Axiom speakers...

[gnagel]

I have my home theatre in a small room (approximately 10 by 13 feet). I am considering auditioning some Axiom speakers as a possible replacement for my Gallo speakers.

Here's my existing set-up:

Receiver - Yamaha AV Receiver (RX-V795)
Front/Center Speakers - Anthony Gallo A'Diva Ti
Rear Speakers (2) - Anthony Gallo Nucleus Micro
Subwoofer - B&W ASW1000

After checking out Axiom's website, the M22 speakers caught my eye for the front left and right, while the VP150 looked interesting as an option for my center. I also noticed that the QS4 or QS8 speakers might work well for my rears.

I called Axiom and spoke to a representative for some advice. I was pleasantly surprised that he tried to talk me into lower cost alternatives rather than trying to get me to go with more pricey options.

His first recommendation is for me to keep my B&W subwoofer. He said that it should integrate well with the Axiom speakers.

His next recommendation was for me to go with the lower cost M2 speakers rather than the M22s. He thought that the M2s were more than adequate for such a small room.

He then recommended that I move two of my A'Diva Ti speakers to the rear in place of the Micros.

He also recommended that I go with the VP100 center over the VP150. Again, that recommendation was based upon the small room.

I'm considering auditioning some of the Axiom products to determine if there will be a noticeable improvement over my existing Gallo A'Diva Ti speakers. However, I'm thinking it might make sense to go with the M22s and the VP150 as long as I am trying to "upgrade" my speakers. I realize that cost doesn't necessarily correlate with quality, but it seems funny that I could upgrade my $600 per pair Gallo speakers (left and right fronts) with the $290 per pair Axiom M2s.

Following are a few images of the original set up. I posted these same images before and subsequently made a few changes based upon input from the forum. I moved the seats 18 inches away from the walls. I moved the center speaker to the top of the television. And, I moved the subwoofer away from the corner walls.

Entering the room--it's only 10 feet deep by 13 feet wide...

View of the subwoofer, front and center speakers, television and other components...

Television and stand with components...

The Anthony Gallo Micros are positioned in the ceiling...

For those of you who have Axiom speakers, what would you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[evilkat]

I would have said the M22s and the VP150, but if the Axiom guys say the M2 is fine then perhaps this is what you need. However, I would recommend you go with the 150, because I tell you that is a brilliant center piece! I have the M60s and the VP150 and no matter what I do and how many explosions are occuring at any given time, the dialogue comes through crystal clear.

Very nice setup, btw. One of the cleanest looking that I've seen!

 

[emorphien]

If you're going to do any 2 channel listening I'd probably stick with the M22s and the choice between the center channels is up to you but bigger never hurts there.

I wouldn't say the Axiom guy is wrong though, that's a small listening space.

I realize that cost doesn't necessarily correlate with quality, but it seems funny that I could upgrade my $600 per pair Gallo speakers (left and right fronts) with the $290 per pair Axiom M2s.

Well I don't really know how those little spheres sound as I haven't listened, but I suspect you're paying more for the design and name than you are the actual performance of the speaker with those little things. Gallo makes some nice speakers which I have listened to (that oddball looking short floorstander of theirs) which I did like, but I think those are almost $4000 a pair.

 

[agarwalro]

For the mains, regardless of which model bookshelf speaker you get, M2 (lower -3dB at 70Hz) or M22 (lower -3dB at 60Hz), you will need the sub to complete lower end. Looking at the graphs, there will be virtually no tonal differences in room location since their anechoic response is so similar. If you like high volume listening, go with the M22.

Regarding the center, if possible get the VP100 and VP150 then keep the center you prefer.

I have the M60s and the VP150 and no matter what I do and how many explosions are occuring at any given time, the dialogue comes through crystal clear.

Ditto

 

[gnagel]

you will need the sub to complete lower end

I am definitely planning on keeping my sub. The Axiom representative said that my B&W ASW1000 sub would integrate well with either the M2 or the M22 speakers.

Thanks.

 

[RLA]

Hello

I looked at you pictures, nice room. The architectural design cues of your room trend clean with allot of straight line objects. With this is mind you may want to consider these. I have evaluated the W22 and W150 and they are fantastic. These would be a huge step up from the Gallo’s and would fit nicely into your well thought out design plan. They are available in just about any finish you can think of and are super easy to install.

 

[gnagel]

Hello

I have evaluated the W22 and W150 and they are fantastic.

Thanks!

I didn't even see the "architectural series" speakers on Axiom's website. This is an interesting alternative.