Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Took the plunge and have questions

Hi all,

Stayed up late last night and submitted my first ever 7.1 order with Axiom:

M22ti
M3i
Q8S
V100

This is partly reading thru many good postings in this forum and also taking que from audioholics.com

Now after ordering the speakers, I just noticed I have not bought any cable. What do you all recommend for cables to connect these fine speakers ? I have also ordered a Denon 3805, so these speakers will be connecting to them.

Things left on my list are sub and DVD player. I am reading the discussions pitching Axiom's against Hsu and SVS. I have yet to decide what to get.

Thanks and regards.

Hello, Straits. Welcome.

I'm not sure which straits you view, but if it is that of Juan de Fuca, we may be neighbors.

Most people around here think that, of similar gauge, copper is copper. Spools of 12/2 wire from places like PartsExpress and Blue Jeans Cable are pretty popular. Some people claim to be able to hear a difference with esoteric cables, and I am happy for them. I am quite certain that I would neither be able to discern a difference, nor place requisite value upon boutique speaker cable. Spending more money often does get you more flexible or attractive cable, however.

For a sub, get the HSU STF-2. It rocks. Literally. I have one, and it owns. Go to the HSU VTF-2 and look at all the amazing reviews it has. The STF-2(single tuning) sub is EXACTLY the same except it is just tuned to the lower extention mode from the VTF-2 (variable tuning) sub. That is what the reviewers tested on anyways, so it is the exact same performence unless you want an extra mode which you probably won't use.

For the DVD player, get this. It pretty much is the best bang for your buck you will ever get with a DVD player.

Just to add a counter point, Hsu is not the only manufacturer of good subs out there. Last night I heard the PB10 at Adam's house (thanks, dude!) and it was quite good. You can also go upmarket in either line, or have a look at Axiom's subs, especially the EP500 and 600. If you want to knock your house down...

Also, the Oppo does have the small failing in that it does not play SACDs, if that is important to you.

Thanks Tom. Years ago I used to gaze at the Straits of Johor. I'll let you do some geography search on where it is

I appreciate the information. Looks like most people would just get a spool and trim to fit, instead of getting monster cable and the sorts.

Thank you for the opportunity to learn

No need for monster cable or that ilk unless you are more interested in wasting your money than on sound.

I'll second Ken's recommendation of SVS products. I have a PB12-ISD and am very satisfied. The Hsu and Axiom subs are also excellent.

Regarding the Oppo, one other caveat I read is that ONLY the DVI output merits the stellar rating; if you must use component video output, its performance is ordinary. Denon players at all price points seem quite popular.

just an fyi, the HSU STF-2 is a great sub, but in my opinion it can't compare with the Axiom 500 or 600. I know a few people that started with the STF-2 then purchased a EP500 and ended up selling the STF-2.

For me it was important to match all of my speakers color of Mansfield Beech.

For the DVD player I would look at the Panny S97S over the Oppo, during my side by side comparisons it performed better matched with my Sanyo Z2.

Hey Straitsview, did you order from the Factory Outlet, to get the additional 10%?

The type of subwoofer depends how big your room is. There are certainly many fine choices out there.

"Denon players at all price points seem quite popular."

NOT IN MY HOUSE! I have a Denon carousel player with Farroudja, blah, blah, blah, that y'all can have real cheap.

To the original poster, any of those subs will likely be awesome. Price and looks would be the biggest factors to me. The HSU STF is also made in China (as opposed to here in the free world), if that matters to you.

Thanks for the link on the DVD player. I wonder what kind of warranty comes with an Oppo?