OK, I am sure everyone has seen these comparisons a million times, but I haven’t truly seen a comparison of the following speakers on one post. I am about the pull the trigger on the Axioms, but I would love to hear everyone’s feedback. Also, if someone could offer some advice on cables that are good quality, performance, shielded, and low impedance, but are price sensitive. I am not interested in a radio shack home brew solution, but I can’t afford anything over 10-15% of what my system will cost. Thank you ahead of time for you feedback!
Background:
60:40 Ratio of Home Theater to Music
I listen to a wide array of music including: Alternative, R&B, Rap, Jazz, Classical, Latin based, Rock, New Age, and so on.
My receiver is a Onkyo TX-NR801- 7.1 100W per Channel 8 ohms
Room 13x20x7, carpeted
Systems I am comparing: (5.1 Configuration)
• Axiom: M60ti, VP150, QS8- $1539 w/ shipping & tax
• Aperion Audio: 522D-PT, 522D-VAC, 522D-LR $1838 w/shipping & tax
• Paradigm: Monitor 11, CC-370, Mini Monitor- $1930 w/ shipping & tax
• AV123: Onix Rocket RS 750 Signature, RSC200, RS300- $2344 w/ shipping & tax
• B&W: CM4, CMC, DM600 S3 $2490 w/ shipping & tax
Subwoofer:
HSU Research VTF-2 MK 2 $562.67 w/ shipping & tax
Or…
SVS, Velodyne, etc…
Check out Audioholics reviews, they're pretty good.
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/index.php
Grab the Axioms and be happy!
I can't say much about the speaker comparison. Other than the Axioms, the only others on the list I've heard are some Rockets, and they weren't the 750s. So, I just don't feel qualified to comment. I do own the exact same Axiom package you are considering (except I use a HSU STF-2 sub, and an Onkyo TX-DS797 receiver), in a room 11.5x18x8. They are, by far, the finest speakers I've ever owned, or heard.
You'll get lots of good suggestions for cables. I use, and like,
Dayton cables from Parts Express for my interconnects. They are well built, and are reasonably priced, though they are not cheap. (Do not get freaked out by the prices on the SoundString brand. They are 31 times more expensive than the Daytons
)
Other places worth checking are:
BetterCables
Blue Jeans Able
Pacific Custom Cable
I use, and like,
SoundKing 12 gauge speaker wire. It ain't pretty, but it's well made, and fairly flexible for a thick wire.
Hopefully, others who are familar with some of the speakers on your list will jump in with their advice.
Wolfy, you're not going to find anybody who can compare all of those speakers that you list and maybe nobody who can compare any of them. All I know is that the M22s I have sound at least as good as any speakers of the type that I've ever heard, including one costing about six times as much.
Wire isn't entitled to any percentage of your total sound budget; spend as little as you can to connect your components transparently. Radio Shack can sometimes be too expensive. Consider sources such as Home Depot, Parts Express and the other ones Jack listed.
I thought Axiom didn't charge shipping and tax?
do
Shipping is already factored into the price and 15% taxes are charged for people in Ontario and possibly GST charged for the rest of Canada, not sure on that one though.
But in the contingent 48 states there is no extra charges right?
If shipping is factored into the price, then they don't "charge" for shipping - and yes, we lucky 48 Staters aren't charged tax either.
lupis-
i agree with johnk, in that you most likely not find anyone that has listened to all of those speaker sets, and can give a fair comparision. i have heard the paradigm monitor series that you mentioned, and i think the axioms sound much better. the believe the sound stage to be larger and more clear. plus, the QS8's are just about the best surround speakers you are gonna find for the price.. well hell, forget the price, those babies can compete with ANY priced speaker.
i have M60's, vp150, and the QS8s, pushed by an ONKYO 701. i could not be more pleased with my system. it stays precise and clear, even at extreme volume levels.
of al the speakers listed, the axioms are the lowest price on there. that alone is a factor. not to mention, they sound as good or better than most of the speakers you listed, at half the price. take the leap and get the axioms.. you always have 30 days to send them back, but i bet you wont.
as far as a sub. SVS of HSU.. cant go wrong with either one.
bigjohn
I'm pretty sure it's "we lucky 50 Staters", though I don't believe I know of anyone in Alaska to confirm that.
I've got to be careful; if I gain another 11 pounds, I'll qualify to be a State.
Wolfy - the comment about all of those speakers being compared is correct. It's gonna be tough to find that detail. Have you tried contacting Axiom to see if they can set you up with an audition near you. Most Axiomites would jump at the chance to show off. At the end of the day, your ears will need to determine your purchase. If you can't find M60s to audition, listen to some B&W 703s - the sound pretty much identical. Then look at the proce of the 703s
. Also, the QS8s are unbeliveable - the unsung heroes of the sytem.
Enjoy the chase - almost as much fun as the ownership.