So, for your surrounds, you would choose the QS8s over the Studio ADP-590s if given the choice then? Do you have a 5.1 or 7.1 setup for your HT? In 7.1, would you recommend 4 QS8s? (Two for the side surrounds and two for the rear surrounds)?
Also, which Paradigm center channel did your in-laws have?
Thanks.
Yes, I would choose QS8's over ADP 590's. The 'quadripolar' driver configuration of the QS's are capable of amazing acoustical feats. Like you, the search for a better surround is what led me to Axiom initially. I was originally looking at the Paradigm Cinema series but was really unimpressed by the little Cinema ADP surrounds. I started searching and found the Axiom QS8's and then their in/on wall solution and the rest is history.
My in-laws chose the Paradigm Signature
W-Series in spite of me urging them towards Axiom. They had a much higher budget so did not mind paying more for the aesthetics of these speakers, and I have to admit they are gorgeous and well made speakers. They have the matching LCR combination using the horizontal center version. They do sound really great for on wall speakers.
I have a 7.1 setup with 4 QS8's for the side and back surround channels. I would in general recommend 4 QS8's for 7.1, but that can depend on room configuration. Some guys on the forum here have noted that if the back surrounds are quite far away you might be better at going with direct radiating speakers. My HT is fairly small and I am mostly equidistant from all 4 surround channels so QS8's all around make the most sense for my room.
Great minds...I loved Paradigm's center channel and their Sub 15 (I hear the Sub 25 is like a happy ending for your ears) but was underwhelmed with their surrounds. Like you, the QS8s intrigued me and have me considering just going with the whole Axiom line. Maybe next next week or so, it sounds like I may be able to audition a setup near my home with the M80s, a VP150, and 4 QS8s (sadly, no one in MN on the audition list has the VP 180).
As for Paradigm's Signature Series, I just keep coming back to the price, and at $2,299.00 (plus tax) USD for the Center your in-laws got, I could have 4 QS8s and a VP 180 for $1,744.20 USD, shipped. With the leftover $$, I could get the 3-Channel Emotiva Amp that I am considering and have a much cleaner and more powerful overall sound across the system. So, where they didn't, I think I will take your advice on going with the Axiom line.
Thanks for the thoughts on the 7.1 setup, that's good to know. My current room is huge (30' x 40') but, depending on where I get hired this fall, we will be moving and I don't know what my next entertainment room will look like size-wise. Given the QS8's capability to handle up to 400 watts and its high sensitivity, even if the two rear QS8s end being farther back, if I had them adequately powered, couldn't I just turn them up to compensate for the distance?
