I've ordered (not yet arrived) a a set of M50s that was part of the Epic 50 HT system, QS4s, VP100 and EP175. Now, upon further review I wonder if I need to send the M50s right back and order the M60s. There seems to be a lot of feedback from the 60 owners and whomever has reviewed these speakers but I can't seem to find much other than the 50s are more 'laid back' than the 60s and 80s.
Having never listened to either the 60s or the 50s I wonder if there is *that* much of a noticable difference. I suppose I should have researched much more prior to purchase and right now I'm questioning myself if I maybe made the wrong choice, keeping in mind that the $200 price difference is not an issue.
I'd hate to unpack and set up these speakers, only to decide at a later date that the 60s were what I wanted.
Primarily I listen to music and have over 300 cds in stock but I also enjoy a good movie as well.
Thanks for the patience and advice!
Try the M50s. I'm pretty sure you'll like them. You may notice that virtually all of the M60 owners that compare them to M50s have never heard M50s. If you want the 60s, go for it, but don't discount the 50s.
BrotherBob, take three deep breaths and repeat after me: I will open those m50 boxes when they arrive and give them a thorough audition.
From the info I've read on this forum, I believe you'll be very pleased listening to the m50's. There are a lot of m50 owners who will tell you the same.
Good heavens, YES! Give the M50s a listen before you make any decisions. I'm one of those M60 owners who has not heard the M50s. But based on what I've read here on the forum, I doubt if the difference is huge.
Also, if I have my information correct, should you decide, within the first 30 days you have the M50s, that you'd rather have the M60s, Axiom will pay for the return shipping on the M50s, since the M60s qualify as an upgrade. However, you should confirm this with Axiom to be sure.
What kind of music do you listen to the most ? If it were as simple as "60s are better than 50s" (or the other way round) there wouldn't be so much debate and Axiom probably wouldn't offer both models.
Before you worry too much, remember that the "most famous" of the Axiom speakers (the M3) has exactly the same characteristics as the M50, maybe even a bit more pronounced.
[EDIT] For what it's worth, I would spend the $200 on upgrading the sub before I spent it going from 50s to 60s.
As an owner of M50s and M22s I can tell you that the differences between the 5 1/4" midrange driver speakers and the 6 1/2" midrange is subtle. I cannot say I prefer one over the other. For home theater I really don't think there is any real advantage of one over the the other when used with a sub.
For music it will depend more on the material and quality of recording you are listening to. Your room and setup are also major factors. I believe that in some cases one would prefer one speaker somewhat over the other with there being no clear winner in all cases.
I frequently listen to the same music on each speaker in their repective rooms. Whenever I think one has the advantage over the other I find myself thinking how great the one I am currently listening to sounds and the other can't be this good.
You are correct Jack. I decdied to change out the VP150 to the current M80, and it was a bit past the 30 days and just figured I would pay the return shipping on the VP150. Nope, Amie sent out the upgrade the next day along with a return shipping label for the VP150, one can not beat Axioms CS, its the best I have seen in my life time.
Thanks for patience guys, I was thinking that me and THARKUN were going to wind up in the same hospital room if I kept trying to sort through these boards. BTW, I'm glad to hear that you are doing fine THARKUN.
Anyway, my music taste varies from hard rock to light and easy listening. Love the blues, old and new, with just about every song Stevie Ray Vaughn recorded on my list. Some of my favorite selections include John Hiatt, Collective Soul, Lucinda Williams, Pearl Jam, Rolling Stones (of course), Dire Straits and Jimi Hendrix...a given!
Whether it be hard rock, country or anything in between I like it.
Thanks for the advice, I think I'm going to relax, have a beer and drool in my thoughts about the Axioms arriving Tuesday afternoon.
Nice to meet you all BTW, you all seem like a very helpful crew of folks!
Seriously, I think you're going to be real happy with the 50s. If anything I would think about getting an EP350 instead of the EP175 given your room size.
Here's what I would suggest -- give Axiom a call on Monday and ask if the EP350s they're shipping have "the new driver" (the one from the EP500 and 600). If the answer is yes, then it's fate -- you were meant to get the EP350 and you'll know what to do. If they have already switched back to the original driver then no rush, see how the EP175 works out. My concern is that the 175 will turn out to be a bit small for your room if/when you get into heavy HT usage.
Be warned, you might think you're getting a music system today but if you start playing some DVDs on the new speakers you're gonna get hooked on HT real fast. I wouldn't have given you the time of day for an HT system until I started playing DVDs through good speakers (in my case M2s and a big sub); now at least 50% of the "play time" is DVDs instead of music.
I did call Axiom this morning (great folks!) and he said that although the driver in the 350 is upgraded from the previous 350s it does not have the same driver as the 500/600. He suggested I try the 175 for a couple of weeks, up to 30 days and if I decide to upgrade just give 'em a shout and they'll ship the 350 and pay for shipping both ways. Say's my room size should work well with the 175.
And, here's the fun part, I went ahead and ordered the 60s...will be here Wednesday with a return label for the 50s. I really appreciate all of the help folks but I just think the 60s may fit well with me since money is not the issue right now. I HAVE to take advantage of a woman who says 'get what I want' right now, as we all know that doesn't last forever.
Thanks again for the help everybody and thanks to Axiom for being so awesome! I can't wait.
In reply to:
I HAVE to take advantage of a woman who says 'get what I want' right now, as we all know that doesn't last forever.
Amen BrotherBob! You weren't raised in Ohio, were you Bob?
That's useful news about the 350 driver, answers a few questions I had.
Glad you made the switch to the 60s if that's what felt right to you. It's terrible to get stuck with the "what-if's"
"And, here's the fun part, I went ahead and ordered the 60s..."
You can run, but you cannot hide from the M60 Posse!
Geeezzz... What can you say about a speaker that can make you return a PERFECTLY good pair of speakers, BEFORE they have even arrived?
Seriously, I'll bet you would have loved the 50's.
And, you are going to love the 60's!
Geezus.
Was expecting the M50s, VP100, QS4s and EP175 to show up on my doorstep tomorrow (Tuesday)...well low and behold if they didn't arrive a day early and I just so happened to be off of work today. I sat here all afternoon looking, staring and ever-so-wanting to open a pair of boxed and sealed Axiom M50 speakers, what a freaking difficult task, but I promised I wouldn't, so I didn't.
I do believe ol' BrotherBob was being tested today!
Please give us a full review when the 60's come in
Bob, a lesser man would have crumbled under such pressure. Lol. How do the other speakers look and sound? Or are you waiting for their friends(m60's) to show up before you start listening?
Man, that's gotta be tough. You didn't even peek ?
C'mon, tell the truth. How do the 50s sound ?
QS4 mains, VP100 center, both set to "small", EP175 sub...
I bet it would sound pretty darned good !!
Sure, Bob, try John's suggestion.