New to this site; but very interested in upgrading my current 7.1 set up... first, I am using the Yamaha RXz7 as a pre amp and my outlaw 7 x 200 external amp. My room size is 13 wide by 18 deep... 75% viewing is movies; rest music, sports, etc. This room is a dedicated HT and other than my sub... I am looking to upgrade my speakers. Personally, I like my music, movies, etc. to be tight, full of bass. My budget is approx. 2-2.5k and I love the fact Axiom lets U trial their gear in your home for 30 days... VERY COOL. Anyway, let me know your thoughts and thxs in advance.

Well, for movies that means a sub that can reach below 20Hz and do it well. For music, it depends very much what you are listening to. Most pop, rock etc, won't have anything below 40Hz (unless it involves synthesizers/organ).

What is your current system and what is it that is pushing you to upgrade?

I'll get out of the way for the M80 crowd to baptize you, but you should try to make it a bit harder. They like when you say you have heard all Axioms are harshly bright and that Bose just rocks your world. With a RXz7 and 7 by 200, you are not going to even open up the M22+sub v. M60 debate.

For comparison, I think someone recently said the M80 compared favorably with the B&W 700 towers, but could not quite keep up with the 800 series. You will also see that the Pari Studio 100s are a common comparison in terms of sound character. But if you are looking for a grand debate you better look elsewhere. You aren't likely to find too many that will push you away from the M80s.

But, for my hands on experience, I can't say enough about the QS8. Outstanding, and a rare steal for the price. I just pegged 109dB on Dave Mathews Cortez the Killer on DD and the QS8s are just singing away without a word of protest. This track is not that demanding, but at that level, the fact you can’t even pick them out until somebody yells “Dave I love you man”, and then you can see in your mind’s eye exactly where that hippie was standing. Truly a perfect product for me. Here is my blue man experience:
blue men in my surrounds

Enjoy!

I have been bit by the upgrade bug; and my current Polk's just aren't doing 4 me anymore. As for my music tastes... Let's just say.. the heavier the better (Think Metallica, Pantera, God Smack, etc). With my current gear I have; frankly I just want my speakers to show me the "love" My sub right now is the outlaw LFM1X; I relly like it... not looking to upgrade the sub... but I am my fron stage and surrounds. Thxs again for any feedback.

M60s or M80s with an EP500, 150 centre, and QS8's. That's what I would do because that's what I did (M60s)and I am just now floating on music and thanking myself for making such a wise decision.

You've read the reviews and heard the opinions. Now is the time to find out for yourself!

Zimm, I very much enjoy your sense of humor . 64met, welcome to the forum. As Zimm said, the QS8's are phenomenal speakers, but I don't recommend that you get them and run . That's my two cents, as there are other members on here that are much more informed than me to help you out with your selections based on the information you've provided.

Don't forget to see if there are any members in your area and they could arrange an audition with you.

Given your budget room size and amplificatnion, you could go with anything from the M22 to M80 for fronts. It just depends on how much detail you want to squeeze out of your system.

The M80s give the most detail of the three, but its a subtle difference between the three. The M22 is definately more forward in its presentation than the M80.