Quote:

I had Theo over Saturday morning for an M80/EP500/QS8 demo and he hasn't been seen here since. We had a nice visit and he brought over a good reference selection of movies - U571, Phantom, Happy Feet, and I added Nemo to the mix along with some audio CD's. I thought it went well. He even left me with his SD copy of Phantom (He had several selections of SD and HD-DVD pairs) as a gift for listening to the system! Very nice I thought. I just hope he heard what he came to hear - if that makes sense.
I'd certainly be interested in his candid comments.

Scott



Hey Scott,

Again, Many thanks for being such a gracious host! To set the record right, Everything in the morning's HT demo session was Very Clean...Video, Audio and Especially Scott's hospitality (enjoyed meeting the family)!!

I came away in awe at the sheer, clean output of the Axiom Epic 80 system! Top to bottom projected with unlimited db's, an experience I'd not heard before in home theater, or Any theater for that matter!! The Emo's Pro Theater DMC-1\MPS-1 (pre\pro\power) performed effortlessly, a nice compliment of control, power and finesse in pushing the M80's and the whole Axiom 7-channel Epic 80 system! However clean it all was, the sheer dynamic capability of his system would have had me running for the remote volume (I do have very sensitive hearing)...but never the less, Impressive!!!

Outside the amazing dynamics and balance his HT audio is capable of, my "candid" and honest observations are a little on the cautious side (due to some perceived colorations). Overall audio presentation was very analytical with details and clarity throughout the midrange and extended highs...but, almost too dry for my taste and at times, appearing overly bright! Vocals were sharp and well localized, with great center dialog clarity. However, an ever present nasal midrange reminded me of horn loaded driver qualities (my 70's audio) that I am all to familiar with (seemed to come mostly from M80's). Mid bass punch (40-80hz) was a little soft, but OMG, when the EP500 kicked in, the sub audible energy below 20hz prompted me to ask Scott if he had those couch "butt-kickers" installed, the energy was Amazing!! Didn't ask, but maybe a trim setting of mid to full on the 500 could balance the deep bottom end output in his 3200cf room. I found stage depth and width very nicely balanced, with an accurate surround spread of DD5.1\7.1 throughout the listening environment! Stereo blend in 2.1 was well portrayed with seamless center images floating in a 3-D aurora of sound!

Guess I expected a little more openness and warmth from this fine audio system. I was very pressed for time and apologize if I didn't give Scott (or the Axioms) the deserved focus to discuss and demo more material. Our listening session was rushed (by me) and Yes, I did get some of my questions answered about the M80's (and the Epic 80 HT setup)!! Overall, they seem to have a fine balance with great detail and accuracy and Tons of clean output...something I remember my ADS 1290 Series II Studio masters (with their PA-1 Bi-Amped power built-in modules) as possessing. I've not had them hooked up for the past 15 years, but will soon see if age (22 years) or new room acoustics (far different and bigger than my previous listening room-1800cf vs 5300cf) will favor or destroy their past potential!! Then, I'll make my decision if maybe the M60 as mains might suite my taste better, filling out my 5.1(.2) new HT Audio setup!

Ted

Samsung 67" DLP 1080P * 2-Axiom EP500 PSW's * Emotiva UT Series Amps * Acoutimass 15's 5.1 = WOW!