Well the past several weeks I've been overwhelmed with the sheer number of options, variables, combinations, opinions, etc etc etc in trying to choose the best home theatre sound setup within my budget.

I started out looking at $500 HTIB options carried by local B&M stores, but as I researched them and started expanding my horizons a bit I quickly ruled those out. I ended up in a local store dedicated to home and car audio and saw a whole new world of stuff in a whole new world of price range. I definately liked what I heard in this store and quickly realized I would need to increase my budget.

So after a few weeks of online research and listening to different setups in stores like Best Buy and the Local audio store I mentioned above.. I've settled on a budget between $1500-$2100.

I really like what I see in the Axiom products, really delivering on the bang for the buck factor, which I love in any product I'm going to invest a large chunk of cash in. From browsing the products here, the Epic 50-175 setup seems to fall within my budget and offers the quality I'm looking for. I'll go over my budget a little bit when adding in a receiver and cabling, but I'm a little flexible if it means I'm going to get a superior value.

My "home threatre" basement room is approx 12x30x8, 2/4 walls are painted concrete (short wall behind tv and the left-side wall). My couch is about 10 feet from my 42" Hitachi Plasma. Its setup with a Cox digital/HD cable box and a Toshiba Progressive Scan DVD player. I will typically just being using this for TV/Movies but would occasionally like to play music over it.

Questions/Advice Seeking:
-In looking through the forums and using the search function, I can't seem to find anyone talking about the Epic 50-175 speakers. Most are using the higher end M60 or M80 systems. Are the Epic 50-175's a good choice for my budget and room size?

-If so, what is a good receiver in the $500 or less range to match up with them? In my research there seems to be 3 that stick out from the rest: HK AVR-247, Yamaha RX-V661, and the Onkyo TX-SR605

-How do the Epic 50-175 speakers compare to Klipsch Synergy III series (F3 mains, C-2 Center, S-2 Surrounds, and the 10" sub) paired w/ one of the same receivers? This setup prices out slightly cheaper than the Epic 50-175 (and includes cabling and Monster HTS-1600 power).

Welcome to the boards.

I will just ask if you have checked out the Hearing Things Forum to see if anyone near you has some Axioms you could audition regardless of them being M50 or otherwise. It would give you some idea of the Axiom sound.

I will say that from what I have experienced the speaker line, it is quality all the way through the line. The M60/M80 is not necessarily higher end, rather, just a different sonic signature, 3way vs. 2way, more drivers, etc. They are more expensive due to these differences. Other than that I will let those with M50's regale you with how lovely they sound.

Any of the receivers you listed will work just fine, as long as it has the bells and whistles you are looking for.

gmorf,

Let me start out by saying that I do not own axioms... YET!

I did audition some axioms a couple of weeks ago and let me tell you they olbiterated the competition.

Some will suggest (as they did to me before I convinced myself I needed an ep-500) that you can get a more bang for your buck sub from somewhere else if you plan on getting less than the ep-500. Howver, I would guess the new ep-350 v3 will change all of this as it sounds like it is one helluva sub for the price.

Since you are on a budget, you may try the factory outlet which can save you 10%. I think many people around here use that option, and I plan on doing the same for me future purchase.

Click here for Pics of Factory Outlet speakers.

As far as receivers go, I looked closey at the yamaha rxv-661 and it seems like a good receiver. A good place to find opinions about the receivers is to look at the "Official xyz owners thread" over at avsforum.

Cool, thanks for the reply's. I didn't notice the factory outlet option before, that's pretty sweet. I think what I'm going to do is get M60's and hold off on getting a sub for now (probably wait for a nice sale somewhere). I've got a cheapy sub I can use in the mean time which allow me to pay a little more on the mains.

Question.. If I go up to the M60's, Am I ok to stick with the VP100 or will I need to bump up to the VP150 to keep my soundstage nice and even?

Just my 2cents..I had 60's with a VP100 and it was good, but I decided to upgrade to the VP150 and feel it creates a much better soundstage.

Greg

Personally I think that the EP500 is the best sub for the money...especially with the DSP chip!

That being said I can understand that it is still a good chunk of change for some people to lay out on one (albeit good) speaker. Therefore I too recommend that you spend a little more on the fronts by going with the M60's as they are very good speakers that do not compromise on the midrange frenquencies. I also use the VP150 and think it is fantastic with the M60's as pans across the front are indistinguishable. The QS8's are also the best surrounds available anywhere IMO. So go ahead and get your fronts and surrounds first, then get yourself the most sub you can afford. From what I've read the new EP350 may be the ticket for those who can't quite reach the EP500.

I happen to use the new Pioneer VSX-817 receiver. It is not in the elite line but it has all the power I need for a 7.1 setup. No HDMI because I don't need it. I purchased it based on the reviews of the MCACC feature in the Pioneer's and I love it! I can turn MCACC off for a comparison and it certainly sounds much better with MCACC engaged.

Remember too that if you buy a complete 5.1 or 7.1 package from the factory outlet that you get a total of 15% discounted from the regular price. I did and there was one tiny nick in the back corner of the EP500. A little Elmer's glue and five minutes later you cannot even tell it was there. I cannot find anything wrong with any of the other speakers.

regarding the sub, if you're looking to save money and want to get the M60s and VP150...I would recommend the newly designed Axiom EP350v3, it sounds like it will be an amazing budget sub.

Good choice on springing for the full range M60s. I have the M60s9and just unpacked the M80s) and VP100 and a VP150, the difference is minimal. the VP100 has a slightly lower tone to it ie: male voices in movies sound a little more life like but this extra tone comes at a price, it isn't as clear at low volume levels, at least in my testing. These differences are really not that noticeable in normal viewing circumstances, they just became evident when I was really trying to find some difference between the 2. You should feel free to buy which ever one fits the budget.

So the VP100 has a lower "warmer" tone than the 150? I may go that route as i'm a little worried my setup might be too harsh because i have concrete walls on 3/4 of the room. I have carpet, but the concrete walls worry me a bit with this. Thoughts.. opinions?

Also.. is the sound signature of the QS4's and the QS8's pretty similar? Does one pair match up better with the m60's than the other? Trying to decide which I should go with. Obviously the 8's are better, but trying to be nice to the budget where possible, lol.

Thanks again folks.

Oh no..... I screwd up, the VP150 is warmer(slightly). I think the QS8 might match up better in that they will play louder to go along with the 60s and slightly lower, but from all accounts the difference is pretty minimal, probably much like the VP100/VP150.

The difference between the 100 and 150 really is minimal. You can always turn up the 100 by a few dB to match the output of the 150.

Once you are up and running, if you think some room treatments are in order, then you could try hanging some thick blankets on the walls to see if they help, if they do then you can go ahead and install more permanent decor.

Cool, I was hoping this was the case. I think I'm set on the VP100's then. Now to finalize the surrounds..

I did a little more measuring to be sure of distances/volumes. The total volume of my room is 2352 cubic feet (12x28x7'3" subtracting volume of a duct and protruding closet). My TV is about 11-12 ft from the viewer's head, leaving 16-17 feet (1400 cubic feet) behind the viewer.

Are the QS4's big enough to fill this large space or do I need the QS8's? With either speaker would I place on/near the rear wall/ceiling area or bring it closer and more angled to the viewer? Wish the room was a bit wider, but have to make due with 12 feet (8'5" where the TV is cause of the closet space).

Or... am I just over thinking all of this and need to be slapped? lol

So your listening area is about 12 X 12 as you say the TV is 12 ft away. The surrounds can/should be placed within 2ft front or rear of the listening/viewing position. I believe most here have them to the rear to give you the feeling of being in the movie. The height is up to you. 2-3ft above listener is ideal. Mine are about 4ft up from my listening position and it still gives the desired effect. I think the QS4s will fill the room (listening area)nicely but to really try to fill the whole area you will want the QS8s.

Oh......SLAP! Just go the EPIC 80/600.4 system then you won't be wondering about anything.

lol, don't I wish.

So with ideal height of 2-3 feet above listener.. the FMS stands probably aren't a good choice as they only stand 38" high according to the site, which isn't quite head level when I'm sitting. Was hoping to go with stands as I'm a renter and don't really want to drill holes, but I suppose what they don't know and a little spackle can't hurt anyone :P

I do have a concern with the ceiling mounts.. The stupid duct that runs along my right-side ceiling might cause some wierd reflection effects... here's a picture:

You can see my couch at the bottom there and the area I would have to position the surrounds.

It is only the ideal height, as I said mine are way above that and still work marvelously. The stands will work, many here have them and have said they work great.

Well I FINALLY decided on a receiver.. Going with the Yamaha RX-V661. After reading the entire owners thread @ AVSForums, i'm confident that its the receiver for me. I've had a chance to listen to it at 2 different stores as well. Now I just wish I could find it in silver :P

Will be placing my order for the M60's and company in the morning

Congrats on the future purchase. Are you going to try one of the free upgrade finishes? Awesome look, but it'll take longer to get 'em.