Subwoofer time is fast approaching - Axiom Message Boards

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Within 2 weeks I'll have the money I need to buy an EP600. I'd kind of like to stick with Axiom in order to match, plus I like supporting them. I also like how big it is, which I'm sure would make me laugh whenever I see it.

However, I'm also tempted by the HSU Research VTF-3 HO w/ Turbocharger. It's a lot less money (still $700 less after shipping), and people seem to really like it. Some people also say HSU makes a more musical sub than Axiom. The downside is it won't match in color, and besides that, it's ugly. Also, it never seems to be in stock. I don't like ordering something and being put on a list. I'd rather order and know it's going to be shipping within the next 24-48 hours. I haven't been patient enough for the factory outlet, so I know I wouldn't like waiting on a backordered sub.

So it looks like it's going to be the EP600 for me. I suppose what I'm really wanting as far as replies is something like, "Yes, CV, you're doing the right thing. Don't wonder about the VTF-3 HO. The EP600 will make your house fall on top of you... musically."

I mean, I definitely don't have to be thinking of a JL Audio Fathom, right? Ha ha.

The EP600 should be more than enough. I've never had a really good subwoofer, so I'm sure this will be an intense enough experience for me. I figured I should simply get one last run of opinions before the money's in my hands and then immediately redirected.

Also, vertical or horizontal? I've always figured I'd get vertical, but I WILL have space below my TV when I move it all to the basement. I suppose I'm just concerned about placement not being ideal there. If I find it works better in another location, I think I'd want it standing up. Does this sound smart?

Anyway, thanks for any input you may have. I'm getting fairly excited.

Do you have a skid loader or something to move the 600 around?

I'm telling you it is a beast to move, especially in the box in comes in, hope you have help. I'm no small guy and it gave me a good work out moving it from upstairs to the basement.

The benefit of vertical is more placement options as it takes up less of a footprint on your floor and can be moved in various locations. Horizontal may give you less options for placement. I placed mine right below my screen which worked great, I suppose I could set it up someday but the Axiom logo and rubber feet might look funny.

Yes, CV, you're doing the right thing... Get the EP600 and God will bless you with unimaginable aural pleasures.

That sounds better when you read it out loud.

Ha ha, God is good.

Well I will throw this out there for talk, and since I will be upgrading subs one day too.

What about the new SVS PB ultra13 that is in pre order stage right now for less $. It has a 13" woofer and a 750w amp. All forward firing like the ep600...

I have dual SVS CS+ and will want dual subs again.....just cuz

Were they the ones with the questionable marketing practices, or was that someone else?

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So it looks like it's going to be the EP600 for me. I suppose what I'm really wanting as far as replies is something like, "Yes, CV, you're doing the right thing. Don't wonder about the VTF-3 HO. The EP600 will make your house fall on top of you... musically."

The EP600 should be more than enough. I've never had a really good subwoofer, so I'm sure this will be an intense enough experience for me. I figured I should simply get one last run of opinions before the money's in my hands and then immediately redirected.

"Yes, CV, you're doing the right thing. The EP600 will make your house fall on top of you... musically"!!!

If the EP600 did everything my EP500 does (actually, a lot more!), then You Will Love It, vertical or horozontial! My EP500 has no trouble filling my 7300cf (total space) with rock solid, tactile\viseral punch, well extended and articulate bass that is always very musical!! FYI, if you check "craigsub's " Subwoofer ranking system on AVS [ http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768150 ], he has told me (PM) the EP600 would easily earn a "93" score from what he has heard (not been able to do an extended review)!! I agree that the EP600 is far more attractive than the VTF-3 HO + turbo, easier to place, and will match your current Axiom HT Audio!!

Go for it CV, you certainly won't regret it!!

Ted

Charles:
I've never heard any of the subs being discussed, so can only speak in more general terms:

I've found I never regret overbuying, but rather always take "pride of ownership" in that item. Underbuying, on the other hand, usually leads to "what ifs" and lack of enthusiasm.

It's a perfectly valid reason to get the Axiom just because it's better looking; that it's an outstanding sub by all indications just cements it in my opinion.

Good points. I like your view of overbuying.

And Ted, thanks for your enthusiasm. Now I just regret that it's 9 more days until I can order.

Yes, I think you are referring to the SVS debacle that happened a few months back. I believe it boiled down to SVS having paid a few employees (or evangelists, I can't remember) to fluff up their ratings on several discussion boards. It was a dumb move, to say the least.

Unless you're really holding a grudge against them for it (whic is understandable, online companies live and die by their reputation), don't dismiss their subs. Granted, the EP500/EP600 are monster subs, that will give you years and years of heart palpitations. But HSU and SVS offerings aren't slouches either. The VTF-3HO, while looking like a prop from a 50's scifi movie, has a lot of glowing praise to be found. The new SVS PB13, and redesigned PCi-Ultra look like a beastly subs. Both are several hundred bucks cheaper than the EP600, and may or may not offer similar performance, as they've not been released yet. They PB13 offers 'room compensation' as well, which could be an interesting trick.

I still simply love my PCi+ 20-39. Very musical, very even and smooth bass response, but is able to slam hard enough to feel it in your chest, scare the cat, and make the neighbors complain.

You can not imagine the impact that a good sub makes. I debated for a couple of years over dumping my aging Kenwood craptastic sub. When I finally bit the bullet and ordered a 'real' sub, the difference was astounding. No matter which company you choose, welcome to the club.

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Were they the ones with the questionable marketing practices, or was that someone else?

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Yes, I think you are referring to the SVS debacle that happened a few months back. I believe it boiled down to SVS having paid a few employees (or evangelists, I can't remember) to fluff up their ratings on several discussion boards. It was a dumb move, to say the least.

Unless you're really holding a grudge against them for it (whic is understandable, online companies live and die by their reputation), don't dismiss their subs. Granted, the EP500/EP600 are monster subs, that will give you years and years of heart palpitations. But HSU and SVS offerings aren't slouches either. The VTF-3HO, while looking like a prop from a 50's scifi movie, has a lot of glowing praise to be found. The new SVS PB13, and redesigned PCi-Ultra look like a beastly subs. Both are several hundred bucks cheaper than the EP600, and may or may not offer similar performance, as they've not been released yet. They PB13 offers 'room compensation' as well, which could be an interesting trick.

I still simply love my PCi+ 20-39. Very musical, very even and smooth bass response, but is able to slam hard enough to feel it in your chest, scare the cat, and make the neighbors complain.

You can not imagine the impact that a good sub makes. I debated for a couple of years over dumping my aging Kenwood craptastic sub. When I finally bit the bullet and ordered a 'real' sub, the difference was astounding. No matter which company you choose, welcome to the club.

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Were they the ones with the questionable marketing practices, or was that someone else?

I had no idea that went on with SVS...damn thats dumb lol. I dont like the fact they did that but I wouldnt NOT buy there sub becasue of it...if it was the one I wanted.

Thats why I am waiting to look at subs till the new ultras are out. The ep600 would have a harder time getting waf but not impossible I think. I will probably end up with one or the other. The SVS sounds nice on paper...

I have dual 20-39cs+ on a samson 1000 amp...corner loaded...and I like bass heavy rap and just bass music. Lets just say I have broke a few things in the house lol

You've made a fine choice with the EP600. I used to have a SVS Ultra and it was no contest in overall quality so I sold it last year, though in fairness to SVS it does cost less than the EP600. The better comparison is with the EP500 price wise and again the SVS sub did not compare well as borne out by listening tests. Craig was being very charitable in his SVS ranking in light of how the unanimous consensus at his place which Jack and I attended in late 2005 was the EP500 was the better sub.

The problem with nearly all the SVS subs is the characteristic mid-bass hump in frequency response which is a result of overrreaching with deep extension. The Axioms are just better sounding subs and with more overall output. The new Ultra design is supposed correct those shortcomings and be more linear. A more powerful amp will be a big improvement over the underpowered plate amps they typically use. It will be interesting to see how it performs when its released this fall.

The only real serious contender to the Axiom EP subs if you are looking for a vented HT sub is the HSU VTF-3 HO. Hsu has designed an excellent sub with loads of articulate output, that extends deeper than the EP subs though again is not as linear as Axiom's DSP subs but much better than the SVS subs.

On the question of ethical lapses, it has been discussed at length and we each make our own decisions. Personally, I regard SVS guerrilla marketing as indicative of a mindset that I don't care to associate with so I won't be buying any more of their products.

I've got a PB13 on preorder. Looks to be a very nice sub. If I decide to cancel I'll go with the EP500 and order a second one later.

Bill3508

Thank you for the thoughtful responses, everyone. It sounds like the EP600 will do what I want it to, and I get to support Axiom again, which I like. The other possibilities are tempting, but I think in this case I'll find it's worth the money to stick with Axiom. Hopefully in three weeks I'll have an OMG post to share with all of you.

Okay, so I ordered the EP600 today. It shipped, too. Now it's a whole lot of waiting and being unable to sleep.

You picked a good one! Enjoy it. By the way, you might want to start exercising now so you can move that big boy around when the time comes.

Ha ha, yeah. It reminds me of when I got my 32" Sony CRT HDTV. It was somewhere between 150-200 lbs, but I was too impatient to wait for a friend to come help me move it onto my then-new entertainment stand. It just about killed me, but I picked up half of it and placed it on a chair, then lifted it the rest of the way with the chair's assistance. I really didn't know if I was going to make it, but yeah, screw waiting for friends.

Earlier this week, my co-worker told me a similar story. He was moving out and the last thing left was his 36" CRT tv. All his friends took off and he decided to lift the tv by himself and carry it down one flight of stairs. He did. Got himself a hernia, too.

Ouch. I can't imagine actually carrying even my 32" (well, now my sister's 32") anywhere, let alone down some stairs. I hope to never experience the hernia, but I probably will. It just seems like my future.

Okay, I just had the worst dream. I dreamed I got the EP600, and I couldn't coax good performance out of it.

Eeww, just what exactly were you coaxing it with?

Ummm... that part of my dream is a high-walled private garden.

my only complaint with my EP500 sub is the lack of a highpassed crossover output (or at least left and right inputs). I wanted to pair this sub with my 2 channel setup, and I was forced to use a receiver as my pre-amp just to accomodate the EP500 in my music setup.

but for movies, it's very very good, it goes low and loud! (f3 of 18hz in my 2600 cu.ft. room), this was my second subwoofer, and I can tell you that the extra 5hz extension this sub gave me started to rattle lights in the ceiling.

for reference, I have a Velodyne DLS-5000R, Velodyne DD18 and four SVS PB13 ultras on order

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for reference, I have a Velodyne DLS-5000R, Velodyne DD18 and four SVS PB13 ultras on order

Holy Moley!

Wow! I'm looking forward to your review contrasting all of these subs.

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Wow! I'm looking forward to your review contrasting all of these subs.

Ohh man me too! Four PB13's...why so many?? You going to a/b them all?

no, its two for each dedicated theater (both are under works)

I'd like to A/B them myself though, if only I can move the subwoofers myself

haha, I once lifted the EP500 into another room, MYSELF!
the weight was less of a problem than the bulkiness of the sub.

settle for a pic instead?

I believe they call that addiction.

Man, it's been one business day and it's still not here!

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no, its two for each dedicated theater (both are under works)

I'd like to A/B them myself though, if only I can move the subwoofers myself

haha, I once lifted the EP500 into another room, MYSELF!
the weight was less of a problem than the bulkiness of the sub.

settle for a pic instead?

Wow, Charles!! WHERE are you going to put that EP600???

Ted

IIRC CV, axiom shipped/delivered within a few days from my order.
granted, my shipping address was in Canada.

I actually had really good luck on my first order from Axiom (M80s). It only took two business days. The second time I ordered, it took three business days. The third time I ordered, it took four business days. I'm just hoping it doesn't keep increasing.

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I actually had really good luck on my first order from Axiom (M80s). It only took two business days. The second time I ordered, it took three business days. The third time I ordered, it took four business days. I'm just hoping it doesn't keep increasing.

It's just continental drift. Soon, Canada will be far, far away.

Oh, man, it's still not here. It had better come tomorrow. I don't think I can survive the weekend without it.

Stop being such a drama queen. You'll make it. I promise.

Unless you get killed by a meteorite smashing through the front window you have your face pressed against while you are waiting for the sub to arrive. That would be tragic. And not the least bit ironic.

I bet what will happen is that the meteorite will be late, and right as I'm about to try my first movie or piece of music, it will come screaming through the roof and thunksplode on my EP600. Then scientists will pay me for the meteorite fragments, giving me enough to buy four EP600s. I'll feel all cool until later they discover a new element among the fragments. They'll become billionaires as the rest of the scientific community pays out its hot pockets to get time with the pieces. I'll try not to let it get to me, and the four EP600s will help, only their help will be short-lived, as more meteorites will descend and carve a crooked smile into the landscape that used to bear my residence. Then Axiom Audio will go out of business.

Okay, I went too far.

Okay, so guess what I got today. Now I have to go back to playing with it.

Congrats, Charles. You know we expect pics now, don't you?

Ummm, I think I'll have to wait until the weekend on pictures. I need to clean up and what not.

Slob.

Errrr, I like to think of it as needlessly self-conscious.

Well, that was short-lived. I enjoyed the subwoofer yesterday, but today I turned on my system and got nothing from the subwoofer. I went through the troubleshooting on the website with no luck, so I waited until my dad was here, as he actually knows something about electrical. He couldn't figure anything out, either, so he was nice enough to call Axiom for me. After some time talking to a representative, it looks like I'm going to be waiting for a new amplifier. I'm thankful for the quick and painless resolution, but on the other hand, I was really looking forward to playing with it again today.

So... this is even more of a rain check on the pictures.

My dad always told me if I played with it too much it would stop working.

I thought my big one could handle it!

That is so disappointing to hear. At least with Axiom you know that you'll be taken care of.

Believe me, I'm very thankful for the customer service aspect of Axiom Audio after my encounters with Sony and Microsoft.

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So... this is even more of a rain check on the pictures.

If you take pictures of the one you have, we won't be able to tell whether it was actually playing at the time. As a matter of fact, put a bug-eyed cat in the photo and we'll all assume it was cranking....

That's dishonest! I don't know if I'm presidential enough to pull it off.

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Believe me, I'm very thankful for the customer service aspect of Axiom Audio after my encounters with Sony and Microsoft.

Sony and Microsoft don't have a customer service department. They share the same call center full of Psychology students trained in the reverse Jedi Mind Trick and then all of a sudden, you hang up the phone for some reason and realize they tricked you into stopping the conversation before anything was resolved.

"Can I help you with anything else today, Mr. Smith?"
"No, that was it."
click.....
"No wait you haven't solved my first problem yet!!! DOH!"