Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners First new system, going Axiom

Hello, new audio person here!

I plan on pulling the trigger on a new 5.0 system within the next week or so, and after research and consideration I've decided to go with Axiom. This will be my first sound system. I have had my Pioneer Kuro 6010FD (8th Gen) for about 1.5 years now and have used only the TV speaker since it was delivered. (Yes, I realize I've created a huge AV sin using such a great TV with no real speakers, but would like to repent now )

I will use this for music (mostly trance/dance and a bit of classical at times,) video games, movies and TV. More of music, games and movies than TV...probably 40%/20%/30%/10%, respectfully.

My receiver will be the Pioneer VSX-919AH-K that has everything I need, with 7.1 capability for when I can move to a bigger place and add additional speakers. My input devices include a PS3, HD Satellite box, and my PC via DVI-HDMI connection. All connections will use HDMI.

Axiom Plan:

2 M60s
1 VP150 Center
2 QS8 Surrounds
No sub
(All in Cherry Chestnut wood semi gloss VaSSallo series...will look great in apartment I think) -- No bearing on sound I realize

My room is as follows: 15' L 14' W 8' H

I should be able to place surrounds and fronts in or almost in the Dolby recommended placement spots, with about 8-10ft of viewing distance from sofa to TV.

A rather crude drawing is made there of the layout, with the sofa across from TV on opposite end, with surrounds, fronts and center speaker. The kitchen bar is completely open space, so the size of the sound area is actually quite a bit lager than the front room dimensions I guess. I don't think I can get away with a sub, making this a 5.1. I live in an apartment with relatively thin walls, and have had my upstairs neighbor (granted an old hag that would complain about every little bump) would complain about my bass from my PC Altec Lansing sub with my 2.1 speakers. I think the M60s should do just fine with bass I need.




I realize that I could perhaps go with bookshelf fronts and the smaller VP100 center and possibly the QS4 surrounds given my room size, but I would like to go all out with probably more power than needed, rather than not have enough (times of the day I'm the only one in the building and will set them to full power!) I also may be in a bigger place one day.

As for speaker wiring, I plan on getting the surrounds wire to the front by pushing it along the edge of the right wall next to carpet...this should not be much of a problem I think, at least I hope not. I'll of course use good quality Monster cables for the best possible quality...(joking, I'll get them from Monoprice hehe...) I think 50 feet of 16 gauge or 14 gauge should do it, not sure which though. The wire on Axiom's site is extremely expensive compared to others.

I think that just about covers everything that I can think of. Please give any suggestions or comments that you may have, as I'd greatly appreciate them. Thanks!

The bass in the M60's will likely upset your neighbor as well. Perhaps invite her over to watch "Gone With the Wind" and she will be your friend.

Check this out: http://www.wiremold.com/diy/products/cordmate_2.asp Makes running wires along the wall a bit neater. You can buy them at Home Depot.

wow, that stuff looks extremely simple and easy to install...that beats the thought of jamming two surround speaker wires together in the corners...thanks!

Welcome to the forum Crimsonwrath.

You picked out an excellent system. Its a shame you can't use a sub in your apartment but the M60's should put out adequate bass when running full range.

I would also recommend you pick up more than 50 feet of speaker wire, I don't think that will be enough since the wire has to be run up the walls for the surrounds and you also want a little slack so you do not stress any of the connections. Monoprice wire is so cheap anyways mine as well keep a little extra to have on hand say 80-100 ft.

Cheers!

Definitely get a 100 foot spool of 14 gauge wire.

I think the M60's are wonderful, and I'm sure you will enjoy them and the VaSSallo finish.

Since you are using the system half the time for games and movies, a sub would be a meaningful addition. I don't think that a sub is going to be any more annoying to your neighbors than the M60's; it all depends on volume.

Enjoy your journey!

hmmm...interesting. I have to confess I will be making this big investment without ever actually hearing these speakers first, which I realize may be a mistake. Axiom's 30 day policy is one of the reasons I chose them though, among the many other reasons. Really all I'm used to hearing are TV speakers and cheap PC speakers and a few HTIBs, so I have little knowledge of how much a sub can produce compared to certain fronts. I think I may start with the 5.0, then if I get no complaints for a couple weeks, I'll just add the sub then and THEN wait for the complaints hehe. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum. I think that you have made some great choices for your current living arrangement. I am sure that you will be glad that you chose the real wood finish as well. Send some pictures when you get them set up.

I think it could be said that, technically we never get to hear any speaker until they're in the main listening environment i.e. your own home.

Maybe others can comment on this, but listening to speakers in a store vs. not hearing them until you receive them, is somewhat comparable because our environment plays a huge impact on how speakers sound.

Any validity to this, guys?

You are totally correct Cam, the room can have a big impact and the only way one can know how the system would sound is to listen to it in your own home. IMO the things that REALLY matter when it comes to great sound or will impact sound quality is the speakers, the room acoustics and the quality of the recording you are feeding the speakers.

Agree completely, Cam. It is my contention that, next to the speakers, themselves, the room - its size, shape, furnishings and surfaces - will have the greatest effect on how an audio system will sound. Listening in a store has some value. It will give you a good idea of what the speakers sound like. But, place them in your own room and you may be in for a noticeable difference.