Accessorizing Axiom

[jaxvon]

My mother wants to get an HT system, but not for a few months. At this point in time, I am thinking A decent AVR (prolly Yamaha) and the Axiom Epic Grand Master speaker system(M22tis, QS8s, VP100, and EP175 sub). I'm concerned with the center channel and the sub.

While I know the center should be timbre matched, I've read some reviews by people that had problems with sound lobes and overemphasis of "P" and "S" sounds. I'm just wondering if this might actually be a problem with the speaker or if it's just someone who didn't set up the speaker correctly.

Secondly, I worryl the sub may be a bit underpowered and possibly slow. My mother would use the system mostly for music, but some movies. I'd like to hear any recommendations on a quick sub that's good for music but can handle the stress of movies. I was thinking of checking out Hsu or SVS, but I'm not really sure what would blend well with the rest of the system.


Anyway, those are my questions on the system. I of course plan on setting it up with room treatments, quality cabling, etc.

Thanks!

 

[Leprkon]

Just me talking here.. get a sub you are comfortable with. The posts over at outlaw.com are filled with people who bought everything from Axiom except the sub. It seems to be a common enough thread. You shouldn't have too much trouble "fitting" a sub into your system, since 1) the sound is omnidirectional and doesn't need a true timbre match and 2) you can use the receiver's crossover setting to match the frequencies.

"P"s and "S"'s are a sign that the speaker designer might have used too small a driver. You might consider bouncing up to the VP150 for a center, especially if your mom will use it mostly for movies. If you need to, drop to the QS4 rears to compensate in price. I know the QS8's would be overkill for my mom.

 

[Rob Babcock]

A Hsu or Outlaw sub should fit the bill. If you can accomodate the size, you may want to look at the Adire Rava, too. It's sealed but still has very high output. You can pick up the aforementioned units for under $500 shipped and all provide excellent customer service.

 

[samcam]

I have the epic grand master system with the vp100 and have had no problems. I didn't go with the EP175 because of the bad reviews but went with the HSU STF-2 instead and the system overall sounds amazing. Check on Axioms website message boards for alot of great info.

 

[GeneticDrift]

i personally had no luck with the vp150, i found it unnatural sounding and also it sounded as though it was thru a tunnel. i had a serious sound difference off-axis also.

just my experience..........

 

[jaxvon]

Well, the VP100 and VP150 use the same size drivers, 5.25", but the VP150 just has a third one and an extra tweeter. Still, I'm kinda leaning toward the Outlaw sub. Seems like a good deal, and it's not that much more expensive than the Axiom it would replace.

Also, what would you guys recommend then, as a better center? I know, timbre match, blah blah, but still. I wouldn't want garbage for the center.

 

[GeneticDrift]

Paradigm CC-370

 

[jaxvon]

Are there any other recommendations? I'm also tossing around the idea of a mostly paradigm system, perhaps the Monitor 3s and the CC-370. However, I still feel like I'd want the quadrapolar goodness of the Axiom surrounds, and then the whole matching decor and timbre thing just goes to hell. I was feeling so sure before, and now I'm stuck. Wah. Oh well, at least I have a long time to shop and consider before any money is spent. If anyone else has recommendations for this price range, feel free to share and what not.