I'm looking to put together a upgraded home theater setup and I haven't had so much fun since I researched my first setup 5 yrs ago. First setup is a Mits 46807, Paradigm Monitor 9s, with matching center and Atoms for surrounds and a SVS sub. That is now in the basement and this is my current thinking for the upstairs great room.

Room is 24x24x9.

TV is the new Sony 50" SXRD
Receiver is Yamaha HTR 5990
DVD Yamaha DVD C950
5.1 is the Axiom Epic Grand Master 175

I know it would be better to go M50s or 60s for the fronts given the size of the room but I need to stick with smaller bookshelf speakers for aesthetic reasons. Would love some advice, input, suggestions from this board. Have never heard of Axiom until a short while ago but given the good reviews over at the hometheaterspot, I'm sold. Thanks.

You're going to want a bigger sub than the 175, but other than that, sounds good! The M22s are outstanding; In direct comparison with the Monitor 9s, the only thing lacking is the bass. And the rest of it, well, I'm sorry to say, blows the Monitor 9s away. The VP100 is a nice center channel; I think it's probably more flexible than the 150 (given that I've only heard 1 150 and wasn't really listening critically to it). The QS8s are widely reviewed as the best surrounds money can buy. Period. I think you'll be pretty happy.

Welcome to the boards!

I'd agree with Ken. That room is quite large; depending upon your usage habits, you might want to consider moving the SVS into that room or upgrading the sub (to the EP500 if you can afford it and have the desire to blow your mind). The M22/VP100/QS8 combo will be fantastic.

Hsu also makes some quite well regarded subs, complete with good customer service.

Note: I don't have an Axiom, Hsu, or SVS.

i had thought about going with a bigger sub. is the bigger sub just to make movies have more oooompf? will the bigger sub be as musical?

There's no reason to think that more capable subs can't be as musical.

Will this system be primarily for music or movies?

You have a physics problem; that room has a lot of air to move around. Whether for movies or music, for the sub to be "effective", you're going to have to drive it pretty hard. I'm just not sure that something like an EP175 is going to be able to move enough air cleanly to give you the results you'd like.

Consulting the fine folks at Axiom is always a good idea.

My room is much bigger than yours (relative to cubic feet); I have a relatively modest SVS PB12-ISD and feel more than adequately served. Since you already own an SVS, you are probably used to similar performance.

Tom,
I just bought a PB-12 and just calibrated it. The volume switch is quite low but seems to be nicely integrated. Haven't really tried too many movies yet. How do you like yours?

Charlie

I sub can really bring out the low notes in some music. My 350 does a great job, but my 500 that is in route for a Monday delivery should really bring down the house.

ps: I have a bigger room than you...

Hey Charlie,

I am very satisfied. I have a large but difficult room; the cathedral ceiling slopes up from three sides (not just one) to a "point" and I have an adjacent foyer that is a full-height rectangle with a staircase next to it. So, I've had some trouble with placement in trying to find a good balance between WAF, room, blending, output, etc. I think it is an amazing component, and I have trouble imagining why anyone would need either lower or louder output.

Although I'm sure my mind could be expanded by a trip to see Craig or Dennis or Jakeman or ....