Purchase Question: Axiom Speakers vs. Klipsch Reference Speakers

[scattershot]

Hi there:

I have the proper room layout that I can now actually utilize a 7.2 Home Theater speaker setup.

I have a friend who works at a known audio dealer and can get me a deal on any Klipsch Reference Series speakers (about 50% off MSRP).
On the other hand, I saw the review of some Axiom Audio Speakers on audioholics.com and am wondering if anyone could suggest for me which of the systems below would be a better "bang for buck" (since Axiom seems to have decent MSRP prices in Canada).

Note that I mostly use my home theater for BluRay movies and Xbox 360 video games, rarely do I use it for music solely.

Thanks for the help / suggestions guys.

=======================================
----- System 1: Klipsch


Fronts: RB-61 Bookshelf Speakers
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/rb-61-overview/

Center: RC-62 Center Channel Speakers
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/rc-62-overview/

Side Surrounds: RS-52 Surround Speaker
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/rs-52-overview/

Rear Surrounds: RB-61 Bookshelf Speakers
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/rb-61-overview/

I could also consider the RB-81 bookshelf speakers for the front speakers in my setup if someone things they are worth it (I am sitting 8 feet away from front speakers and the room is like 2800 cubic volume).
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/rb-81-overview/


=======================================
----- System 2: Axiom Audio


Fronts: M3 v2 Bookshelf Speakers
http://www.axiomaudio.com/bookshelfspeakers.html

Center: VP-100 v2 Center Channel Speaker
http://www.axiomaudio.com/vp100.html

Side Surrounds: QS4 v2 Surround Speaker
http://www.axiomaudio.com/qs4.html

Rear Surrounds: M3 v2 Bookshelf Speakers
http://www.axiomaudio.com/bookshelfspeakers.html

I could also consider the VP-150 center and M22 v2 fronts and QS8 side surrounds in my room if someone thinks they are worth it (I am sitting 8 feet away from front speakers and the room is like 2800 cubic volume).
http://www.axiomaudio.com/vp150.html
http://www.axiomaudio.com/m22.html
http://www.axiomaudio.com/qs8.html

 

[Nuance AH]

Are you able to find a local owner to allow you to audition the Axiom's? Even if they aren't the exact model you're looking at, you'll at least get an idea of the Axiom sound.

Sounds like you could get a real nice deal on the Klipsch's... If it were me I'd audition the Klipsch's, and if not satisfied start looking into the Axioms.

Best wishes to you in your speaker search.

 

[fredk]

I agree with Nuance. Give the Klipsch a listen.

For Axiom, go to their website and check out the hearing things forum to see if there is someone close to you. I would also post as there are people not on the auditioning list that may give you a listen.

Go with what sounds best to you for the price.

 

[JaminHead]

I agree with the above statements. Give the klipsch an audition. Then set up a 30 day in home trial for the axiom. It's subjective at best, but it could give you an idea of what you might like better.

 

[JaminHead]

Forgot to say that imo the klipsch will be louder and give you more of that home theater sound at the cost of sounding slightly shrill and overall less transparent than the axioms.

Edit: Sorry, didn't see the edit buttom. I'm new to this forum : (

 

[scattershot]

I've heard the Klipsch speakers before.

They are some of the most efficient speakers I have heard, but I have an Onkyo 806 so power isn't an issue.

The Klipsch sound good.
They sound very dynamic and lively with a very wide sound stage.
My only complaint is they sound a little 'bright'. They give impactful base but I find it a tad muddy. I wouldn't mind finding a speaker set in their price ranger (keep in mind I get 50% of MSRP) that has a bit more fidelity although maybe my expectations are unrealistic at their price range...

Axioms aren't sold in stores but like you guys mentioned about the "hearing things" forums there is someone near me that has the M2, QS4, and VP100 on display so I'll check them out unless someone here has heard both and can suggest otherwise...

Thanks!

 

[fredk]

They sound very dynamic and lively with a very wide sound stage.
My only complaint is they sound a little 'bright'.

That seems to be the consensus with many Klipsch speakers. Good luck with the Axiom audition. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Nuance AH]

Great idea, scattershot. Happy auditioning.

 

[AVRat]

You may also look into the PSB B25s. PSB is revamping their Image line so you may be able to find a deal.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PBIMB25
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PBIMC60

 

[fredk]

If you have a store near you that carries PSB, you might be able to talk them into letting you demo a pair of B25s while you have the Axiom set in your house.

 

[wanjeyin]

Hi there:


=======================================
----- System 2: Axiom Audio


Fronts: M3 v2 Bookshelf Speakers
http://www.axiomaudio.com/bookshelfspeakers.html

Center: VP-100 v2 Center Channel Speaker
http://www.axiomaudio.com/vp100.html

Side Surrounds: QS4 v2 Surround Speaker
http://www.axiomaudio.com/qs4.html

Rear Surrounds: M3 v2 Bookshelf Speakers
http://www.axiomaudio.com/bookshelfspeakers.html

I could also consider the VP-150 center and M22 v2 fronts and QS8 side surrounds in my room if someone thinks they are worth it (I am sitting 8 feet away from front speakers and the room is like 2800 cubic volume).
http://www.axiomaudio.com/vp150.html
http://www.axiomaudio.com/m22.html
http://www.axiomaudio.com/qs8.html

Are you going to be using a sub with your system? If so, I would advise against the M3s, and instead recommend either the M2 or M22, depending on the size of your place.

I built my system piecemeal over the course of 7 years. My system now includes:

FL/FR: M22s
C: VP100
SL/SR: QS8
BL/BR: M2s
Receiver: HK AVR254
Sub: JBL es150p.

When I first built my system, I started off with a pair of M3s and the aforementioned sub. What I didn't realized at the time was that the M3s were designed to be used primarily without a sub. From what Noreen at Axiom explained, the frequencies between 80 and 120Hz were purposely pronounced, hence the mid-bass "hump" in the M3 frequency response. She explained to me that the M2 and M22s, being sister speakers, have a more linear response and would integrate better with a sub. This was mentioned in the soundstage review of the m2s (http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/axiom_m2i.htm). I can verify this as when I later purchased the M22s the integration with the sub was seamless.

Hope this helps!!

Regards,
Andrew

 

[corey]

My front 3 are Klipsch RB-6.1 & RC 5.2 and I'm very happy with them. You might think about smaller/cheaper surround speakers and moving the savings into your subs.