Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Setting Up the System for the Average Joe

Also,

Go back into the setup menu ansd set your mode to "auto".

Yeah, what he said.

OK, I've had some time now to get intimate with my system, and I've found it's "sweet spots". I've got everything working (almost) and have figured out what sounds best for what. I have to say that I'm very pleased with it overall.

I am a little disappointed actually with the actual AXOIM speakers though. I don't mean to piss anyone off, and I know they host this site. But I spent about $1600 on speakers (which seemed like a LOT to me) and I guess I expected a lot more. The one's I got for the front (1 Pair Millennia M3ti Bookshelves in Black Oak finish for 300.00 USD) have barely a discernable difference from the old pair of JBL bookshelfs I've been using with a regular stereo for TV sound for about 10 years. I bought those for $49 each. Both of these (probably ALL bookshelfs) have no "ooomph" on the low end, and since about 75% of my DVD collection is Concert DVD's just having the Sub-W making the low bass noises just didn't fill the room like I wanted it to. So I ended up rewiring my old Yamaha regular stereo speakers (these are from my college days, over 20 years old!) into the B channel, and I set the Axiom bookshelfs right on top of those. That gives a hugely improved sound to music. Obviously, the speaking parts in video don't really need that type of support, but for the music DVD's and just playing CD's it made the difference of night and day. But I'm happy in all with the current configuration.

There is still one thing I haven't figured out. LittleB was right about those blue buttons controlling the sound type selection, and that was a major breakthrough for me, for which I am grateful. But I still haven't figured out how to change the audio source from the remote. IE: If I'm playing a CD (CD IN) and now I want to watch Television (TV/DBS IN) I still have to get up and walk to the Denon and rotate the big dial on the left until it points at the right input source. I have to believe there's a way to do that most fundamental of changes through the remote, and I'm sure I'll feel like an IDGIT when someone fills me in, but HOW DO YOU DO THAT???

Thanks everyone for your help!

Check out the circular shaped buttons labeled 1-9, 0, TV-VCR, and +10. You will notice that they are also labeled other things in yellow lettering.

I don't think you are going to find a bookshelf speaker that will give you the low end you are looking for. It's kind of difficult to do it all in such a small box. I find most old time speakers will give you muffled bass, but lack in clarity. When I upgraded from an old pair of technics floorstanders to the m22s I lost quite of bit of bass, but gained the detail and clarity I was looking for. Considering that, the loss of 'low end' didn't mean much.

YOU RAWWWK DUDE!!!

And I was right... I feel like an eeeediotttttt. :-/

Papajim-
Good to have you on board. First off, good to see that you set up your own system. When I was reading your request about paying someone I remember the day when I asked that same question. The great things about doing it yourself is, once you learn a little, you can tweek it and still be able to fix what you have played with. Also, should you move or something needs upgrading (don't fool yourself, you will upgrade) you will know how to do it.

50% of the time I still get turned around and a lot of the mumbo, jumbo talk on this (and other) sites is well over my head. Heck, I had to call Ray to have him walk me through, step by step, set up on my Denon 3803. So, take you time, I know it is hard when you throw down $1600 but in the end it will pay off.

Now, onto your M3ti fronts. I am sorry, I have not heard these speakers but please make sure that in your setup options on your Denon you have then set to "Small". I made this mistake once and I paid for it dearly as I really looked like an ass (no comments please all). Also, could you please let us know what the rest of your set up is, ie your rears and sub. Also, what size room do you have this set up in. It may be that you are asking a little too much out of the M3ti's

Anyway, if push comes to shove, I live in N. San Diego and would be willing (with a beer incentive) to drive up to help you out.

From my order:

1 VP150 Center in Black Oak finish
1 Pair Millennia M3ti Bookshelves in Black Oak finish
1 Pair QS4 Surrounds in Black Oak finish
1 Pair FMSQS Stands in Black finish
1 Single QS4 Surround Speaker in Black Oak finish
1 Single FMSQS Stand in Black finish

The setup is in my living room, about 25' x 20'.

Wow! That'sa big room for those lil speakers!

I had M3s in a 12x28 room with no problems, but a move to a 16.5x27 proved disasterous!

That's a M80 size room.

And just when I was starting to feel good about things!!!

So what you're saying is I really needed to spend $3,000. Based on what I read from you addicts, I think it's safe to say I WILL, eventually.