Hello all, I recently have been looking into upgrading my HTS system which is nothing compared to these systems, but I heard about Axiom and I'm very impressed by what is offered, and also by all the different posts from the different users that own these systems. Now, I need some advice.

The room I have is 23 x 12 x 7 which is 1932 cubic feet.

I went through the Axiom wizard and here is the system they recommended:

Epic 60 V4 5.1

Channel Speakers
Center VP150
Fronts M60
Surrounds QS8
Subwoofer EP500

Total = $2935

I like this system:

Epic 80 - 350
Center VP150
Fronts M80
Surrounds QS8
Subwoofer EP350

Total = $2755

On the first system they upgraded the subwoofer to the EP500 and downgraded the fronts to M60's.

On the second the Epic 80 has the EP350 for the sub and the fronts are M80's.

From all the posts is sounds like the EP500 sub is the way to go, but what about the front M60's or M80's?

Which is more important do you think? The front speakers or the sub? Also, would you all suggest any other type of setup? I'm open to anything.

I plan on purchasing this system piece by piece, starting with the sub.

I can tell you I have the m60's in a 8,000 cu ft room and they are plenty fine with my Denon 2805. Now if your into turning it up so loud that the neighbors hear it at insane levels, you might want the 80's.

From what I have read over the years it's not just a case of the M80s will get louder.

Here's a quote from Ian on the subject.

"Sonically these two models are very similar. The M80s have a dynamic quality that the M60s do not quite attain and they do go down a bit lower."

I haven't heard either set up, but I vote for the M60/EP500 package. If you like movies this will be awesome. If you like music it will be. . .well. . .awesome.

I agree, I think you would be blown away with a 60/500 setup in that room. Keep in mind if you order from the Factory Outlet, you will get 10% off, plus another 5% if you get 5 or more items. This may help....

Haha, well I don't think I'd ever turn it up that loud but why not let the whole neighborhood in on the goodness.

Personally I think I'd rather go with the M60's and apply that savings on the sub or something. So the QSR8's are a good surround speaker? I've seen some that have M22's. What would the difference be besides the QSR being a surround and an M22 a bookshelf?

The QS8s are often referred to by outside reviewers as the best surrounds you can buy at any price.

So yeah, they're decent.

Hey Blobula, where in Iowa do you live? I think we have 5-6 people now in this great state?

The Qs8's are specifically designed for surround purposes. Because they have 2 woofers firing up/down, and 2 tweeters firing left/right, all at the same time, you are totally enveloped in the experience. Direct radiating speakers (bookshelfs) can't provide the same experience. Now some people will use bookshelfs for the rear speakers in a 7.1 setup, however, for the left/right surrounds, you really want Qs4's or Qs8's.

Talk to you later.

I'm located in the city of Urbandale. I've lived in Iowa my whole life. What about you?

I like your home theatre setup. I had to wipe up the drool after I saw it. Very impressive. There was also another one on this board whose setup is amazing as well. Can't remember who now.

Seeing you live in Iowa you should get the M80s. You would be the only one in the entire state to have a set

I live in Norwalk, but grew up in Ankeny, and would be glad to give you an audition if you would like. Nickbuol lives in Pleasant Hill on the east side of town. Sonicfox lives in the Quad Cities area. There are a few others as well.

Randy

Awesome! I might have to take you up on your offer to audition the speakers sometime.

Did you design and build your HT room yourself, or did you have a company finish it?

I pretty much did all the work myself over a period of 1.5 years which involved finishing most of the basement. The only thing I hired out was the taping/mudding/texturing job.

Welcome, blobula. I'll also put my vote in for the 60/500 setup. Yes, the 80's will perform better than the 60's, but it's not a jaw dropping difference. The 500 on the other hand, is in a whole different league from the 350. It will make you giggle like a little girl when it's doing it's stuff.
60's to 80's - small performance jump. 350 to 500 - BIG performance jump.

Like you, I built my system piece by piece as well. Instead of starting with the sub, I would suggest starting with the mains, then sub, then surrounds, and lastly the center. Reason: As much as deep, shake the foundation bass is unbeleivable fun, you'll be in awe of the clairty and soundstage the mains give you. Guaranteed, you will play every one of your CD's & DVD's just to hear what you've been missing all this time.

Thanks for the feedback, it is appreciated. You all are fast on your responses...I like that!

Shawn, your right about the 500. Tonight I watched "Cars" with my 8 yr old. During the part where Frank The Combine comes out to chase down Lightning McQueen and Mater for upsetting his tractors, the room was under great pressure and the hairs on my legs almost stood up. I can't wait to get my 600.

Prior to the 500 I had a 350, it was a very good sub. My basement HT/Recroom is just so large, the 500 does a better job.

Is there any loss in quality received from buying from the outlet store?

Per the information on the site it doesn't look like there is any danger. They are just products with blemishes, nicks, etc...

Cars eh? I have 3 nephews and 2 nieces and I can't imagine how many times I've watched it with them. Lol. I bet the experience of watching it on your system was amazing Randy.

Most of us take the Factory Outlet route. All of my speakers have come from the FO, and I have yet to find a single blemish or nick. They are brand new, and have the same warranty. If your willing to wait 4-6wks (depending on the color) you save 10%. Also, when you buy 5 or more items from Axiom, you get another 5%, pretty cool.

Oh I know! The other part is at the begining when Lightning is in the trailer (in the dark) and says "I am speed", then they flash to track level and the pack of cars speed past - you can feel the room instantly pressurize. Nowhere near as deep as the Frank scene, but still pretty awesome. I love Pixar movies.

On a side note, do you think there will be that big of a difference between the 500 & 600? I was never able to do a back to back, but from what I heard/remember, the 500 owners aren't really giving much up. Except maybe a back ache from moving the 600 around.

Shawn, it was a hard decision. I kept going back and forth from getting 2 500's (to help even out response) or worry about upgradeitis in the future, and just get the 600. I've heard the 600 will play lower, and I think the bigger enclosure has to add to the performance, plus it has another 100 watts over the 500. My room is very big, and in reality I don't have to much of a frequency change from seat to seat, so I decided on the 600. I will be adding some additional column bass traps to the rear corners over the next few months.

Welcome to the forum, blobula.

I think the ideal in that room would be 80s and the EP500. However, if that isn't in the budget, here's another vote for the 60s/500 over the 80s/350.

Quote:

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I think the ideal in that room would be 80s and the EP500

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A man after my own heart