Hi Guys,

A honest question...

I am interested in the Epic Master 350 System but there are 2 things that I have been reading that is putting some doubt in my mind. My primary uses will be movies 70% and music 30%. The music will be classic rock, R&B and classical/jazz fusion. The issues that are causing me a bit of a concern are that:

M3s mids are not as forward as say the 22s.
Also its metallic cone will sound too bright.
Pricing on the subwoofer seems high compared to similar models from HSu, Outlaw etc.

This has me completely confused and I am looking at the followin systems to narrow my choices.

* Epic Master 350
* Definitive Technology ProCinema 1000 Plus (cheaper than EM 350) and good reviews thus far.

* from AV123
Rocket RS250 MKII - (2)
Rocket RSC200 - (1)
Rocket RSS300 (2)
Rocket UFW-10 Subwoofer

Any feedback is appreciated.

M3's are not too bright at all. Bright is usually another word people use for forward which the M22s are accussed of being, both bright and forward. The M3s I would suggest as being neutral, laid back, as the vocals are a little recessed from the lower tones and mids.

Best way to know for sure would be to look in the Hearing Things forum and in the post at the top is a list of people willing to give auditions. I know there a number here from your area, so you should be able to get an audition.

I haven't the EP350 so I will leave that up those that have.

Be sure and add shipping onto any speakers from rocket, I don't believe shipping is included.

I think the best thing you could do would be to find someone with some axioms nearby and listen to them if at all possible.

The whole "metallic cone=bright" issue is a bunch of crap. It's often spread around by people who have never heard Axioms (or other speakers with aluminum drivers), but it's total bull. Stick your ear up against a 6.5" or 5.25", and you won't hear any treble at all.

Alright folks, I placed an order last evening. The system will be

Fronts - M22s
Center - M2
Surrounds - QS4s

Sub - SVS PB10NSD.

Whoa, you went from worrying about M3s being bright, right to the most forward speaker Axiom has, well done. For HT I think the M22s really stand out. Congratulations!

As usuall we require pics and a quick review once it is all in use.

Jason and for all those on the wall -

I also auditioned the PSB Alpha (too laid back for me) and Energy RC series bookshelves with a decent subwoofer crossed over at 100 and the axioms came out on top. My initial choice was M3 but with a subwoofer the M22 just are so much more detailed. I was suggested the M2's for center as I did not not like the sound of the VP 100 center and M3s use a different driver.

The AV samples I tried were (Rush Hour 2, Gladiator, Shrek, Incredibles, Star Wars, Enter the Dragon, Band of Brothers) and music (Diana Krall - Live in Paris, Alicia Keys - As I am, Mary J Blige - Growing Pains, Stephen Marley - Mind Control, Pink Floyd - Delicate sound of thunder, John McLauglin and Zakir Hussain - Remembering Shakti and Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture).

M, excellent choice of speakers. You'll enjoy great sound in both movies and music(and music in movies)because the same standard of excellence applies.

Enjoy your speakers.

Pics please .