thoughts on selecting a company to purchase from..

[Romulus]

I'm a few months away from purchasing my first HT/music system and have a few questions about deciding which company to go with. After listening to several speakers, b&w, paradigm, klipsch, and DTech, I've decided my best bet is axiom. They have a spotless customer service record and offer more bang for the buck than aformentioned speakers.

I've seen several reviews of companies like NHT and RBH.. These companies have been around about as long as axiom but are sold in stores (so I think), unlike axiom.

My question is, as far as a new HT owner is concerned, what would my motivation be to go with a company with a smaller online reputation (RBH & NHT vs axiom) rather than the more "sure bet" (axiom)? RBH and NHT have gotten great reviews from this site and are suggested in the recommended systems, but other than one or two solid reviews, do I have a good reason to consider them over an Axiom system?

 

[Adam]

I think that the most important factor in choosing speakers, assuming that you can afford them, is that you like the way that they sound. You said that you listened to other speaker brands, but have you heard NHT, RBH, or Axiom speakers? If not, preview them if you can. I think that Axiom allows in house trials with a return policy. If a vendor in your area carries NHT and/or RBH, give them a try. I have NHT speakers (bought them over nine years ago, since discontinued). At the time, I thought they were better than the others that I had heard in my price range - B&W, Paradigm, Definitive Technology, Polk, Infinity, and I'm sure some others. They are what I preferred, but people buy the other brands because they are what they preferred. There are also other good internet direct companies, like Aperion Audio. I have a friend who bought a set from Aperion and he is very happy with them.

I think that all of the companies that you mentioned will back their products, so you shouldn't have to worry about that as a factor in this.

 

[enrique]

Depends if your willing to buy speakers without listening to them first.Granted i'm sure if you buy from the online co. you could return them.But what will they charge you to do so and are you willing to go thru the hassle of returning them of you dont like them.I would listen to those you have available locally first b4 chancing on an online co. even though they get great reviews.After you listen to some of the selections you have locally,you can order from the online co. and then compare.But you still need to make it your worthwhile to go thru the hassle to return them if you dont like them.If you do like them then there is no lost and it was worth it.

 

[no. 5]

My question is, as far as a new HT owner is concerned, what would my motivation be to go with a company with a smaller online reputation (RBH & NHT vs axiom) rather than the more "sure bet" (axiom)? RBH and NHT have gotten great reviews from this site and are suggested in the recommended systems, but other than one or two solid reviews, do I have a good reason to consider them over an Axiom system?

The motivation would be there (as Adam said) if you like how they sound.

Buying something exclusive for its online reputation is only worthwhile if you want to name drop what you bought. A lot of people online liking a brand of speaker is no indication if you will like it too, RBH and NHT both have very good reputations (and they are both included in the recommended systems on this site), also, where information is gathered has an effect on the conclusion reached; if a person only hung out in the Polk forum (just as an example), they would most likely feel that Polk is just about the best available.

Speaking from personal experience, Paradigm should be a sure bet from the reputation they have, but I have yet to hear a Paradigm speaker I like.

 

[Romulus]

Good points..

I should also mention that from the speakers I have heard in person, I have not been terribly impressed.. not for the money they were asking. That is why I am currently leaning towards something like axiom, who has many (hundreds) of great reviews from folks online. I wouldn't mind looking at speakers from RBH or NHT as they also have positive reviews, but I've just found far less than those of axiom. Also, it seems those two companies are higher priced (~800 for a pair of bookshelves vs 900 for a pair of M60 towers from axiom).. that I guess is what is making me wonder why they make the recommended systems list over the axioms.

It's rather early here.. 3-4am, so I hope I'm not rambling too much

 

[Adam]

Another internet-direct speaker that you could consider is the x-ls from av123.com. They are bookshelves, cost $219 a pair (or $249 depending on finish), and they come with a no-risk in-home trial. If you don't like them, they'll refund your money including the shipping costs to and from you. They've gotten good reviews here. I point them out because you can audition them at home with no financial commitment.

 

[jake5717]

I guess another factor would be how much experience you have with HT speakers. What do you currently have? If you are transitioning from a HTIB then there is probably a great chance you'll be very impressed with any high end speaker purchase. The guys here have been listening to speakers and equipment for years and have a very trained ear if you don’t then their opinion really shouldn’t matter. When I auditioned speakers they all sounded the same, GREAT! I decided on RBH because the HT store (Who pushed RBH over the other brands) was local and they offered excellent customer service.

 

[EJD]

I wouldn't mind looking at speakers from RBH or NHT as they also have positive reviews, but I've just found far less than those of axiom.

Don't let the lack of reviews sway you. Reviews should be used as a starting ponit for something you want to audition - they shouldn't be your deciding factor. Let your ears and eyes be the judge. I say eyes because the way a speaker looks will have an impact on your enjoyment of them as well.

While I can't speak to RBH speakers, I personally find NHTs to be very nice sounding and looking speakers. Definitely check them out if you can.

 

[Nick250]

The motivation would be there (as Adam said) if you like how they sound.
Buying something exclusive for its online reputation is only worthwhile if you want to name drop what you bought. A lot of people online liking a brand of speaker is no indication if you will like it too, RBH and NHT both have very good reputations (and they are both included in the recommended systems on this site), also, where information is gathered has an effect on the conclusion reached; if a person only hung out in the Polk forum (just as an example), they would most likely feel that Polk is just about the best available.

Speaking from personal experience, Paradigm should be a sure bet from the reputation they have, but I have yet to hear a Paradigm speaker I like.

Exactly. Six years ago I auditioned many speakers and ended up with Paradigm Studio 20's and I still have and enjoy them. I did the leg work and found what sounded best for me within my budget. no. 5;278350 did his auditions and came up with a different listening experience. That's why auditioning is the most impotent part of a speaker purchase.

Keep auditioning Romulus since you have a few months before you make your purchase. That said, and someone correct me if I am wrong, but I think Axiom pays shipping both ways if you decide not to keep them. Of course, for any ID company that does that, the extra shipping cost is built into the price structure no doubt.

Nick

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Yep, there is just no way around auditioning the speakers for yourself. Paradigms were not even on my list as I always thought you were pretty much paying a mark-up for the name and they have a rep of poor costumer service. In the end; I liked them the best.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Never buy without auditioning, unless it is to take advantage of a 30 day trial in which you do audition.

 

[Pianoman84d]

As far as I know, and things may have changed since I checked, the following is a list of ID companies and the types of in-home auditions they allow.

Axiom - 30 days, you only pay return shipping (shipping to you is included whether you keep the speakers or not)
Aperion - 30 days, shipping is included both ways
av123 - 30 day trial, bookshelves are free shipping both ways???????????
SVS - ????????


now you know what I know... Hope this helps. I concur with everyone who emphasized the importance of auditioning.