Hi all,

I had my mind set on Klipsch, but after an audition I was not as impressed as I thought I would be. So now I am looking at axiom. Looking to get either the M80's and build around those or purchase 1 of the home theater systems. How much difference is there between the HT system and the M80's with surrounds..(sorry don't have all the model numbers.) Most of the use will be for movies and sports. About 25% will be for parties as this will be in the basement. My room is 14' by 26' by 8' on one side there is a half wall that joins to my bar. I will be driving these with a Marantz 6003 AV. I would like to say that money is not an object but it is. When you add up the price of purchasing M80's, a 150, surrounds, and a sub... the HT package looks much better. Will 2 channel listening suffer?

Thnaks in advance.

Chris, welcome. Your question isn't entirely clear. Some of the systems include the M80s, and of course they're the same speakers as when bought individually, so there shouldn't be any hesitation in saving money with the package deal.

Welcome Chris, I think you will find the prices for the individual speakers vs the HT packages work out to the same price (once you place an order there is a 5% discount for 5 items = same as HT price). You can also save $$ by going through the factory outlet as well and if somehow you can pick up the speakers yourself as a few people do, you will get a further discount. I auditioned Klipsch recently, and like some, felt they were rather bright after 10-15 minutes although I liked the bass. Again...the individual speakers are no different than what is offered in the packages...I think Axiom just makes things easier to see by recommending various packages, $$ is the same.

I'm a little confused as well. Any Axiom setup will blow away any HTIB system you'd buy at any retail chain.

I agree. A bit confused here too. Axiom does not sell HTIB setups. They just have some nicely configured "bundles" that are far above and beyond a HTIB...

What other questions can we answer for you. Ask away. You will get a lot of help here.

Chris, your question is rather ambiguous....you were comparing buying speakers from Axiom vs buying an HT package from Axiom correct? Clarifying this will generate more discussion and help from a good group of guys here.

Nice setup fellas. I'll bring it home from here.
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Well, I'm not confused at all, but I haved absolutely no idea what any of you are talking about.

Yeah, I did not see that Axiom offered the set with M80's... it was late and I was not paying attention. Even though there is no receiver there are package deals which kinda makes it like a HITB. I guess I should have asked why should I buy Axioms. I cannot listen to them (KC is the closest place I can go). How do they sound compared to the Klipsch RF-63...or any Paradigms? FredK here is your big chance to bring it home. Don't disappoint.

I asked the same question about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Why Axiom?
Check the link.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=238133#Post238133

I placed my order on Monday and upgrsded it yesterday. I bought the Epic 80-350 from the Outlet Store at a nice discount. Can't wait to get it.

Best of luck trying to decide!

I listened to the Klipsch RF-82 but they were in a different room from the others I auditioned that day. I don't remember what I thought and din't write anything down for them. It seems that they weren't memorable.
Ilistened to Paradigm Studio 60's which I liked. The M80's are supposed to be closer to the Studio 100's for less than half the price. So I figured I go for these and see what happens. I guess I could always return them.

HTIB are small crappy cube speakers with a cheap receiver you buy from places like Best Buy, American Electronics, Walmart, etc.

Axiom makes audiophile grade speakers that can be purchased individually or as a package, either way they are the same great speakers.

I would say Axioms are better than Klipsch, uness you like the bright Horn sound from Klipsch. In regards to Paradigm they would be most similar to the "Studio" line. Or, if your familiar with B&W, the 60's and 80's are like the 703's or better.

Like Randy says a HTIB usually refers to an all in one package the includes the receiver and speakers. They're not all necessarily "crappy" but you will indeed find Axiom has better, much better, quality and sound than any of the HTIB units.

With that receiver I think you should consider the M60s instead of the M80s due to the 4 ohm rating. It's not to clear if the Marantz can handle the load.

Chris, the consensus is that the Axiom M80s are very similar in sound to Paradigm's Studio 100s. That is to say they have an excellent soundstage, detail (but not bright) and can play very loud if needed. Biggest difference is the $$. I auditioned the Studio 100s recently and was very impressed by their range and detail...I also auditioned the Klipsch RF series in the last week and concluded that I thought they sounded good initially, nice bass and range, however the highs became somewhat annoying after a good 10-15 min. of listening (that's my ears, not necessarily yours). I believe if Klipsch were to tone back their highs a little, they would garner a few more fans. The M80s are usually compared to much more pricey speakers such as the Studio 100s or some of the B&W's. How's that Fred?

I know they are audiophile grade speakers I still think $4000 is alot of jack to blow on something that I cannot here. Sirquack I listened to the B&W's next to the Klipsch's. I liked them, they were way out of my budget. No bass in the Klipsch. They were driving them with a Rotel and I was still unimpressed. I am really leaning towards the M80 setup. I have read reviews, and here only good things about them. I just want to be sure that as I cant listen. I just finished my dedicated HT. 14x26x8. Do you think the Marantz 6003 would be a good choice. If not what else. Thanks.

I suffer from tinitus..aka my ears ring all the time so that would be a no go on the Klipsch

Your not alone there, me too. You would likely enjoy the Axioms. As for a receiver goes there is a big Denon following here when the M80s are the speaker of choice. They are a known performer.

Awesome. Just up the threadjacking a little and you're all set. The crop of '08 is going to be great!

Check This thread to see if there is someone near your area that you could do an audition with.

I'd also never hesitate to advise somebody to order the speakers and try them out and take advantage of their 30 day return policy if you don't like them. I can't imagine anyone ever returning them after listening to them but at least the option is there.

[quote=fredk]

I'm still working on that one Fred, hey did you watch the Leaf game last night ?

Havn't followed the Maple Laughs since about '74. I saved up my pennies from the cancelled cable and bought Axioms.

That way I didn't have to worry about the budget and M60/M80 choice.

Mmmmmwwaahaaahaaaa!!......hijacking in progress!!....