Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Close to buying - Rochester, NY Audition request

Hi folks, first time posting. What a terrific forum.

I have been lurking for quite a while and the exuberance of Axiom owners (and auditioning a fair number of other speakers) has got me right on the edge of buying the following for my 16x22 room (using a Denon AVR-1803):

M60 Fronts
VP100 Center (VP150 too large to fit into custom TV stand)
QS8 (w/full metal bracket mounts).

I liked the B&W 602 S3s, but my Axiom research has turned me around.

The only downside is that I have not heard the Axioms. I understand the 30 day return thing, but I would just as soon avoid the hassle.

Is there anyone in or near Rochester, NY who would like to provide a quick audition opportunity? I can come bearing wine or beer.

While it would be nice to hear the speakers I've chosen, any Axiom set up would be nice - I am more interested in the Axiom sound in general than the models specifically.

Ray

Hi Ray,

I can't help you with an audition since I'm near Seattle, but want to reassure you in other ways.

I have a Denon 1804, M60's and QS8's. I am absolutely delighted. I am currently using a Polk center, but when I replace it (which I feel no burning need to do at the moment), I will be getting the VP100 for the reason you describe.

You may not need the FMB; the QS8's come with a pretty nifty bracket that allows them to be flush-mounted on a wall. Unless you need to angle them, or are mounting them in a very creative way, the standard bracket works great.

Order the M60's. My bet is you keep them and live happily ever after.

I think there is (or at least used to be) a store in Syracuse that acutally had Axioms to audition. You'd have to ask Alan for details, but that wouldn't be a bad trip for you.

You made me nervous for a second. Based on my own experience I'm sure your making the right decision. I would also suggest that you won't even consider returning them once you hear them.

tomtuttle - Thanks for the encouragement! Buying w/o auditioning is an odd exercise. However, I did get my SVS PCi 20-39 last month in the same manner (user reports/reviews) and I have been happily surprised with the introduction to the LFE world.

Per your suggestion, I'll go with the standard QS8 brackets for now; quad pole design really precludes the need for twisting/tilting in my current room. Maybe a way to add some spacers to give me a little wiggle room for the wires. Also came across a picture showing some type of channel covering the wire on the wall.

Most importantly, the comment about the VP100 REALLY helps. My research says that the VP150 is special, but the VP100 is no slouch in it's own right. Discussing all of this with my wife tonight was very positive, but she was concerned about something that big hanging above the TV. I suppose I can live with the VP100 based on what I have read. Thanks again.

zarak - Thanks for the tip about Syracuse. Joe spent 40 minutes on the phone with me today. The customer sefvice rumors are understated. He actually sold me down a bit. When I call to order the speakers tomorrow (I am SO easy!), I'll ask him about Syracuse.

littleb - Your comments echo the overwhelmingly positive input I have found on these products. I spent months doing research and last March, I put my HT together (50" Sony GWII, Denon DVD-1600, AVR-1803, DVM-4800 and Sony HD200 Sat) based on the comments/reviews of users and their experience. I am extremely pleased with the results.

If I could just get to the VP150...

Anyhow, thanks to all of you - very helpful.

Ray

Hey Ray3;

I am from Toronto and I was close to where you were last Sunday. I was snowboarding at Bristol Mountain. Its only a 3.25 hours drive from Toronto. As I did a day trip there you should maybe try that out. There is a local shop that has most of the models. I would gladly provide you their info.
Too bad that ferry isnt in place yet. You could have taken a 1.5 hrs ferry from Rochester to Toronto.


Saturn

Hey Saturn, what shop in Toronto has them in store for a good listen?

http://canada411.yellowpages.ca/searchCustomer.do?type=MAP&what=number+1&listingId=15543266&step=more&srchtype=business&city=toronto

Ask for George. Before you do go down maybe arrange that he has the models you want to listen to.

Sure there's no way to sqeeze the VP150? I know what it's like to second guess stuff sometimes. Perhaps creative design or redesign would cover you on both accounts. Not that I think you'll be "disappointed" in the VP100 by any means. Good luck and be sure to let us know what you think!

-Nick

Saturn, thanks for the Toronto store/audition info I asked for last night. I thought more about it, and it turns out I won't need to make the all day round trip after all.

I JUST hung up from placing my order and the M60s, VP100 and QS8s, in Boston Cherry, will be here on Friday!!!

Believe me, I worked through the permutations to get myself to the VP150. It just isn't going to work. Several posts, including yours here, let me the know that the VP100 is a good choice as well. Given the center I am replacing, I'm pretty sure I will experience a noticeable improvement. Additionally, Joe (at Axiom) and I discussed 100 vs. 150 at length and his input was that the M60s would also help with the front soundstage, adding a bit of "phantom center" to the 100.

Friday should be a fun day.
Thanks for the input.