Has anyone heard this system compared to Axiom. They are offering 5 sats + center + STV 10'' SUB for $600. seems like a good deal @ $200 less than the M2'S , VP150, and STV sub. Any thoughts............

I heard the system last year while it was still in its prototype stage. I was amazed by how it sounded, but a comparable Axiom system (4 M2ti, one VP100, and an EP125) would definitely sound a lot better due to the larger speakers. I have a pair of M22s now they are so much better.

In my opinion, the only reason to go with the Ventriloquist system over an Axiom system is if you absolutley can't afford to pay more, or your spouse / significant other won't allow any large speakers into the house.

Keep in mind that even when you're just listening to stereo music, the Ventriloquist system will use the center channel's drivers to fill in the audio gaps left by the satellites. This compromise system really messes with imaging and soundstage, which is why it's marketed mainly for HT and not music.

Not to thread jack, but I love the new avatar. Instead of your dog just looking tortured and dispondent you now know why!

Sibling rivalry!

-Nick

P.S. If that's a new addition to the family, congrats!

not to encourage the thread jack... Yup. Steven's a 2 month + 5-day old addition. And the dog knows she's no longer the most special, but she likes him anyway.

That's great to hear. My wifes brother had a dog that was his best friend till they had their first. Then of course the dog slipped. She never got violent, but she got grouchy and finally they shipped her to my wife's parents. She's still grouchy and after seeing that, I swore I wouldn't have a dog before our first child.

Glad it's working out for you!

I'll keep quiet now so this poor person can get what they wanted..advice...

-Nick

My understanding about the Ventriloquist system is that it is a challenge to wire. Check with Hsu, but I think the signals go from the center channel to the front mains (and maybe even to the surrounds). That is, the thing's crossover network requires you to do some non-standard wiring.

And size DOES matter. If you can swing the Epic Midi instead, I think you'd be much happier in the long run. You would have a viable upgrade path, too (not that anybody in this hobby ever falls prey to such things).