Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s

I understand the qs8s are quite highly regarded, however, after auditioning the m80s the obvious occurred to me: how would a 5.1 system with 4 m80s (2 m80 fronts and 2 m80 surrounds) stack up against a 7.1 system with 2 m80s and 4 qs8s (negligible difference in price between the 2 systems). For SACD or DVD-A playback, or HT (most important).

I'm overthinking this, I know, but would appreciate any feedback from anyone who may have tried this or have relevant knowledge.

thanks,
SK

IMO, not much comparison for music, the 4 M80s are the way to go. I think it is mostly a personal preference as to which way to go for HT. I think the QS's enveloping sound is better, at least for side surrounds. I would still try to run M80s as the dual rear center channels, especially in large rooms.

SK, I found this article helpful in resolving what to buy initially (QS8s) though I haven’t completely given up the M80 surround idea.

http://www.soundstage.com/surrounded/surrounded200307.htm

Jason, do you have M80 surrounds or have heard home systems with towers all around. At first I thought this would be the way to go but the more multi-channel audio I get the more I find that most of the information coming out of the surround channels seems to be ambient sound. Only exceptions I have right now are a Dark Side of the Moon SACD and Quaudiophiliac. Also do you have any suggestions on good multi-channel recordings with more than ambient sounds coming from the surrounds?

Dean

My feeling is that M80s as surrounds would be overkill for most processor modes and listening situations. There just isn't enough full-range sound that is sent through those speakers to take advantage of what they're capable of.

The exception would be if you primarily listen to 2-channel music in 7-channel stereo mode (which I do from time to time). In this mode, all speakers get a full-range L or R (or L+R mix) signal pumped through them. In this case, surrounding yourself with M80s would be nothing short of awesome.

For most home theater listening situations though, I would prefer the QS8s because of the enveloping surround they provide. I'm not sure you'd get the same feeling from the 80s alone.

Although not M80's, for quite a while I did use towers all around when I upgraded to my M80's (fronts)from Paradigm Monitor 9's. I had my Paradigm Monitor 9's for sides and rears and I VERY much prefer Qs8's in place of the towers as they give a much more enveloping sound for movies. For music it was a treat but overkill in my 20 x 24 foot room.

Cam

I did try the M60s as surrounds with the M80s when I had them all together and I did find them to be superior with music, but I also had a weak sub at the time so that might have colored the outcome a little. I only have concert DVDs for use as I have never bought SACDs nor DVD-A discs.

I use 4 M80's in my set-up and don't feel the need to change anything. The sound is awesome.
Mel N.

Qs8's do great for music as well, in my opinion. You could get 2 Qs8's for the side surrounds, and bookshelfs for the rears for multi music.

Just so there's no ambiguities, I have no complaints with the Qs8's and music here. I will say that I find them more aesthetically appealing than towers (looks and size), for surrounds. That being said I am envious of your setup Onn.

Braggart.