Axiom vs Totem vs Definitive for HT

[Zapdude]

I compared 2 5.1 systems, one based on Totem Sttaf and the other built around Definitive towers (with built-in subs). Both had their merits and are on my short list. However, I am very intrigued by Axioms and would be considering an Epic 60 - 500 system

Can anyone describe how the Axioms would would sound compared to those systems? Would the be more similar to the Totems (rich in detail), or the Definitives (warmer, perhaps punchier).

Thx in advance.

 

[3db]

I compared 2 5.1 systems, one based on Totem Sttaf and the other built around Definitive towers (with built-in subs). Both had their merits and are on my short list. However, I am very intrigued by Axioms and would be considering an Epic 60 - 500 system

Can anyone describe how the Axioms would would sound compared to those systems? Would the be more similar to the Totems (rich in detail), or the Definitives (warmer, perhaps punchier).

Thx in advance.

IMO, Totem is a league up from Axiom. The build quality of Totem is top notch!! Alot of people have described Axiom as bright sounding. I've heard Axiom and they are very detailed but in a "in your face kind of way". The Totems are warmer and invite you to listen to the details. Thats been my experience.

 

[stratman]

After my Gallos, I lusted after Totem, the Rainmakers.

 

[Zapdude]

IMO, Totem is a league up from Axiom. The build quality of Totem is top notch!! Alot of people have described Axiom as bright sounding. I've heard Axiom and they are very detailed but in a "in your face kind of way". The Totems are warmer and invite you to listen to the details. Thats been my experience.

So as I found the Totems to be brighter than the Definitives, the Axioms would be brighter still.

Any thoughts on how they would pair up with a Denon 3808, as that is what I'm looking at picking up to drive them? I'm not aware if Denon's are considered to be on the bright side - if they are then maybe that would be too bright a combination.

 

[billy p]

Axiom owners consider Denon an excellent choice in receivers. I own a Denon and feel it's pre/amp section to be on the warm side. As for the Axioms sounding bright, I am not sure because I haven't heard them. However, the term "bright" is often used in describing speakers and how they image and I believe this to be very good for home theater applications.

The Epic 60-500 looks tempting, to say the least. I would love that sub!!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

So as I found the Totems to be brighter than the Definitives, the Axioms would be brighter still.

Any thoughts on how they would pair up with a Denon 3808, as that is what I'm looking at picking up to drive them? I'm not aware if Denon's are considered to be on the bright side - if they are then maybe that would be too bright a combination.

Which DefTech towers have you auditioned?

I would compare the Axiom M80 towers ($665 ea) to the DefTech BP8Bs ($300 ea). I would consider the DT BP10Bs ($450 ea) & BP7006 ($425 ea) better than the Axiom M80.

I would also consider the Onkyo 875 better than the Denon 3808 in terms of power, features, and price.

 

[GlocksRock]

It's pretty hard to beat those new Onkyo units for the price, esepcially with all they have to offer. I would probably go with the Def Techs, but you can also audition the Axioms for 30 days, and return them if you don't like them.

 

[Bloodstriker]

I had my Totem Hawks paired with my Denon 2803 before I bought the seperate amp, and it didn't really do it for me. It seemed like it was struggling to get all of the sound out. Remember that Totems are not the easiest speakers to drive, and it makes a huge difference when paired with the proper amount of power.

In term of sound quality, I've auditioned the Hawks, Sttaf, and the Arro. I don't really know how to describe this, but the Sttaf and Arro both sounded like "small" speakers. Something was lacking in the low midrange/bass. The Hawk did a bit better. All three are very detailed in the upper regions. Female singers sound fabulous, but get a low, low baritone voice and it seems like there's less presence.

Between the Arro and Sttaf, I would have to say I like the Arro better. The imagine seems a lot more accurate. However, I'm guessing room size will dictate which speaker you like the best, as the only reason I chose the Hawks is because the other two would be too small for my room.

 

[Zapdude]

Which DefTech towers have you auditioned?

I would compare the Axiom M80 towers ($665 ea) to the DefTech BP8Bs ($300 ea). I would consider the DT BP10Bs ($450 ea) & BP7006 ($425 ea) better than the Axiom M80.

I would also consider the Onkyo 875 better than the Denon 3808 in terms of power, features, and price.

It was the BP7006 towers that I heard. Can you tell me why you think they are "better" than the Axioms? How are they different?

I've heard a lot of good things about the Onkyo, but the Denon has a feature or two that the 875 does not, giving it the edge for my needs.

 

[Seth=L]

Which DefTech towers have you auditioned?

I would compare the Axiom M80 towers ($665 ea) to the DefTech BP8Bs ($300 ea). I would consider the DT BP10Bs ($450 ea) & BP7006 ($425 ea) better than the Axiom M80.

I would also consider the Onkyo 875 better than the Denon 3808 in terms of power, features, and price.

What was your basis for comparison between the Axioms and Def Techs?

 

[Zapdude]

What was your basis for comparison between the Axioms and Def Techs?

Purely subjective. I narrowed down my short list from several other systems that I tried that day at one location.

I played the same DVD and audio CD to listen to both systems. Each was powered by pioneer Elite receivers, in different rooms at the dealer.

 

[Seth=L]

Purely subjective. I narrowed down my short list from several other systems that I tried that day at one location.

I played the same DVD and audio CD to listen to both systems. Each was powered by pioneer Elite receivers, in different rooms at the dealer.

I was asking AcuDefTechGuy, as from what I recall (from what he has told me) is that he hasn't listened to many speakers. The only ones I remember him mentioning was Paradigm and obviously Definitive Technology.

From your first post I see you have not listened to Axiom speakers. Most describe them as being bright and in your face (not a polite speaker) but that they are not harsh highs. I haven't listened to Axiom speakers either, so I am going purely on what others say about them in reference to general sound. I can't compare them to any speaker in quality or price since I have not heard them, so I wouldn't make any comparisons.

So basically you have to decide between a company you have never had any experience listening to their speakers and two other companies that you have.

It seems you are torn between the Totem's and the Def Techs in terms of what sound your prefer. If you think the Def Techs have better bass and you prefer the upper end on the Totems I would say go with the Totems and get a damn good sub. SVS, HSU, and Velodyne are just a few names that make great subwoofers. If you prefer the top end and bottom end on the Def Techs get those and possibly add a subwoofer at your descretion.

(this is just the criteria I would use based on the information I have seen on this thread)

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It was the BP7006 towers that I heard. Can you tell me why you think they are "better" than the Axioms? How are they different?

I've heard a lot of good things about the Onkyo, but the Denon has a feature or two that the 875 does not, giving it the edge for my needs.

I have not listened to the Axioms either, so my comparison is based on friends who have experience with Axiom M80 speakers.

My impression based on our discussion (friends) is that the M80 & BP7006 are equals in terms of Highs, Midrange, & Upper Bass, but the BP7006 is superior on Lower Bass. The DT BP8Bs seem to equal the M80 in terms of all three categories, but the $300 ea speaker is better than the $665 ea Axiom 80.
The BP10Bs is the favorite of the group for $400-$450 ea because they almost match the Bass of the BP7006s and equal the highs, midrange, & upper bass of the group.

However, speaker placement is more critical with the DTs than with the Axioms since the DTs are Bipolar. Most stores/retailers don't even place the DTs correctly. They really need to be placed 18-24" from the walls with the subwoofers (BP7006s) facing each other.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

It is a tough comparison to make. Being bipolar, the Def Techs sound fundamentally different than either of the others.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The Totem Hawks (29Hz-20kHz/$1,200 each) would most likely be above the BP7006s (29Hz/ $425) & the Axiom M60s (37Hz/$500).
But the Totem Staffs (39Hz/$750) & Arros (40Hz/$600), as Bloodstriker described, would probably be similar.
Again, I'm basing my comparison on other reviews & friends' opinions. I mentioned the FR only for visual aids.

When Bloodstriker says that he felt the Totem Hawks seemed BIGGER and the Staffs & Arros seemed SMALLER due to less audible BASS, I think it helps to attach the FR "picture" w/ the "words".

 

[3db]

The Totem Hawks (29Hz-20kHz/$1,200 each) would most likely be above the BP7006s (29Hz/ $425) & the Axiom M60s (37Hz/$500).
But the Totem Staffs (39Hz/$750) & Arros (40Hz/$600), as Bloodstriker described, would probably be similar.
Again, I'm basing my comparison on other reviews & friends' opinions. I mentioned the FR only for visual aids.

When Bloodstriker says that he felt the Totem Hawks seemed BIGGER and the Staffs & Arros seemed SMALLER due to less audible BASS, I think it helps to attach the FR "picture" w/ the "words".

Its hard to tell. What was driving the Totems at the time.Where they all driven by the same source? I've heard the little rainmakers played thru a NAD and I have ot say that I had to pick my jaw off the ground. Rather embarrasing I would say.

And Joe is correct in saying thats it difficult to compare bipolar to non bipolar speakers. Its an apples/oranges comparison. Yes both are round but so different in alot of respects

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Its hard to tell. What was driving the Totems at the time.Where they all driven by the same source? I've heard the little rainmakers played thru a NAD and I have ot say that I had to pick my jaw off the ground. Rather embarrasing I would say.

And Joe is correct in saying thats it difficult to compare bipolar to non bipolar speakers. Its an apples/oranges comparison. Yes both are round but so different in alot of respects

That's why it's so difficult to pick speakers. Everyone has his own favorite. Subjectivity is HIGH.