I'm a first timer looking to start upgrading my kenwood HTIB.Plan on starting with the front and center speakers.Need sugestions on whether to go with the Axiom M22 and VP150 or Infinity Beta 50 floorstanding and Beta C360 center. I have already bought a Velodyne VRP-1200 sub and have a Kenwood VR616 reciever(which I plan on upgrading this spring)I only have roughly 1K budget for the 5 needed speakers and am trying to make an informed decision based only on reviews. current room is 13x15x8 and need some opinions.Will be used for 5.1 movies and music.

I'm a little confused, although many will tell you the 22's combined with a sub are killer, why are you comparing the Infinity Beta 50 (floorstanding) speaker to 22's (bookshelves)?

I would think you would want to compare to another floorstanding design. The Infinity's have dual 8" woofers, so you might want to compare against something that might compare in the bass dept.

I believe the Beta's run about 650-700 pair if you look around online. they list for around $800 if I recall correctly. The m50's can be had for around $660/pair and the m60's at $860/pair if you order from Axioms Factory Outlet and save 10%. Five or more items from Axiom will get you another 5% off the order, but I'm not sure your ready to do that...

well the m22's were recommended by JC of Auxiom for my room size.But I don't know whether to go with book shelf or floor standing.I found Beta 50's online for $550 shipped

Jimmy,

since you already have a sub, you should go with M22's. Their performance is incredible. Soundstage, clarity, transparency... it has everything you need, and they are very easy to drive.

The floorstanding Infinity's would be better without a sub, as they'd offer more bass.

My Room is Close to yours and i have the Mi22's an VP150 an the QS8's an all i can say is Dazzling , i love em i hate going anywhere else to watch a game or jus TV the Sound is too Bland i also have a SVS 25-31+ Sub an it smokes . So in your Case u have a Receiver an a Sub go ahead an get the Mi 22's an VP 150 in Factory Outlet to save a few Bucks an don't worry Factory Outlet u won't b able to tell the Difference an save up for the QS8's they are worth it

Jimmy, you can stay within your $1,000 budget and possibly get all five speakers at this time. In your size room with that good sub M22 mains with a vertical M2 center should work very well. QS4 surrounds can be added to be eligible for the 5% discount for five items ordered together. If you can order from the Outlet and get the 10% discount the total would be under $900.

Thanks for all the input! It looks like the m22's and the vp150 won. I was leaning towards them anyway. Now about the surrounds,is there that much difference between the qs4's and the qs8's.This is my one and only shot at an upgrade and I want to make sure I'm getting the best I can for what I have to spend.I may be able to squeeze a little more into it if the extra money is worth it.

I have not heard the Qs4's, but I think most will tell you the Qs8's will give you better performance overall.

The Qs8's 400W max amp power, versus 175W on the Qs4's.

The Qs8's have a little better low end freq response, most likely to their dual 5.25" woofers versus the 4" woofers on the Qs4's.

Don't get me wrong, the Qs4's are mighty fine and have a proven track record, the Qs8's are just their bigger brother. Maybe if you order everything from the Factory Outlet, that will help you make your decision.

Jimmy,

I assume that you are trying to get the most speaker for your money. I have M22s in a slightly larger room than yours and they do a fine job. One thing to remember when considering your options between bookshelves/floorstanders is that most tower speakers can be run in 2 channel mode without the use of a sub. If your ok with running the sub full time, bookshelf speakers are fine. If not, you should look at the beta 50s a little closer. Another thing you have probably considered is that the low price on the infinity setup is probably from an unauthorized dealer, whereas the Axioms are coming directly from the manufacturer with a record of having a stellar customer service history.