Please Opine: Denon and Axiom Pairing

[Caligula]

Greetings forum. I have lurked about for nearly a month or so and appreciate the wealth of information and helpful advice presented here. I must admit that I am a bit overwhelmed by the sheer diversity of opinion ... and need a little more help sorting through it all.

Based on comments and reviews, I continue to gravitate toward the axiom product line. : Terrific product at a great value. I’d like to hear your perspective as to whether you think your product will best meet my needs. Here goes:

I am partial to classic rock and electric blues ... and enjoy it at all volumes ... and typically listen to moderate to high volume levels. If I had to categorize my listening preference (given what I know about sound jargon), I’d say that I was a slight bright lean (not metallic bright … just crisp and clear bright). This is also my first home theatre set-up ... but likely see myself using the system 60% - 40% (music to movies).

I have a Denon 3805 and would like to pair it with a quality speaker configuration in the $1,500 - $2,100 range. As I mentioned, I have been impressed with the reviews for the Axiom line (outstanding sound ... even more impressive value) and am leaning toward the following set-up: M60ti for fronts, QS8 for surround, VP150 for center, and EP350 for a sub.

I have a rather cavernous living area (22 x 16 x 19 h ... or 6,688 cubic feet). It is an open design (several rooms radiating off the main) ... and primarily carpet and upholstered furniture accented by some hardwood flooring.

Questions:

1) Does anyone have a similar (Denon-Axiom) set up? If so, can you weigh in on your experience? Has anyone else put any listening mileage on this configuration and have any thoughts? Are there better speakers than Axioms for my circumstances?

2) Is this a capable and recommended configuration (Denon – Axiom pairing)? What might the sound quality be like? Would it jibe with my mild bright preference?

3) Is the 120 high-current 3805 capable of maximizing (driving) the Axiom’s talent – especially given my penchant for rock music and louder volumes? I might eventually add an amp to drive the front speakers - but want to remain with a 8 ohm speaker (versus upgrading to the M80ti).

4) Given my physical living space, are Axioms good for my circumstances?

Many thanks for anyone taking the time to provide an opinion.

Caligula

 

[Mort Corey]

You will probably find more users with the exact same configuration on the Axiom forum. I've been looking at the same package (to go with my 3805) to replace some older Klipsch speakers. From what I've read, the Axioms pair with Denon quite well and that the sound is very forward (bright...whatever) ala Klipsch. Even the owners of Axiom have agreed that there are better subs, for the same or less money, than their 350. Their newly released models look impressive.

Mort

 

[Caligula]

Many Thanks for the response, Mort ... (nm)

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[RaT]

I just finished installing a system with the Denon 3805 and a full set of Paradigm Reference speakers. I was quite impressed by the performance of the Paradigm. This customer used the Reference 60's. I auditioned the various speakers he had on his plate. Paradigm, Def Tech, etc., the Paradigm Monitor 9's sounded good until we heard the Reference series. As much as I have read here about the Ref 100's, I just did not pick it up. I did make the mistake of listening to the Paradigm Signature series. I could easily see myself with a simple little Signature S2 pair. In a word, "unbelieveable".

 

[Zarg]

I'm Your Guy

I recently installed my 2nd HT -- Denon 3805 and Axiom M60's, with the Axiom center and surrounds that you are thinking about getting. One thing, though -- I didn't go with the Axiom Subwoofer. I went with an SV instead. It was more money, but I didn't want to skimp on the low end after spending so much on everything else.

I do a lot of concert DVDs -- U2, No Doubt, Tenacious D, etc. I also listen to a lot of jazz (Mel Torme, Acoustic Alchemy, Cleo Laine, Ella, Fourplay, Gerald Albright). For movies, I watch SF and action.

Am I happy with the Denon and the Axioms? Absolutely. The M60's are clean and have enough oomph by themselves to sound great. Together with the SV Sub, they sound awesome. The center channel is flat and keeps up with the M60's perfectly. But the real treat is the surrounds. They sound fantastic! I had my system professionally installed and, after hearing my system, my installer said he was getting a pair of the Axiom surrounds for HIS system.

Based on your description, I believe that you'll be very happy with the Axioms.

 

[Peppy]

I purchase my 3805 in July and ontill Sept it was pair with JBL HTL820, not the best speaker in the world, but thanks to the 3805, together the sound great. Now I just purchase a paire of Axiom Mti80, sadly I have to wait 1 more week to hook them up (fload renovation, amazing how much damage 1 inch of water can do ). I hear Axiom speaker 2 year ago and love the sound of them, so I don't have any worry about the sound quality. I had a other worry but now I am okay them been put to rest thanks to many member from here. ( http://www.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5519 )

My experiance tell me that, with the Denon 3805 and any good quality pair of speaker the quality sound will range from very good to excellent depending of YOUR preference and YOUR ear.