Hi,

I'm coming out of audio/video hibernation. I'm in Toronto Canada. This is a long post. You may go straight to the questions if you don't want to look at my backgorund. Actually, I've sent several emails to Axiom or private mails to some users for questions.

To make the story short, I used to be a 'hi-fi' hobbist long time ago. I still have my Threshold SA3 (Class A 25 watt each) amplifier, Threshold Fet 10e Pre-Amp, Mission Cyrus II I bought 16 years ago with KEF 105.2, 103.2 speakers with Luxman /Philip CD player for my music listening. I've a Pioneer VSX-9500S for Receiver, Yamaha / Pioneer Laserdisc (remember this?), JVC super vhs for home entertainment. It's all been put aside when my second child was borned 13 years ago. You may have the experience that with 2 little kids around, you've to work hard to make the end meets and find no time to enjoy the music.

Since then, I bought 3 sets of JVC mini hi-fi system each for my 2 children and my wife for easy listening. They still don't ready to appreciate the 'real' music. I don't mean they don't like music but they just couldn't distinguish a good system from an ordinary one. However, I'm fine as long as they enjoy it.

Now my first one just starts her first year university this September and we're back from Hong Kong for vacation (had wonderful evenings with my old hi-fi friends - we migrated in late 80's), I'm planning to revive my interest again. I also want to set up a system so they can compare with thier mini and hope they can raise their listening level.

My intention is to make use of my Threshold again. I know my Pioneer Recevier is old and outdated for HT. I'm aiming for M60Ti for music listening (though my Kef 105.2 is still okay), M40Ti as front speaker, VP150 as centre, QS8 as rear(?) for HT. My music listening room is 14 x 12 x 10(h) and my HT room is 12 x 12 x 8 (h) which open to the kitchen.

Questions:

1) What's the difference between M60Ti and M40Ti?
I've read some reviews and they said it's 'almost' the same except for mid-range and bass. Of course I know the bigger is better normally. Does it worth the $300 different?

2)Will M60Ti be too 'big' for my music room (14x12x10h)? One thing I'm worry is the one of the characteristics of Axiom speaker is clear (but this may mean sharp, hard and dry). I never audition an Axiom Speaker. Do you know anyone have Axiom speaker and wiiling to accpet 'stranger' for hearing in greater Toronto area?

3) Will I be better off to get M40TI plus a Sub for music listening? (money wise is more or less the same)

4) I'm pretty sure to get M40Ti as front in Home Theater? However, some reviews suggested to get another M40TI as centre instead of VP150. Can I put M40Ti horizontally on top of my Panasonic 53" projection TV? Will it affect the sound image?

5) Can I use my Kef Ref. 103.2 speaker to put in the rear? I'm thinking of 5.1, not 6.1 or 7.1 for the time being. Will I gain (other than money) or lose (sound quality, etc.) something if I don't go for QS8?

6)I know most of you talking about receiver. Are there a lot of choices for Home Thearte Integrated Amplifier around? My understanding of the receiver is you just add the Tuner part to the integrated amplifier to call a receiver. I never used the tuner function.

7) Can I use my existing Mission Cyrus II and Pioneer VSX-9500S to drive centre and rear speaker separately?

I apologise for such a long post. Thanks for your time.


Romeo Au