Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Questions about a receiver and Axiom speakers

I am looking at purchasing M60's, 150, QS4's and either an SVS PB12-ISD/V or SVS PB12-ISD/2 sub. I am looking at the Denon 2805 or Yamaha 1500. I prefer the Denon because of the extra component in. Any opinions if this is enough receiver (or for that matter the best $500/$600 US dollar receiver for these speakers) for a 22x17 room? Is it worth the upgrade to the QS8's?

First of all, you will be one happy person with that system you describe. As to whether to upgrade to QS8's, I'd suggest calling Axiom, as they will be honest about whether the 8's will give you much more than the 4's in your size room. Having said that, if you will end up regretting not getting the 8's in the first place, then I'd say just spring for them now. They're amazing.

And great choice with the SVS. I use the PB12-ISD, and it is just awesome. The ones you list should be great choices.

As for receivers, the 2805 would have more than enough juice to power your system. I would also recommend you take a look at the Harmon Kardon 435 or 635. I just upgraded my older H/K receiver to the 635, and it is one fine receiver. The 435 and 635 have a great setup system, that can EQ your room if you want. The 435 may be more in your price range, and has most of what the 635 has. And the H/K sound just works so well with Axioms.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the advice. I did call and they indicated that the QS4 are enough but I just don't want to be dissappointed. Also, I debated whether it is worth the extra cash for the PB12-ISD/V. Do you find that the PB12 ISD is enough (the two I am looking at are $100 and $300 more than the one you have)? As far as the receiver, I am a big HK fan but have been doing a lot of reading and have found that the HK has been passed more recently by the Denon and Yamaha line. Any one else have opinions on receiver?

The 2805, 1500 or HK's (e.g. 635 for $680 delivered ) Gem mention are all good receivers with ample power. Just select the one that has the features you most desire at a price you can live with.

Paul

I live in a NYC apartment, and my living room is about 12' X 21', but it's open another few feet. The PB12 is more than enough for my room. I've never felt it lacking for music or movies.

But, people who buy SVS subs don't normally stop at "perfectly adequate". So, would the PB12-ISD be more than enough for your room? I don't doubt it. (There are others here who own the PB12 also, so maybe they'll chime in). But again, if you will regret not buying a bigger sub to begin with, I'd say go for the ISD/2. It seems to be the sweet spot in the SVS lineup in terms of bang for your buck.

And I wouldn't say that Yamaha and Denon have passed H/K. Yamaha has its backers, but I'd say H/K and Denon are generally viewed on a bit higher plane. And then people just have their favorites. You can't really go wrong with Yamaha, H/K, or Denon, but I have read that Yamaha's may not be the best match for Axioms.

HK been passed by the Denon's and Yamaha's? I don't understand. They are all decent manufacturers. Each company has somewhat different feature sets they market to set themselves apart (e.g. Yamaha has tons of custom surround programs for those that like to experiment with that and HK has the most versatile bass management system and room EQ).

There are lots of folks on this board that have HK's and are quite happy with them.

Paul

I'd agree with pretty much everything gem said, including the PB12-ISD comments. I have a very large room and find it to be more than enough. Keep in mind that going to the /2 series makes for a much bigger and heavier box. Might be an issue for placement or if you have to move it, maybe not.

I have a lower-line Denon (1804). I like it very much, but do wish I had the bass management flexibility offered by the HK line (different crossovers for each channel). If I had it to do over again, I'd get that HK 635 linked to earlier, or try to find one at The HK Factory Store. They sometimes liquidate refurbs on Ebay, too.

I am currently driving my system with the 2805 in a 20x15 with vaulted ceilings room. When I move down to the basement it is much bigger and I'm driving a 7.1 system fine.

Randy

Denon 2805
Axiom M60's VP150 EP350 4-Qs8's
Sanyo Z2 Projector
Panasonic S97S DVD HDMI

ps I prefer Denon or HK over Yammy's just my 2 cents.

JK, welcome. Counsellor gem and the others have given you good advice. I'd suggest that you disregard what you may have read somewhere about the HKs being "passed". In at least one respect, i.e. the new room equalization system developed by Dr. Toole's group, it may be the most advanced. All of them will give you audibly transparent amplification, so pick the features(e.g. the extra component input)that are most significant to you.

Just pretty much echoing what everyone has said. I own the SVS PB12-ISD and it is a beast. It is plenty enough for me, more than plenty in fact, although I have a medium sized room. I have the volume/gain at 35% and small animals scurry away from the rumbling. Works well for rodent control. If that isn't enough, legend has it the Axiom EP 500/600 will drive off any livestock if you have any of those issues.

I have owned the HK 635 and found it to be a very capable receiver. Hard to find anything under $1000 USD "A" stock that has more power/current.

You are definitely going to be happy with that setup.