Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Epic Grand Master vs. Epic 60

Hi, First time here, doing lots of HT research intending to put it all together soon. Narrowed down to Epic Grand Master and Epic 60 for SS package. (Still looking at Hometheaterdirect III's as well). Found LOTS of reviews on Epic Grand but not so many on Epic 60. Anyone have any first hand opinions as to wether the 30% price difference is worth it? Looking forward to your opinions.

Also comparing Yamaha RX 2400 to Onkyo SR 701, any thoughts there? Anyone have one or other that could comment?

Thanks a ton!

the differences between the systems are the subs and mains. What size room are you trying to fill. Either system will sound awsome, but it would be helpful to know what the purpose of this system is, and how loud you plan on listening to it

Room is 15 x 18 and carpeted, unfortunately partially open loft style (1/2 of one wall is open to downstairs). Plan is 70% home theater (Medium - High volume) and 30% music (Light - Medium Volume).... I think :-)

I really want awesome surround sound effects, the kind that will really raise eyebrows.

Thanks...

Also, someone posted a link to a recent online review of the Epic 60 system. Might want to do a search here.

well the surround sounds-the Qs8's are famous, and they are on both systems.
The mains-m22 and m60 sound identical in terms of tonality and precision, but they differ in power and loudness.
It really boils down to if you want the better system and want to spend the money. In my opinion the upgrade is worth it in terms of cost. If you have the money go for it.

Keep in mind though you wont be unsatisfied with the smaller system. It will still be awsome and be able to get very loud. But for earth shaking bass and power the more expensive system is the way to go.

If you want to know what the difference will sound like(this is what was suggested to me)-go to a sound store and ask to demo 2 systems-same center and surrounds, with different mains and subs(keep the price differences similiar)

but remember your axioms will sound 2wice as good when listening:)

I appreciate your post. I would certainly upgrade to the EP 350 even with the Grand system, figuring in the upgrade subwoofer cost and the cost of stands for the m22's it kind of narrows the gap between the Grand and the Epic 60 to about $300-350 for the m60's rather than the m22's.

Any ideas on the Yamaha 2400, I have since decided againsts the Onkyo sr 701, still looking at the Yamaha 2400. Anyone have this receiver and like it. Looking at the Denon and Harmon Kardon selections now too. Anyone with a great reciever out there for the Grand or Epic 60 system that would like to share your experience? Looking for something to put 100W per channel on a 5.1 system but be upgradable to at least 6.1 down the road.

Thanks

I am going to give props to my Onkyo TX-SR800. It's THX certified, and since Onkyo has released a newer model, it can be had for about $750. It has a full set of 7.1 inputs and pre-outs. I never hear Onkyo get much love here, but I really like my receiver.

Mark

What do you have your Onkyo 800 hooked up to for speakers? How is the setup? How long have you had it?

Thanks in advance....

In reply to:

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What do you have your Onkyo 800 hooked up to for speakers? How is the setup? How long have you had it?

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I have M60's x 2 for mains, a VP100 center, QS4's x 2 for surrounds, a pair of old JBL Pro III's for surround rears (soon to be replaced by M2's), and a Hsu VTF-2.

I've had the Onkyo for about a year. One thing I like about it is the 7.1 inputs. The way my room is, my surrounds need to be a bit forward of the listening position (not a problem with the QS4), but that is not a good setup for DVD-A or SACD. My JBL's are slightly behind the listening position, which is where they're supposed to be for 5.1 music playback. Having 7.1 inputs means that I can put the surround channels from my DVD-A/SACD into my rear speakers. Many amps have only 6.1 inputs, leaving only 1 input for both rear channels.

There's a pretty good review of the unit here which explains why any THX certified receiver (which the TX-SR800 is) is essentially a THX Ultra preamp/processor...

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_2/onkyo-tx-sr800-receiver-4-2003.html

I have to say I'm pretty happy with the setup. My upgradeitis is pretty well in remission, though I do have my eye on Outlaw's 200 W x 7 power amp.

Mark

Instead of the EPIC 60, I suggest you get the M60's, QS8's, upgrade to the VP-150 and get an Hsu VTF-2 sub ($500). You'll save money and be happier with the improvment in the center channel and the sub.

I agree with Audiobob on the speaker setup. As for a receiver personally I would go with a Yamaha 1st, Denon 2nd, and anything else last. Check out any review where a Yamaha is put up against other receivers, and you'll see the Yammies always come out on top.

I'll put a third vote on the M60's, QS-8's, and the VP-150 that Audiobob suggested. That would be a great HT with great SS. Definitly get the QS-8, then later plan on getting the 7.1 setup as well for the real wow that you want. I would take a serious look at HSU and SVS subs as well.


Rick

Oh yes, as far as the receiver, I had an Onkyo NR-900 about a year ago and wasn't happy with it. It had great options, and was THX, but I didn't like the sound. I now have Rotel equipment and love it. I hear great things about Yamaha.

Rick

I certainly appreciate all your input. I have been unable to reply all day as I have been in the middle of setting up a new DSL ISP as my old one dropped its accounts in my region.

Anyway, I LOVE the Bob's idea of m60s and the VP150 in front with the QS8's in back and another sub. I really wanted the VP 150 anyway and may have had to upgrade to it with the Epic 60 anyway. A few questions now though...

1. Will Axiom give the 5% bundle discount if you don't get the sub from them?

2. I am obviously enchanted by the amazing popularity / reviews of the VTF-2 sub. However, I really had my heart set on a 12" woofer. I have very tall ceilings in my 18x15 room. The VTF-3 is a bit pricey, out of my range. However, I could possibly muster up for the STF-3 $599 esp with the free shipping on pre-orders they are offering now. Does anyone know anything about this model? How will it compare to the VTF-3 in quality? What do you think of this option?

3. I have taken all of your comments in addition to a great deal of research, and am really leaning toward the Yamaha 2400. I have found a fairly well reviewed .com offering it for $695 + $60 shipping, but it is NOT a certified dealer. I have found one certified dealer selling it for $899 + Free Shipping. Any thoughts? Also, the YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) seems just too good to be true. Any real life experience on this? I am going to go to the reviews mentioned earlier in this thread and see if there is anything there shortly.

That’s enough for now... thanks.

From what I have heard, you will still get the 5% bundle discount w/o the sub if you call and talk to a sales person.