See subject line for my equipment... In addition I have older Yamaha rears and a sub, but they're part of an all in one. At the time it was pretty expensive though.

I only just got the M60s and the VP 150 to replace the LR and Center. I have been amazed at the sound which now appears to be coming out of all of the speakers when viewing movies. I suppose that bringing sound out more clearly and pronounced from the new center channel is what did that. With a wife and two young kids, I can't just buy everything at once so I need to make choices. What should be my next purchase... the sub or the surround speakers?

The sub. You have the Yamahas playing your surrounds right now, but the sub is more crucial. I imagine you'll be quite happy with the improvement a new sub brings.

I agree with Ken. A decent sub will make a world of difference, especially if you spend considerable time watching movies.

Thanks for such a fast response!!! I assume that I stick with Axiom, so then the next question is which one will compliment without overpowering? Or is that even a concern?

It is not clear if you are setup for a 5.1 or a 7.1 system? You mentioned "rears" in your post. Do you have "side" surrounds AND "rear" speakers, or are you referring to your side surrounds as rears, or have them placed incorrectly?

For a 5.1 setup, you would have side surrounds, not rear speakers. For 7.1, you would have both in your system.

Anyway, you could go either way. If your sub is from an all-in-one setup, a new sub would make a huge impact for movies. However, the Axiom Qs8's will blow you away and give you a surround experience you've never heard before.

A friend of mine has a all-in-one Yammy system with a small sub and small speakers, he was blown away when he stopped over one day.

It shouldn't be a concern if it's calibrated.

There is no such thing as being overpowered, unless you have things calibrated incorrectly. Many people run their subs way to hot(loud), and don't have them calibrated to the correct SPL as the other speakers.

Which subwoofer depends on your budget and your room size. My opinion is that the EP350 is the sweet spot in the Axiom lineup unless you have a large room AND can afford to spend more.

Welcome to the forum b1jassc,

If you are currently running your older surround speakers with your current Axiom mains and center channel I would get a subwoofer first especially if you watch a lot of movies . IMO a subwoofer is a must for home theatre. My recommendations would be the EP350, EP500 and EP800.

Cheers!

Looks like the subs have it! Let me attempt to answer some of the things I've read... The room is 20x30, but unfortunately, I'm running on kind of an angle. That said, the distance is still a good 18-20ft (depending on location). Does that put me above the EP350?

Yes, I meant side surrounds. I do have a 7.1 system, but am taking advantage of the two zone config so I can get my dining room wired.

Hello b1jassc,

What is your budget for the subwoofer(s)? Depending on that I think we can get a better idea of what would work for your application. Do you like to run your subs hot? Also there is always the debate of dual vs a single subwoofer within a stated budget.

Budget? Depends on who you talk with.... I think I can get my wife to give the thumbs up to the $500-$600 dollar level, but perhaps with a little help around the holidays, I could be in the $1000 range. So therein lies a second question.... lower end sub and the side surrounds or through it all into the sub... Hmmmm

All into the sub.

I concur! Get the best possible subwoofer you can afford at the moment. As time goes by and you have more money to spend you will rationalize with yourself to upgrade your surrounds anyways . Its just the addictive nature of this hobby . It actually saves money in the long run because you minimize upgraditis.

You will have to purchase from the factory outlet to get into a 350 or higher in that price range. You could also look at other brands like HSU, SMS, or ED.

I believe he meant SVS.

Again, thank you all for these responses! I really do appreciate the info!

I've read about HSU previously as a sub specialist. Can you tell me comparatively what the ULS-15 or the VTF-3 MK3 from HSU is the equivalent to with Axiom?

Oh, one more question.... I have other older speakers just sitting around right now....

Should I replace the side Yamaha AiO surrounds with Bose 910's or keep them as is?

I don't think HSU makes subs that are DSP controlled like the EP400, 500, 600, or 800. The ULS-15 is a sealed design like the EP800. The 400-600 are ported design. There are pros and cons to each.

Based on your budget though, I don't see a ULS-15, EP600, or EP800 in your future, unless you save. The EP350 was recently updated with a new 300 watt amp, and has great reviews. The EP500 is DSP controlled with a 500 watt amp.

yea, I probably shouldn't have stated a budget since for the right thing I will be flexible but of course it may just take more time. I have always found a good breaking point for all of my electronics. This is what brought me to Axiom - performace at a good price.

From your post should I assume that I should be looking at a DSP controlled sub or are you saying that it's persomal preference.... Also, any thoughts on Paradigm?

You don't have to get a DSP controlled chip type sub. The other brands you mentioned are great subs as well. I've even been considering the ULS-15 because of the wireless option for placement help.

The DSP chip allows for a very flat frequency response and won't distort at loud levels as the DSP chip won't allow this...

I just happened to luckily run across a used used Paradigm Servo 15a a small local HT store had. I never would have been able to justify $1200- $1500 myself for a quality sub. I just love this Paradigm. But when my friend was shopping, we listened to their current 10" and 12" models... too much denaro. But after haning aroud about 30 mins, he could see my buddy was not going for the big dollar new models. He said he had a Servo 15 a customer had turned in when he upgraded for $350. We both thought it was the best we heard that day by far. My friend bought it. THe store owner must have seen the drool on my chin when my buddy was paying for it. He said He had one just like it at home as his second sub until his new (big buck) Signature series 15" came in. He'd sell me that on for the same $350. I jumped on it! If I was looking for a new sub, I'd call around all Paradigm and other quality companies that have recommended subs and just ask if they have any used subs, some one has traded in on an upgrade. You may be very pleasantly surprised!

My Servo15-a