Rocket/Axiom Question

[chpwaman]

Ok...I have surfed this forum enough to know not to ask the question "which one is better". I do have a question on how to find out for myself which one is better (to me anyway). Since I want to eventually get mains, surrounds and a center and I would prefer that they be the same brand...a couple of the internet brands I have decided to audition are Axiom and AV123 (Rocket Series). I'm currently thinking in my room (16x20) I will be looking at the M60's from Axiom and the RS760 from AV123, along with their corresponding Rears and Center speakers.

My question is, since I want to hear these speakers in the actual environment they will be used, is it enough to just audition the 60's and the 760's to get a true feel for the brands and how different they sound? Or, do I really need to get the entire set-up from each manufacturer? It would be much easier to just do an A/B comparison on the mains, rather than have to work through the entire set-up with each brand. What do you guys think?

 

[rnatalli]

I would say you will get a feel for each brand's personality. That said, you should audition the actual speakers you would buy. Axioms and Rockets are complete opposites when it comes to sound.

 

[chpwaman]

I would definitely audition the exact speakers I would plan to buy...I just wasn't sure if auditioning just the mains would provide enough feedback to make a decision on which HT set-up to eventually go with.

Since you mentioned they are complete opposites when it comes to sound, do you think that someone (like myself) who is not really a true audiophile will notice the difference?

 

[rnatalli]

Anyone with ears will notice a difference. These differences may be subjective which is why auditioning is a must. My own impression of Axioms is that they present the instruments more forward than the vocals. The Rockets on the other hand have a more forward midrange and vocals. Some would say that Axioms are more revealing and will be less-forgiving to poorly-recorded material. Some who own Axioms will feel the Rockets sound veiled. It's all a matter of taste.

 

[calnbs]

when I was doing research for my speakers. I found this article at avsforum.com about axiom and rocket

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=862587&highlight=rocket+axiom

It will give you a clearer idea of what these 2 speakers are about. Hope it helps.

 

[evan]

If you got to the av123 website post an audition thread .You may be suprised that someone close to you may have Rockets for you to hear

 

[chpwaman]

when I was doing research for my speakers. I found this article at avsforum.com about axiom and rocket

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...t=rocket+axiom

It will give you a clearer idea of what these 2 speakers are about. Hope it helps.

Yes, this link was very helpful...thanks.

 

[calnbs]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=931069&highlight=rocket+mls&page=9

This is a post of what Mark, the owner of AV123.com thoughts about his Rocket speakers.

 

[Soundman]

Well, you will definitely tell a difference between these 2 speakers. Everone has different tastes so it's impossible to tell which one would be better for you. I will say that I have purchased both, so take this for what it's worth. If it were me doing it all over again, I would say save your time, and just get the Rockets. As far as built quality goes, the Axioms can't hold a candle next to the Rockets. I wasn't nearly as satisfied with the Axioms sound either. Again this is just my preference. We all have different tastes. Are looks important to you? If so, then that is also a plus for the Rocket's. They have a fantastic finish on them. You gotta love those veneers. You basically just get a vinyl finish with the Axiom's. However, I know recently, they were offering a free upgrade to wood veneers, but not sure which ones. I will give Axiom some credit for offering a wide variety of finish options, just keep in mind that this may potentially make the price go up as well.

Another thing to consider is if you will be doing alot of 2-channel listening, or is this more for HT. If for HT, consider the performance of both center channels. The Rocket speakers, in general have a much better off-axis response then the Axioms. This is most noticeable with the center channel. The center channel on the Rocket's is just incredible for the price. They call it the "Bigfoot". You'll know why once you see and hear it.

I hope I have not come off as too one-sided, but this has been my experience after hearing both systems. I thought hearing someones personal experience may help somewhat, but I also understand, as I mentioned before, that this is so subjective. Even if the Rocket's are better built (IMO), in the end, it is possible, that you may prefer the sound of the Axiom's and that's all that really matters. You may want to consider ordering a pair of bookshelves from each company. This should be able to be done with no risk to you. If ordering from AV123, you can order a pair of bookshelves and if you don't like it, they will pay the shipping both ways. This is one way to get a feel for that type of sound. I hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[Haoleb]

. You basically just get a vinyl finish with the Axiom's. However, I know recently, they were offering a free upgrade to wood veneers, but not sure which ones.

The free upgrade was to a Vinyl High Gloss cherry finish or Burled walnut. The real wood veneers are more expensive. Even though the standard vinyl finish is rather good looking, The HG cherry finish they were offering is a big step up.

 

[Soundman]

The free upgrade was to a Vinyl High Gloss cherry finish or Burled walnut. The real wood veneers are more expensive. Even though the standard vinyl finish is rather good looking, The HG cherry finish they were offering is a big step up.

Thanks for clarifying. I knew I had heard something about the finish upgrade. I just couldn't remember which one. Thanks. Well, as far as looks go, then dollar for dollar that would be a benefit of the Rockets.

 

[jcPanny]

AV123 speakers

Some of the new AV123 models like the floorstander X-statics and X-voice center are in the same price range as the Axioms. They offer several different wood veneers and the metal grills give them a modern look.