I currently have a 18 x 20 room that we watch TV / movies in. We also like to entertain our friends. When this happens the stereo tends to go very loud. Everyone likes to dance and have lots of bass.
We currently have a slim line Techniques tuner / amp which puts out about 100 watts per channel. We also have a pair of Electro voice speakers.
So if we where going to replace the system, what would be the best choice for both a nice surround sound system and something that would blow the windows out when our friends want to dance?
We live between Toronto and Ottawa so if you could recommend a store or possible going direct to the factory maybe an option.
I think we would like spend $1500 ~ 2000 on a complete system.

What are your thoughts?

The Epic 60-500 Home theater will blow you away. It is just a little over your budget but well worth it.

Or was that budget to include a new surround sound receiver as well?

I would go for some tower speakers (M60s/M80s) and M2 surrounds. You can put on the "7 channel stereo" on your reciever for parties and all the speakers will play music, it really fills out the room.

I live north of Bowmanville and have an M60-based system you can listen to if you like.

I was thinking I would keep my surround sound receiver, it's just 2 years old and works well.

Do you know if I can purchase this system from the factory? I think they are located north of Toronto.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Thank you very much for the offer, but I would problely visit a store. Did you purchase your system in Bownanville? I you don't mind, what is the M60 system worth?

Thanks

Axiom does not sell their products in stores anymore, only direct. So if your not interesting in the opportunity of an in-home demo from one of the people on the Audition Thread, you will have to go to the Axiom plant, or make use of the 30 day offer.

If it were me I would love to head up to Big John's, what a nice guy.

Nice guy, yes..... but his house is being overrun by leeetle mice in leeeeeeetle Santa outfits at the moment......

Oh, I didn't realize that they only sold direct. I guess thats a good thing.

If I went to the factory with my amp / tuner do you think I could try the Epic 60 - 350 and the 500. I think the 500 maybe out of my price range.

Do you know if they ever put these units on sale? If so how much of a discount would I expect off of the suggested list price?

Thanks,

Take a look at the Factory Outlet for discounted prices.

Not sure how they do it directly at the factory... however, if you buy from their "factory outlet" over the internet and purchase an entire 5.1 or 7.1 system then you will save 15% plus they have free shipping!

The Axiom plant in located in Dwight, Ontario, It's about a 4 hour drive from Toronto, up the 400, then off to Muskoka, Nice drive in the summer, could be miserable in the winter, check weather forecast before you go.

I've been there a few times, once for listening tests and to pickup my Epic 80 system. If you pick your speakers at the plant, you will get another discount. No shipping (Make sure you take a vehicle that will handle the load, speaker boxes are quit large).

Give Noreen a call to set up a time; they will probably give you a plat tour also. That was really neat.

You can bring your Technics receiver with you, but you probably won't need it. They have very good and loud amps in their sound room that can really show off the Axiom line (however you may want to bring ear plugs, it can get very very loud).

You don't have to worry about your Technics driving them (unless you go with the M80's) as Axiom speakers are very sensitive.

When I picked up my system in the summer of 2005 I got a discount for shipping, factory outlet, and another one for buying 5 or more pieces and I still had 30 days to try it out. It was a great day!

Paul

Wow, I can't thank you enough. I'll print your reply and keep it on file.

I live in the 1000 islands area (near Kingston). I'll plan a trip with my family in the spring and come home with a mini van full. I plan for the fronts, rears, center and sub. Kids and my wife may have to ride on the roof, just kidding of coarse.

Again, thanks for taking the time to provide your insight.

Merry Christmas.

You're not kidding as the boxes for the M60's will fill the back end of pretty much any vehicle, throw in the the sub box and you will have no room for the kids.

>> but his house is being overrun by leeetle mice in leeeeeeetle Santa outfits at the moment

Hmpph. The Axiom factory probably has mice too

Just be careful, sometimes John likes to drop speaker spikes on your feet when your not looking.

Also, the box for the ep600 looks like a refrigerator box.

Hey, that only happened once.

Actually, this may be a reality. I have a Kia Sedona and needed to take out all four back seats to fit my entire Epic 60/500 system comfortably. When I recently went up to swap my system out for the new High Gloss Cherry (Minus the sub) I left the 2 middle seats in. I had 2 M60's, 1 VP150 and 4 QS8's tightly packed in there with little room for out luggage to go up north for the weekend.
I would not plan on doing a family trip to get the speakers until you got all of the box measuments from Axiom. As well, if the wife is not really into Audio it could be a killer on the deal...

Don't worry about bringing your amp/receiver with you, this will be more hassle then anything for you and Axiom. One thing to think of is JC who works there is doing a full renovation and building the first complete Axiom demo theater that may be finished when you go up. That would be ultra cool.

Now that I'm home, here's a couple of pics...



Here's the thread they're from Hay's trade in

come on, enough is enough, every time one of you guys posts pictures of the Axioms in High Gloss Cherry or Wallnut, I start to cry. Cut it out!!!

"Santa, I've been a very good boy this year, all I want for Christmas is to have my Boston Cherry Axioms turned on to High Gloss Cherry or Wallnut, please use your Christmas magic and make it happen!!!"

Hey, I can dream (or is that fantasize).

Paul