Axiom Speaker experiences/suggestions

[roidefromage]

Hello Folks,

I am currently looking to upgrade my Mordaunt Short speakers as I've noticed they are struggling to keep up with my Emotiva amp, or they are just showing their age.. I am intrigued by the reviews and discussions I've read about the Axiom Epic 80 system. If there are people out there who actually OWN Axioms, I'd really like to hear from you. I would still be keeping my Paradigm sub, and might possibly hold on to my surrounds. - Money availability will dictate the purchase order. (Does anyone see any problems with not having all-manufacturer matching speakers?) If there are other speaker alternatives you think I might explore, or if there are others that pair well with my Emotiva set-up, I'd love to know that as well! ( I like loud/undistorted sound!) Thanks for any and all reviews.

 

[jaseman]

Hello Folks,

I am currently looking to upgrade my Mordaunt Short speakers as I've noticed they are struggling to keep up with my Emotiva amp, or they are just showing their age.. I am intrigued by the reviews and discussions I've read about the Axiom Epic 80 system. If there are people out there who actually OWN Axioms, I'd really like to hear from you. I would still be keeping my Paradigm sub, and might possibly hold on to my surrounds. - Money availability will dictate the purchase order. (Does anyone see any problems with not having all-manufacturer matching speakers?) If there are other speaker alternatives you think I might explore, or if there are others that pair well with my Emotiva set-up, I'd love to know that as well! ( I like loud/undistorted sound!) Thanks for any and all reviews.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/
Check out my site at http://jseman1.googlepages.com

I use the M60's instead of the 80's because they are easier to run..8 Ohm's vs 4 on the 80's. If you buy an entire 5.1 or 7.1 system you will save 5%. If you use their factory outlet and buy an entire system you save another 10% PLUS free shipping. You will not be sorry!

The first link will take you to the Axiom forums where you can get a good deal of owner information.

 

[Soundman]

Hello Folks,

I am currently looking to upgrade my Mordaunt Short speakers as I've noticed they are struggling to keep up with my Emotiva amp, or they are just showing their age.. I am intrigued by the reviews and discussions I've read about the Axiom Epic 80 system. If there are people out there who actually OWN Axioms, I'd really like to hear from you. I would still be keeping my Paradigm sub, and might possibly hold on to my surrounds. - Money availability will dictate the purchase order. (Does anyone see any problems with not having all-manufacturer matching speakers?) If there are other speaker alternatives you think I might explore, or if there are others that pair well with my Emotiva set-up, I'd love to know that as well! ( I like loud/undistorted sound!) Thanks for any and all reviews.

I'm currently demo-ing some Axiom speakers right now. I have the M60v2's, VP150, and QS8's. I ordered these from the factory outlet and I must say this is the best vinal finish i've seen. There is nothing wrong with these speakers. Don't let the title "factory outlet" scare you away. These are not B-stock quality speakers. I am also driving these speakers with the exact same emotiva amp you are, so your experience should be similar in that regard. I'm not sure about your room, but I have gotten good results in my room. These speakers are very sensitive so loudness is not going to be an issue, especially since you have plenty of power anyway. The Axioms are great for movies, and I have noticed a bit more detail with 2-channel music reproduction as well. I will probably be posting a review once I've had a chance to thorougly listen. Personally, if I were going with Axioms, I would get the QS8 surrounds to compete the system, but thats just my opinion. They are great surrounds especially for action scenes. I hope this helps. Good luck and happy listening!

 

[Rash]

What is Factory Outlet????

 

[Rash]

Ok, so you get 10% plus 5% or just 10%??? because, i will order a whole package anyway, I will get 5% to start off with???

 

[the grunt]

Ok, so you get 10% plus 5% or just 10%??? because, i will order a whole package anyway, I will get 5% to start off with???

You get 5% off for buying 5 or more items which includes things like stands and the “full metal brackets” for ceiling/wall mounting.

Anything bought from the factory outlet gets 10% off. So if you get 5 or more items everything from the outlet gets both discounts for a total of 15%. Any of the 5 or more items you buy that are not from the outlet will only get the standard 5%.

If you go to the Axiom website factory outlet page you can select items for a shopping cart and it will adjust the prices for you so you can see what you will pay with the discount figured out for you.

 

[moreira85]

i own a set of axiom qs8s for surrounds and these things have incredible detail. highly recomend axiom.

 

[the grunt]

These are just my opinions so take them with a grain of salt

I have the Epic 80-500 and love it.

Using another companies sub is not generally an issue. As long as you like the sub it should work fine.

Generally it’s easier to mix another companies speakers in as surrounds than to try to match different centers and mains. So if you like your current surrounds you could certainly give them a try. Note that some people have also had good results mixing mains and centers from different companies but unless you want to try tings out until you find a good match it’s probably a good idea to stick to the same line from the same company for the speakers up front.

I would recommend that you try the QS8s you could always return them within 30 days paying only the return shipping. If there is one speaker in the Epic 80 system I can’t see ever changing is the QS8. Is simply can’t give them enough praise.

The M80s are also fantastic. Keep in mind that some people consider them to be bright, forward or accurate depending on personal preferences. The M60 are generally considered more laid back. I personally think that the M60s and M80s are both Axiom’s top line floor standers the main differences being
different tonal qualities, M60s easier to drive and that the M80s will play a little louder. Since you like loud undistorted sound you I would recommend the M80s.

As for the VP150 it’s very good and blends well with my M80s but nothing to write home about. Some people have complained of off axis issues with the VP150 but I haven’t had any problems in my room.

Rating the Epic 80-500 system with the best listed first I would say they are QS8s, M80s, EP500 and VP150.

To beat a dead horse, if there is one Axiom speaker I recommend trying it’s the QS8s.

 

[rnatalli]

I own the same UL combo as you and have Mordaunt-Short for speakers. I recently compared my Mordaunts (MS302) to Axiom bookshelf (M2 v2). I felt the Axioms were a bit brighter, played louder, and had a more reserved midrange. The felt the Mordaunts had more upfront vocals, weren't quite as bright, and held the stage together a bit better. I could see Axioms replacing Mordaunts as they're similar speakers, but you should try a pair to be sure.

Here's my full review that has a little more detail:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36107

 

[Jey Jockey]

Hello Folks,

I am currently looking to upgrade my Mordaunt Short speakers as I've noticed they are struggling to keep up with my Emotiva amp, or they are just showing their age.. I am intrigued by the reviews and discussions I've read about the Axiom Epic 80 system. If there are people out there who actually OWN Axioms, I'd really like to hear from you. I would still be keeping my Paradigm sub, and might possibly hold on to my surrounds. - Money availability will dictate the purchase order. (Does anyone see any problems with not having all-manufacturer matching speakers?) If there are other speaker alternatives you think I might explore, or if there are others that pair well with my Emotiva set-up, I'd love to know that as well! ( I like loud/undistorted sound!) Thanks for any and all reviews.

Hi there, you can check out my sig for setup...I only have the M80v2 so cannot comment on the other speakers. However, the M80's are simply breathtaking coupled to my Emo gear. All the usuall suspects are here, Huge wide soundstage, tall and deep with most recordings. Speakers simply dissapear when setup correctly. I have never heard the snap of a drum stick on a skin as I have with these speaks. Highs are very accurate, mids are smooth and silky, bass is massive and with the right prepro/amp which you have, really kick huge amounts of deep, tight, well controlled bass.Your music listening experience will blow you away. Movies....awesome, gunfire etc is just friggin amazing.

Enjoy whatever you decide....

 

[agarwalro]

I have the Axiom M60, VP150, QS8 speakers but have never demo-ed a properly setup 5.1 system of comparable value, so my feedback is somewhat biased.

As a whole the package represents great value for the quality vs price consideration. As mentioned above, if you go through the Factory Outlet and get the package discount, the quality vs price value gets even sweeter. Based on comments about Factory Outlet speakers in this forum, people are hard pressed to find defects that caused the speakers to end up in the outlet store, with most not finding any. That said, there are many internet direct brands out there which represent similar quality vs price excellence. AV123, Aperion are a couple that come to mind, but with a little research you sould find may more.

When listening to 2.1 sources on the M60's, I am often left with a smile on my face. Be it details on DOTS or A Perfect Circle, or boom in techno. I cannot imagine needing a louder speaker or wanting a better sounding speaker. Some folks feel the M60's are bright, but IMHO, with proper placement, calibration and room response correction, this problem should not exist. Essentially, once properly setup, you will hear what the source sends out and gets amplified. Whether you like it or not goes into the realm of personal preference.

When listening to 5.1 sources the M60's and VP150 have good sound stage with the LCR blending seamlessly. Sometimes I have to put my ear near the VP150 to make sure it is playing. The QS8's do a great job in creating a sound envelope. It is very apparant when they are not playing or a movie does not make good use of the surround channels.