Axiom vs PSB?

[jmone]

Hi, For those that may have auditioned these brands (hard down here in Oz) could you please give me your impressions of:

Axiom M60Ti Vs. PSB Image 6T
Axiom VP150 Vs. PSB Image 8C
Axiom QS8 Vs. PSB Image 10s

Thanks
Nathan

 

[3db]

I'm gonna recommend PSB .

Hi, For those that may have auditioned these brands (hard down here in Oz) could you please give me your impressions of:

Axiom M60Ti Vs. PSB Image 6T
Axiom VP150 Vs. PSB Image 8C
Axiom QS8 Vs. PSB Image 10s

Thanks
Nathan

I'm a PSB fanatic. I just love their sound. I owna pair of Image T45s, an Image8C, and a pair of Image 1Bs along with a subsonic5.

Before Axion when internet only, I had a chance to listen to a pair of M60Ti and the VP150. I didn't pay to much attention to the surrounds. What struck me with Axion was how detailed they sounded. At first I was really impressed but after 30 minutes or so, I began to find them a little too bright for my ears. The mids were good, the bass was tight and fast but not authorative. It sounded kinda weak. The mids of the Axioms sounded lifelike and accurate.

The VP150 is a good center channel speaker period relaying all kinds of info and remaing clear during louder busier passages.

I then turned my attention to the PSBs. I wasn't impressed at 1st, thought they sounded a little dark, lacking the treble emphasis of the axioms. But the more I listened, the more I started liking them. I heard the nuances of the music coming out. Subtle details of the music were defiantely there but it wasn't the "in your face" like the Axioms. I didn't get tired of them like I did with the Axioms. The mids were life like and the bass was tight, fast, and authorative. Both Axiom and PSB throw out a large soundstage but I stil give the nod to PSB when it comes to imaging. I have never heard a speaker in that could out perform the image capabilities of PSB inage series in their price class.

The Image 8C is also a solid performing center channel. The 1st movie I played after getting it home was Men In Black. The hair stood up on the back of my neck and I cringed as J dragged the table across the room to his chair during the test scene. Thats when you know, you have a revealing speaker. Like the Axiom, the PSB is able to remain clear thru crowded packages during high volume levels.

This is what I heard when I auditioned both Axiom and PSB. You are the one that is going to be listening to them, not me.

Out of curiosity, why not spring for the Image9C if you do go the PSB route?

Good luck and have fun.

 

[tomd51]

Prior to finding an awesome deal on my new Boston Acoustics VR3s, I considered the Image T55s or T65s. You may want to give these a listen if you have the opportunity. These, I believe, are a little more 'on par' with the M60Tis as the models you mentioned are a bit out of date. They (supposedly) have improved the Image line and are closer in price as well.

 

[Jack Dotson]

My vote is for the PSB's.

 

[jmone]

PSB have an importer here in Oz and these are the some of the models from the range they currently offer. The package of the 5 PSB speakers I've listed is only 60% of the cost of the Axioms I currently have on order from their factory outlet (still some weeks away yet) hence my question on how the two compared.

I will try to find where I can audition the PSB locally and though I can not do so with the Axioms till the arrive, I don't want to stuff them around by sending them back (they have a local ship back point).

From the good reviews I've read on this site I'm surprised that the feedback so far is all PSB....

Thanks
Nathan

 

[scotty11]

I recently bought the Axiom M60's and the VP150.

I did audition PSB and Paradigm before purchasing.
the Axioms are very nice speakers and although they are "bright" i wouldnt call them harsh.IMO

i listen for hours without any fatigue and the VP150 is one of the better centers ive heard for the price.

I did like the Paradigm Monitor 11's over the PSB T55's but there were few distributors locally and the paradigms were alot more cash.Becuse of Axioms free shipping and return policy, i figured id try the Axioms based on many exc. reviews ive come across.

the Axioms throw a wide soundstage when listening to music.they have great clarity but are on the bright side.
they have the ability to play loud and clean,but not as loud as the 80's which are 4 ohm speakers.

as with most midsize speakers they do need a sub.I liked the PSB T55's and they were also priced right.Its a matter of personal preference.
while the mids and highs of the Axioms are crystal clear they are not as warm as the PSB's.

 

[littleb]

I have the Axiom m22s up front, along with the VP100 center channel and the QS8 surrounds. I have used 2 different receivers with mixed results. While using a Yamaha, to me at least, the m22s sound sort of hard, almost fatiguing, but with a Denon, they sounded just the opposite. They were really dull and univolving. This is rather confusing to me. I don't know whether I should look into another speaker brand or find an amp these speakers actually like.

 

[3db]

If you can look for new speakers

I have the Axiom m22s up front, along with the VP100 center channel and the QS8 surrounds. I have used 2 different receivers with mixed results. While using a Yamaha, to me at least, the m22s sound sort of hard, almost fatiguing, but with a Denon, they sounded just the opposite. They were really dull and univolving. This is rather confusing to me. I don't know whether I should look into another speaker brand or find an amp these speakers actually like.

I'd suggest going to a dealer that will allow you to trial them at home or at least one that offers a full back money quarentee on return if you're not satisfied. Out of curiosity, what Yamaha and Denon models do you have?

 

[scotty11]

i've heard that Yamaha recievers accentuate the brightness of some speakers.
Ive always owned Yamaha and Onkyo recievers.

 

[littleb]

I don't really think it's a bright vs warm issue at all. With my Yamaha, my speakers sound more forward, while they sound almost warm with my Denon. So much for the all amps sound the same argument. What I'm looking for is a happy medium. Is Onkyo that happy medium?

 

[jcPanny]

Mid-fi receivers

If you buy a mid-fi yamaha RX-V2500 or denon 3805 they will sound neutral. Check out the frequency response measurments from the AH review of the RX-V2500. When you buy a low end model, however, that is another story.

 

[3db]

Not so sure of your assessment

If you buy a mid-fi yamaha RX-V2500 or denon 3805 they will sound neutral. Check out the frequency response measurments from the AH review of the RX-V2500. When you buy a low end model, however, that is another story.

If you look at the frequency response of the cheaper units, they are all flat as well and go beyond the range of human hearing capabilities

 

[scotty11]

I think Yamaha is one of the best recievers you can get for a low budget HT although i think their DSP effects are a waste,and Onkyo is a my second choice.the onkyos are one of the few recievers that are true to their power ratings with all channels driven.

 

[KC23]

I bought a Yamaha RX-V2500 and have been very happy with it. It pushes my axiom m60ti very nicely. They sound neutral to me on my RX-V2500.

I got the RX-V2500 on my doorstep for $600 which is darn good for a feature rich 130watts x 7.1. There is a review here on Audioholics.

 

[3db]

Oh I'll have to check thatspec thingy out about Onkyo

I think Yamaha is one of the best recievers you can get for a low budget HT although i think their DSP effects are a waste,and Onkyo is a my second choice.the onkyos are one of the few recievers that are true to their power ratings with all channels driven.

The only ones that I knew to be true with their power specs was Harmon Kardon, Outlaw, NAD, and Rotel.

 

[scotty11]

these recievers are not in the same price range.i was referring to those in the sub $600 price range.

if your looking for 100wpc and want to spend apx $500 i think yamaha and onkyo are the best options.

I do like Outlaw and NAD and when i decide to upgrade i will probably get the NAD T763.

 

[korgoth]

you can get an hk 635 for around $600 it has 75 watts, 85 in stereo mode.
pretty comparable to any 100watt receiver.

 

[TheLaw]

I don't really think it's a bright vs warm issue at all. With my Yamaha, my speakers sound more forward, while they sound almost warm with my Denon. So much for the all amps sound the same argument. What I'm looking for is a happy medium. Is Onkyo that happy medium?

I have an Onkyo TX-SR703 paired with Axiom M22's, VP150, and QS4's and I think it sounds great. The highs and mids have a lot of presence, but are never overwhelming. Sometimes when you listen at loud volumes and you know a high note is coming you tend to squinch before hand. With the Axioms and the Onkyo this is not an issue. Just great sound all around. Just my .02