Hi everyone, I'm new here and need your advice on what speakers to get. I have a small condo, approx 800sq which has a combined living/dining room of about 17 x 20. At the 17x10 is the division between living and dining room. I would be using the speakers for about 75%/25% HT/Music.
I was leaning towards either the M50's or M22's. As well as the 350 sub and VP150 center. What are your recommendations? I would be sitting about 9ft from the TV. As well I'll be going for the factory seconds to save some cash.
thanks
For sitting at 9 feet and that size room, I would go with the following:
M22 mains (I would not go with M50s due to their lack of 5.25 woofers that give you more mid/high range clarity.)
If vertical centre channel placement is an option, I would go with a third M22 for your centre channel. Otherwise a vertical M2 or M3.
QS8s for surrounds (deeper response)
Instead of the EP350, you can get a better sub that has lower extention for HT use from HSU or SVS.
the HSU VTF-3 MK2 is on clearance right now from various dealers, I would check it out.
I really can't add much to what Robb(Hutzal) said except if you don't have the room nor want a vertical center the VP150 will work very nicely. I have the VP 100 in a similar setting and it works great for me.
I concur with everything said so far.
I had the M22's and absolutely loved them. I sold them because I got a great deal on a pair of M80's. I still miss them. They will sound nicer with a sub than the M50's, for the same reason written above.
I have a VP150 and am very happy with it. I have heard the VP100 as well, and it is also very good. The VP150 just has a bit more sound to it, but tonally they are equals (whereas the M22's to M50's are not).
Okay I guess I'll go with the M22's. Anyone know where I can find the "HSU VTF-3 MK2"? I'm located in Toronto,ON so I don't think shipping from the U.S. is an option considering the weight never mind the duties. Problem is I was thinking of getting the dark cherry, with the HSU I won't have matching speakers.
I'm not sure what do do about the centre channel at the moment. I will be getting my new tv, either a 46inch Sharp Aquos or 50 Pioneer 5070 in about a month. I still have to figure what what to do about the stand.
Thanks for the advice so far.
I think it is worth noting that Electonicsforless.ca is the official supplier of HSU products in Canada.
Wow, the HSU costs quite a bit more. Over $200 if I go with the factory outlet 350. $829 for the sub is a bit out of my reach. Looks like I'll be going with the 350.
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I think it is worth noting that Electonicsforless.ca is the official supplier of HSU products in Canada.
And there seems to be a little too much mark up in their price. I can almost have one shipped up here from the states for their sale price, because the US price from Hsu is quite a bit lower. Either Hsu is not giving them much of a deal or they are trying to cash in on the good Hsu name.
I currently own an Energy EPS-12 sub, you can see it here.
EPS-12 I'm wondering if I would benefit from getting a new sub? Should I just keep my existing sub?
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Wow, the HSU costs quite a bit more. Over $200 if I go with the factory outlet 350. $829 for the sub is a bit out of my reach. Looks like I'll be going with the 350.
I think you will find most that say the VTF3 from HSU is more comparable to the EP500. At least that is what Craigsub has on his ratings.
I would say if you were to go with the VTF2.2 you would probably get a better sub than the EP350 for less money. I just ordered the STF-3 which is less $$ than the EP350 from the outlet and apparantly much more sub than the 350.
HSU is apparantly not selling thru dealers any longer, so EFL is clearing out their inventory apparantly.
I don't see a vtf 2.2. I see a vtf 2.3 and a vtf 3.2...I assume you are referring to the 2.3.
Oops there it is, I didn't see it on the HSU site but see it on EFL site.
What about choosing between HSU STF-3 12-inch 300w Subwoofer and the 350? Would the HSU is be the better choice? These are roughly comparable in CDN dollars.
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What about choosing between HSU STF-3 12-inch 300w Subwoofer and the 350? Would the HSU is be the better choice? These are roughly comparable in CDN dollars.
I wanted to get a VTF2.2 or VTF2.3 for my space which is similar to yours, but open to the rest of the basement...so basically double your room size. HSU told me to go with VTF3.2 or STF-3 as they are more powerful to energize the entire space.
Alan from Axiom said the EP350 would work, but really preferred the EP500 for that size of room.
So basically I take that to mean the EP500 is similar to the STF-3 or VTF3.? (probably somewhat better than the 2 from HSU) in performance and the EP350 would not be comparable to the STF-3.
EP350 probably compares better to the STF-2 or VTF2.2. Anybody else think that is reasonable assessment?
Just curious would anyone go for the RS450 from AV123 over the m22's? Probably no different than the M50's in terms of how close I'm sitting to the tv and speakers - about 9ft - hence why the M22's. I have to say I definitely prefer the look of floor standing speakers over bookshelves. It's a ... classier look...
I think I'm driving myself nuts trying to decide! lol
In setting up my home theatre I have a slight problem with where to put the surrounds. The pic below is a rough sketch of my living room. The red dots are where I'm thinking of putting my rears, attached to the wall. Just wondering if this will be okay? I really don't like the idea of putting the rears on stand next to the couch as I find it intrudes on my living space.
Daniel, the QS series surrounds are very forgiving when it comes to placement. While not ideal, I think you'll find your proposed placement works just fine. Any difference in distance can be compensated for in the settings in your receiver/preamp.
Before I place my orders in the next one or two for the M22's just wondering if anyone is looking to sell their M60's? I might be interested although they would probably be overkill in my place but I just love the look of floor standing speakers. Just thought I'd through that out...
Unfortunately, topics about "for sale" or "wanted" items are not allowed on this forum, sorry.
Sorry, my apologies. I didn't realize that.
you should audition the dail IKON-6 or 7s blow the m60 away
Daniel, I'd actually recommend auditioning several speakers, including Axioms. Be warned, this can get tiring... If you haven't listened to the M22s yet, you really should. They're impressive little speakers.
84eulbdk, that's certainly an interesting way to introduce yourself on the manufacturer's website--especially just after posting that you would be willing to host auditions (presumably for Axiom's product.)
Just more mindless dribble from someone talking out of their ass.
This gragh is of the Dali Ikon 6
This graph is from the M60.
I'll let each person make up their own mind which looks better to them.
I'll bite, would the dial's give the impression of more bass due to the drop in the midrange, much like the M3 vs. M22 debate about bass, thus giving it a more laid back sound ala M3?
I'm just wondering if it's worth ordering the M22's in a custom wood? It does add quite a bit to the price though. I kinda like the Walnut wood veneer with a nice stain. Real wood real nice
Daniel, you were considering going with a lesser sub to save money, and now you are talking about spending MORE money for a wood finish? I think you need to take into consideration your budget and best bang for the buck...
The Axiom vinyl finish is very nice, and with the hefty weight of the speakers, you'd swear it was real wood.
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Daniel, you were considering going with a lesser sub to save money, and now you are talking about spending MORE money for a wood finish? I think you need to take into consideration your budget and best bang for the buck...
The Axiom vinyl finish is very nice, and with the hefty weight of the speakers, you'd swear it was real wood.
I concur. I love the Boston Cherry finish, it really suprised me.
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Daniel, you were considering going with a lesser sub to save money, and now you are talking about spending MORE money for a wood finish? I think you need to take into consideration your budget and best bang for the buck...
The Axiom vinyl finish is very nice, and with the hefty weight of the speakers, you'd swear it was real wood.
I concur. I love the Boston Cherry finish, it really suprised me.
Well I am trying to take everything into consideration. I have a number of possible options. At first I was going to get rid of my current speaker set Polk satellites and an Energy sub by selling them. But now I figure I could keep some of my existing speakers and slowly swap them out. I know I'm all over the place lol..I feel like a kid in a candy shop. If I buy something I like to make sure that it is exactly what I want so I'm happy with the result. While I do like the Boston Cherry I am getting some Laminate wood floors put in within the month. A walnut colour that I think would really go well with the Walnut stain on the M22's. But that's $200 more. I'm not sure it's worth it. But then again having a small condo, 800sq ft, having items like speakers melt into the room rather than standing out makes for a cleaner less cluttered look. In the end I'm just throwing everything out looking for feedback and will eventually come to a wise decision (I hope).
Daniel, Imo get what you like and can afford now, if that means getting real wood and waiting for a sub thats the way I would do it. No sense in looking back and wishing you had gone another route. Good luck with your choices.
Well said Micheal. I agree Daniel, its your room, money and speakers- get what matters most to you.
Best wishes.
FYI, most real wood finish speakers are made of the exact same stuff as vinyl finish speakers except for the outermost fraction of an inch. They both have MDF with a veneer of finish material.
Indeed, but the point is decor, not sound.
I personally really like the look of real wood. If Axiom had been offering real wood finishes when I bought my setup, I would have gone that route myself.
It would be nice if were possible to get the two mains and centre in a wood finish and the rears in a matching vinyl finish. It doesn't appear that you can. No one would really pay that much attention to the rears but the fronts you really would notice and touch.
I myself went for the higher contrast(light maple black grill) look to make them stand out and people do notice and comment how good they look.
You know, I just realized how addictive this site is. I haven't even gotten my first pair of speakers and I'm already wishing I could upgrade to the M80's lol. Gee I've come down with a case of upgradeItis...Very wise of Axiom to have this forum ;-).
In all honesty though, I keep coming back to whether or not go for the M50's or M22's. I really like the floorstanding speakers and the price I could probably reach. I know everyone here recommended the M22's but if I have a good sub such as the 500 paired with the M50's or with the M22's would I in all honesty hear the difference in my living room? While watching a movie I would be sitting 9ft away, when listening to music in all honesty I'm usually walking around the home, not necessarily sitting on the couch.
If I audition the speakers for a week or two how does that work? I'm assuming you pay the full price and if returned you just get refunded correct? You just pay the shipping fees to return I'm assuming.
Well this is my last post before I make my final decision. I have to say everyone so far has been great and very helpful.
I totally agree ( -- I wrote titally, first, and thought it was funny -- ). My post was in response to the comment about the hefty weight of the speakers being somehow related to a real wood finish.
Take your time and get what you want the first time. I'm sure someone has already said that you can bypass the centre for now and run it as phantom...
If you want to see and hear some M60's, VP150, QS8's in Boston Cherry I'm 35 minutes away in Burlington.
Let me know.
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In all honesty though, I keep coming back to whether or not go for the M50's or M22's. I really like the floorstanding speakers and the price I could probably reach. I know everyone here recommended the M22's but if I have a good sub such as the 500 paired with the M50's or with the M22's would I in all honesty hear the difference in my living room? While watching a movie I would be sitting 9ft away, when listening to music in all honesty I'm usually walking around the home, not necessarily sitting on the couch.
If I audition the speakers for a week or two how does that work? I'm assuming you pay the full price and if returned you just get refunded correct? You just pay the shipping fees to return I'm assuming.
With 50's you lose a little bit of midrange clarity compared to the M22's if I read the reviews right, adding a sub to the 50's would just deepen a fairly deep sounding speaker more, with the 22's it fills in the lack of deep bass needed to give the fuller range a 3 way speaker gives(M60)
You read the return policy correctly.
GET both and return the ones that don't give you the sound you want! 
Good luck, and enjoy the M80's 
Not sure if you caught this thread but here you go ala Kcarlile.
M50 vs M22
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Not sure if you caught this thread but here you go ala Kcarlile.
M50 vs M22
Just read that last night. From the sounds of it there really wasn't that much of a diff.
yeh you pay the return
and if you can spare the money I would do as suggested and order both that you are interested in that way you can hear the difference between the two and not always worry if the other pair would of sounded better. Hell , take up daniels offer and order the mt22 and go over to his place then you will see you can always return the 22 and order the 50's if they are beeter sounding.
Okay I'm ordering my speakers tomorrow. I'm really torn between the m22's and m50 but I think I am going to go with the m50 because I like the look of floor standing speakers. I'm also going with the 150 centre, and the HST STF 3-12 sub. I'm going to leave the rears for now even though the price is rising. I just want to ask one last question before I click the buy button. At 9ft away from the m50 speakers will that be ample room enough for them to spread their wings?
9 feet should be just fine. Ideally if you are sitting 9 feet away from the speaker front line, the M50s should be about 9 or 10 feet apart. Have fun with the new speakers.
That's all I wanted to hear woohooo...lol
actually now that I think about it 9-10ft apart might be stretching my space. I was thinking they would be about 7-8ft apart. Crap! Now I think I'm back at the M22's. Would 7-8ft apart still work okay for the 50's? How much room to I have to play with?
You will be fine with the M50s 7 to 8 feet apart.
You'll be fine, mine are around 8' apart and I sit 14' back. I think it sounds great and the guys who've come over (friends and auditions) were all impressed with the seperation for home theater and imaging for stereo.
Yes! I took the plunge! I made my purchase today. Pair of M50's in Boston Cherry and the 150 Centre. Getting my HSU sub too. I'm going to hold off on the surrounds for a few months. I kinda was hoping for the HG Cherry but decided to save a few bucks. I get my 42 inch Sharp Aquos today too. It's going to be a pain taking everying part,moving it all around. I wonder how long it will be before I talk myself into buying a new receiver...
Didn't Axiom just extend the free HG Cherry upgrade for another month?
Is the high gloss cherry much nicer than the Boston Cherry? If it is I will call back right now and change the order.
There are pictures floating around somewhere. If you can keep them clean, then yes, the high-gloss are much nicer. However, getting the speakers will likely take much longer.
Well I just changed my order to HG Cherry. I was told they would be shipping in about 4 weeks time. I find the pics of the hg cherry don't really show up well in pics. YOu can't really see the gloss. But everyone seems to be raving about them so I am going on faith...
Daniel, have you seen these pics of
Jason B's HG Cherry speakers?
There are links to more pics in the first post in
this thread.
I didn't see those pics. You can definitely see the gloss on them. I definitely made the right decision.
Thanks!
Boy them things are beautiful, I wish they were around back when I bought mine.