Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Axiom vs. Paradigm

I have listedn to the Paradigm M70 towers with the PDR 10 sub. I really liked the sound stage and seperation they M70's had. From what I have been reading on many other forums, and other reviews, Axiom has very similar products and sound. The customer service is GREAT as well, from what I have read. I will have a HT room 12x14. Here is what I'm looking at.

So here is what I'm debating. The Paradigm set-up that is similar to the Axiom goes like this:
Paradigm:
Monitor 7: $699
CC370: $399
PDR 13: $399
ADP 370: $450
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Total: $2050

Axiom:
Towers M50ti
Surrounds QS4
Centers VP100
Subwoofer EP175
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Total: $1567 delivered

From most of the stuff I have read about 90% of the people that looked at both speakers, and bought the Axiom package said the sound was very similar, but the difference was the price and the great customer service they received.

With the difference of almost $500 I am think I would be willing to take a chance. That money gets me half way to my receiver of choice, the Pioneer Elite VSX-45TX. I can always get cheaper surounds and center, and upgrade, but I really want to hear what people have to say. I live in southern NH and would love to see if there was a way I could listen to some Axioms.

Also, considering my room size, is that the right set-up?

thanks!

Hi Sawyer
I'd go to the Axiom Factory Outlet and get a pair of M60s instead of the M50s.

Sawyer, first thing, good choice on the receiver. Next, if you really want tower speakers, I'd agree with 2x6 to consider going up to the M60. However, if it doesn't have to be towers I think that in your size room the M22s would be nearly identical to the M60s above the low bass and would have plenty of dynamic capacity. The sub would take care of the bass. Saving #2 is using a vertical M2 as the center speaker. This would get you nearly all the way to that 45TX, which you can find for a little under $800.

I agree. A pair of M22s plus a good sub is a terrific combination for both music and home theater.

Again, I'm sure pmbuko will weigh in on this, having gone from Monitor 9s to M22s, but the Axioms are head and shoulders above the Paradigms, in everything except bass. (Please note that this is only in _depth_, not in quality. The Axioms seem to merge extremely well with the sub). Including finishes. Better highs, better imaging, etc. Go with the Axioms.

In a few words, the Paradigm Monitors 7 and 9 (which have a very similar sound) are more laid back and less airy than the Axiom M22. I had the opportunity to hear them side by side when the Axioms arrived before I had sold my Monitor 9s.

My initial impression on hooking up the M22s was "Wow! Where did all this detail come from?" Stuff I'd been listening to -- and enjoying -- on the Monitor 9s for years really came to life. The difference was night and day.

Forget about the Paradigms....


Get yourself some M60's, VP150, QS8's, and EP350

or the system you have there... but replace the M50's with M60's, and you're still paying less than for the Paradigm setup.

With a room that size, I too suggest you get the M22ti's. With the money you save from that, upgrade your center to the VP150. I'd also HIGHLY recommend getting the VTF-2 subwoofer from Hsu. For the same $500, Hsu simply makes a better sub. I think most people here would agree on that.


M22ti $400
VP150 $350
QS4 $310
Hsu VTF2 $499
--------------
$1559

You're room isn't that big. Most people here on the Axiom boards agree that you should be at least 10' away from the M60's to really get full enjoyment out of them. Besides, in a room that small, the M22ti and Hsu VTF-2 mesh perfectly, and will FILL that room with amazing sound.

I have never listened to the Axioms vs. Pradigms side-by-side, but yes, I can tell you that the Axioms have much better resolution and imaging than the Paradigms.

Maybe this person could afford to step up to the QS8's as well?

M22ti $400
VP150 $350
QS8 $470
Hsu VTF2 $499
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$1719