Axiom vs Boston

[dbpolk]

I am presently looking for speakers for a new HT (basement 20x30'). I am interested in the Axiom M80/M60 and the Boston Acoustics VR-M80/VR-M80 to build a system around. I will build a system based around these two different floorstanders. I am familiar with the "Boston Sound" because I have and old school surround system based on bostons from 20 years ago. I am not familiar with Axiom and have never heard them. They appeal to me because of the apparent value of the speakers built by the internet based company. I have really poor local dealers to work with for an local audition. I would like some opinions on the two setups. I have about $2500 total for 5.1 speaker setup.
I will probably go with a Denon amp to push it with a new projector all in the near future.
All opinions are appreciated.

 

[dbpolk]

I meant say Boston VR-M90/VR-M80

 

[Rik]

Contact the folks at Axiom. They can give you the name of someone in your area that's willing to let you demo their speakers.

 

[tomd51]

A little less than a year ago, I was similarly debating a change to either Boston Acoustics VR3s or Axiom M60 mains. While I did not have the opportunity to listen to the M60s, I had previously listened to the VR3s and was quite pleased w/their performance. Having found a very good deal on the VR3s, I opted w/the BAs and haven't been disappointed in the least. The VR3s sounded a bit better to my ears in comparision to the VRM80s, but the 90s are impressive, just a bit out of my price range.

I actually have a pair of Axiom QS8 surrounds and M3s for rear surrounds and I'm quite pleased with them as well. I've given the M3s a good workout as mains just out of curiosity when I purchased them and they're very good performing bookshelfs, well built also.

I really don't think you can go wrong with the VRM90s/VR3s from BA or the M60s from Axiom, both would give you some solid mains as a foundation to build upon. The VR80s aren't quite worth the money (IMO) over the VR3s and the M80s are very similar to the M60s, just a bit lower in extension and can handle more power, but if you plan to use a sub with these, chances are it wouldn't be necessary. Plus, the M80s are 4 Ohm as opposed to the M60s 8 Ohms. The VRM90s are the better looking than both the VR3s and M60s w/the real wood veneer if that's a consideration.

One other thing to mention, AudioAdvisor is having a heck of a deal on the BA VR-M series right now. The M90s, VRMX surrounds and the VRMC center (which I'm not terribly fond of) can all be had for a good discount, they're all also offered as a package... -TD

 

[dbpolk]

Thanks for the input

Audio Advisor is exactly where I was looking. $2200 for the BA VRM90 system is hard to pass up. About the same for the Axiom M80 system. Both without the subwoofer for now. The Bostons look a lot nicer and I am sure they sound wonderful. I believe it is BA's top level tower speaker
Thanks again

 

[tomd51]

Np...

Wasn't sure, so I thought I'd mention it. That would be a killer setup for the money, no doubt about it.

I think BA is rolling out a new line of speakers (E Series?) that are pretty pricey, but look sharp and seem to be geared towards the more modern style of speaker designs. They have a tower in that lineup, but for the price of one of them you can own the VR90 package you mentioned... -TD

 

[jlcct]

I don't know about the Bostons but I have M80's and I have them screaming lound quite often. Horribly loud. They can take a lot. There's a lot to love about them but the power handling stands out. Just a thought.

 

[dbpolk]

Yep, I noticed the efficiency of the M80s are 95 and the Bostons are 90. This is quite a difference. I bet they will peal the paint off the walls. I would think the bostons would look beautiful with the real cherry veneer. It really is a toss up. The M80 system is about $150 cheaper but not a big deal.

 

[sholling]

I've seen the Boston VRM90s cheap on eBay in the past but it's been a while. I chose the BA VR3s in cherry as my mains and I'm very pleased. You can ebay them for ~$400 each delivered. Efficiency = 93db@1w@1m.

 

[Jacksmyname]

I've also been looking at the Axioms.
Keep in mind that they can be had in custom finishes, including wood veneer.

Jack

 

[tomd51]

While the M80s are more efficient than the VRM90s, any speaker efficiency above 88 dB should be relatively easy to drive with a decent receiver. The VR3s take very little to drive at 93 dB, but the only time this would come into play is when listening close to and at reference levels. A solid receiver w/a decent amp section could drive any of these speakers to 80 dB+ without issue and after that, unless it's one of the higher end mid-level or high end receivers, that extra 20 dB or so will be tough to squeeze out w/out a little distortion.

If you're going to be putting down this kind of money, I'd suggest at least a decent 2 channel amp to drive your mains, you might need it w/the Axioms being rated @ 4 Ohm anyway, if you went that route. Also forgot to mention earlier I think Magnolia/Best Buy is trying to clear out their BA selection, so that might be another option to evaluate them and find a decent deal if you have one nearby.

I forgot about the Axioms being available in the real wood veneer as well, they have a good selection of finishes, too. The only problem w/their real wood finishes is they also increase in price more than $500, but if the WAF or aesthetics play a big role, it's another consideration... -TD

 

[dbpolk]

Yea but the wood veneer adds $400 just for the pair m80s. Additional for the surrounds, center and sub. But you are correct and I looked into that option.

 

[sholling]

If you do go BA I'd suggest shopping for a good used VR10 or VR920 center. I think that these 3-way designs are a better match for 3-way mains.

 

[larry7995]

I don't know about the Bostons but I have M80's and I have them screaming lound quite often. Horribly loud. They can take a lot. There's a lot to love about them but the power handling stands out. Just a thought.

What are you powering your M80s with?
I am going to get a pair and get outlaw monoblocks to push them since I am poor white trash, unless someone vehemently disagrees with my choice.
I finally found a flat panel stand that has a middle shelf large enough to accomodate the VP150 and bought it so I just ordered my VP150 today.

 

[dbpolk]

I was going to use a Denon AVR 2307ci. 100w x7. I was looking at the VP150 center but was wondering if their in wall center the w150 wouldn' t work better under a projector screen. The specs are exactly the same but don't know how the sound is different. Only part of the speaker is recessed and I bet it would look cool semi recessed. Does anyone have a W150. If the specs are the same, shouldn't it sound as good?