I received my Axiom Epic 60/500 5.1 system exactly 7 days after placing the order. This was quite perfect and my intent as I had that day off and was home to receive the speakers. Everything was impeccably packaged and after I unpacked each piece, I inspected them for any sign of damage. Not surprisingly, nothing was found and I proceeded to remove my old speakers and wire in the new ones. What struck me first about these speakers was their build quality. They are amazing in every detail. The QS8’s are small and very cool looking. They really look like they were engineered to create a sound bubble to immerse the listener in. The EP500 is scary, heavy, and powerful-looking. The M60’s and VP150 looked as though they belonged together at the front of my home theatre room helping make the 118” screen look less overpowering. Then, after a quick calibration, I fired up the system. My Yamaha receiver may be 8 years old, but it was easily able to drive the new speakers. I tried out some CD’s. At first the EP500 shocked me with the immense sub-harmonics. It was what I feared—this monster was too much for my 19.5’ x 13.5’ x 8’ room to take. But after I turned down the volume on the subwoofer itself, I was treated to a wonderful surprise. The deafening thump became a more directed concussion, precise and completely complementing to the rest of the audio. As I calibrated it more, the bass became one with the rest of the soundstage. I listened to one of my favorite concert CD’s, Paul Carrack Live in Liverpool. The acoustical sections were amazing, leaps and bounds above my old Energy speakers. I couldn’t believe just how much better everything sounded. Then I tried out some of my favorite Queen songs, and Freddie never sounded so good.
Finally it was time to hear some DVD’s. I tried out the depth-charge assault on the DTS track of U-571. The explosions rocked the house, but never did the deep, booming concussions over-power the high-pitched whistle of the pipes bursting and spraying water throughout the sub. The range of sound was amazing. Every DVD I put in sounded equally impressive. From the powerful rumble of the Star Destroyer at the beginning of, The Revenge of the Sith, to the electronic squeaks and chirps of the buzz-droids, I heard it all in a clarity that my ears have never before enjoyed. Even with minimal calibration the soundstage was completely seamless. I also watched concert DVD’s such as the Black Crows, Mike and the Mechanics and Queen. They each came to life in a way I had never thought possible—boy I can’t wait for uncompressed audio tracks on HD disks!
A good friend of mine who’s a musician and really understands the nature of sound came over last week and tested out my old system. I wanted to be able to compare what I had with what I was getting, and wanted the sound fresh in our heads. I trust his opinion when it comes to sound equipment. A few days later he returned and auditioned my new Axiom speakers, and agreed with everything I heard. It was quite vindicating--I wasn’t just imagining the improvement!
I’ve rarely been more completely impressed with a purchase like this before. From the knowledgeable employees at Axiom, to the helpful members of this forum, everyone helped me make the right decision, a decision that I’m totally satisfied with. I wouldn’t hesitate to highly recommend the Epic 60/500 system to anyone who wants a set of amazingly clean, fully immersive speakers. In the fall I plan to upgrade my receiver to a Sherwood Newcastle R-972 and possibly purchase 1 or 2 more QS8’s, then it’ll be interesting to hear just how much better the entire system sounds.
Again, thank you all very much!
