I'm currently shopping around for an a/v receiver and speakers and I could use some advice. I found this forum after reading some good reviews about axiom and I find this group very informative. However, knowing that this is hosted by axiom, I don't know if the following questions are appropriate but I'll ask anyway.

The only speakers that I've heard in my price range that caught my ear so far are the paradigm monitor series. I'm currently considering the monitor 9 and one of their matching centers but I haven't decided what to do for surrounds and a sub if I take this route. I've read some opinions that the monitor 9's bass is perhaps a bit too boomy but they sounded smooth and satisfying to my untrained ears. I also haven't read anything about paradigms surrounds.

Also, I'm planning to buy a yamaha rx-v2500 and I'd like a good set of speakers to match.

My question is, how would you compare the sound of the paradigms to the axioms for movies as well as music? The Epic 60 set is about at the top of my price range so that's the set I'm most interested in. My room is about 22'x13x8' so I think this set is appropriate to the room.

I'm also curious to hear how people decided to take the leap into buying speakers having never heard them. I appreciate the 30 day trial offer but I really don't want to spend money returning speakers.

nj,

Welcome! Your question does not breach any secret board etiquette, so rest easy. I used to own a pair of Paradigm Monitor 9s and a CC-350. I loved all three of them. Then I got married and my wife wanted to reclaim some floor space so I went on a quest for some smaller speakers. I ended up buying Axiom M22s and VP100, still thinking that I'd be moving down a notch as far as sound quality was concerned. Boy was I wrong!

I had the opportunity to losten to the M22s and Paradigm Monitor 9s back to back and the M22s were so much better at relating the feeling of the music that I was dumbfounded. Sure the Paradigms were a LOT better in the bass department, but that's a factor of size. I have since supplemented the M22s with a fantastic SVS subwoofer and I could not be happier.

Moral of the story: Speaking as a former Paradigm owner, I would go with Axiom if I were you.

Welcome NJ, I think you'll find many people that have been Axiomited on this forum. Many of them, including myself, compared Paradigm's, B&W's, etc. against Axiom speakers. I think you'll find a lot of people around here that will give you unbiased facts about speakers. I'm confident you'll be 100% happy with Axiom compared to these and other brands, no question about it, you'll wonder how Axiom can build this great of a speaker for the price.

Randy

Welcome to the board.

Your not out of line asking about comparisons and for advice regarding choices. That is a big part of what this board is about. You will also find many members that own Axiom, and some who own other speakers - myself included.

I think that in terms of sound quality, the Axiom models you mention will outperform the Paradigm models. I spend many hours listening to different equipment, and can honestly say that I find the Paradigms lacking - for my tastes. It is difficult to make the leap of faith to choose without listening, and you may find someone in your area that will audition their Axioms for you. Check the thread dedicated to that in the General forum.

Hi NJ. Not sure where you are form, but take a look here and see if you can set up an audition. Most here will tell you the the performance, price, audio quality combination of Axioms is tough to beat, but you'll want your ears to be the convincng factor . For comparison, the Axiom M60s and B&W 703s sound very much alike.

NJ, do you live in NJ? I bought my speakers without hearing them (M60s, VP150 and QS8) and love them. If you are in the area, you are welcome to stop by for an audition

John

i auditioned at John's(jskip) house very nice set-up. Thanks again John

Thank you John for the offer and thanks to all for the responses. Where is Pattenburg? If I get out that way I'd appreciate a listen.

Rich

Pattenburg is in Hunterdon county off Rt 78. It's 5 miles west of Clinton and about 10 miles from Easton, PA. Where do you live?

If you have the time, I would highly recommend the trip. I remember the anxiety I had about spending $1600+ for something I never heard or saw. It is not the way I buy electronic equipment. It's worth a few hours for some peace of mind.

John