I'd advise against direct radiators. If you favor more movie listening and want a more enveloping surround field, I'd take a harder look at the Axioms or a similar speaker type from Paradigm. If you already have Paradigm speakers upfront, I'd stay with them for the rear channels as well.

 

[moaudio]

It is definitely a different listening experience. I used to have some direct radiators as surround speakers, about 6ft from listening position. Recently I switched to the Axiom Q8's. At first I was surprised about how different the experience was. Before, the surround effects used to be "right in your face (or ear)". Now they are much more suptle and harder to place in space. I am getting used to this sound experience now and like it much better. It seems more realistic.

My 2 cents...

 

[mpompey]

Mo got it in one!

I used to use Infinity direct speakers as my surrounds. While they performed well in their tasks they never truly "opened up" the sound field they way my QS8s do.

 

[KC23]

Axiom Q8s sound like a better solution to me.

 

[pepi28]

How about Polk LSi's or B&W or Von Schweikert. Anything other than Axiom. Even Onix.

 

[mpompey]

I think Axiom was the only other option he was looking at. I can't remember why. Of the three additional models you presented, which do you suggest?

 

[zhimbo]

Anything other than Axiom.

Wow, out of 4 total posts, 2 of them contain blanket dismissals of Axiom with no further details.

Put down that ax, your grinder needs a break.