Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners What should I listen to?

After reading so many good reviews on this site and others, I am starting to think about getting the Epic Grand Master system for my home theater. I currently have a Kenwood HTB 504 system and I have been very happy with it. It really only falls short for musicals and of course music listening in general. I will continue using the VR507 receiver and just upgrade the speakers. My main concern will be movies, but I will use it for music as well and have gotten into DVD audio a little. I have 3 questions.
1. Can I get away with using the powered sub that comes with the HTB-504 and just upgrade the front and rear, or does this sub really suck?
2. My room is only 16 x 12, but it is open on one long side - will this cause any problems that may want me to re-think the setup?
3. I know Axiom has a generous tryout period, but is there a speaker I can go listen to at a store that would be close to the Axiom setup I am interested in? Even if it is more expensive, I would like to hear what a "bright" speaker sounds like to make sure I will like it (I know, upgrading from the Kenwood, anything is an improvment :-)).
Thanks in advance for your help.
Barry

where are you located? there may be axiom owners near you.

I live in Coral Springs, FL

If I were you, I'd get the M22's as mains, the vp100 center, the QS4 surrounds, and I'd purchase a Hsu VTF-2 subwoofer. The first time you hear this setup you'll pee yourself with delight - be sure to be wearing some Depends.

In total that setup will cost you $1430. A really good subwoofer is EXTREMELY important. Don't skimp on that. The two names that come up repeatedly are Hsu and SVS. Personally I have the Hsu and love it, I haven't heard the SVS. From what I've heard both are great - the Hsu being more "musical and tight" and the SVS being able to produce bigger sound. It's a matter of preference.

As far Axiom's being called "bright". That's not a good description. Crisp, Clear, and detailed is more apt. The closest I heard when shopping around was the Energy C-3. Though side by side, the M22 is much clearer. Alone the C-3 sounded great, but compared A/B with the M22, it sounded a bit muddy.

Depending on your budget, from there you could upgrade the M22's to M60's for a bit bigger sound. Hsu also has a VTF-3 subwoofer that sounds just like the VTF-2, but can go lower and louder. (Unless you are in a big place, or like to completely shake the house, the VTF-2 is probably enough though)

the best advice i could offer is that you take advantage of the in home trial,and if you are even half as happy with your purchase as i am of mine,you will throw away the boxes the speakers came in and never look back.i took a chance by ordering without hearing my speakers and it was well worth it.i even feel like i made a discovery,you might too.good luck.............Ron

Try listening to the Paradigm Reference 20. It is supposed to be pretty close in sound to the M22.

Ditto. Check return shipping costs, weebo, though you probably won't be returning anything.

With my M60s I hear everything. I particularly enjoy listening for the different instruments in recordings now. Even when those instruments are in the background, they are clear and distinguishable.

My advise is to take a "staggered" approach. For example, you can first order just a pair of the M22 alone and try them as the front L/R in your existing setup. The 4-week trial will tell you plenty about how the Axioms sound in general. Even if you decided that you do not like them, the return shipping would be modest just for the M22's.

I also second that once you upgrade your main speakers to a high-performance set such as the Axioms, you will sooner or later want to upgrade the sub as well. A good sub makes a huge difference not only in the bass but in the entire soundstage. I recommend the Hsu subs, too.

But these upgrades do not have to happen at once. In fact, my experience tells that it is more "fun" to upgrade your components one by one over a certain period, so that each time you can appreciate the improvements brought by a new piece of equipment.

Thank you everyone for the advise. I found a store near me that has the Paradigm in stock, so I make take a ride to listen to those. I am leaning toward ordering the Axiom system without that demo first, however. I will probably go for the entire system, just to take advantage of the discount. Not sure about the sub yet though, have to think about that.
Barry

I ordered M60s, demo-ed them and then ordered the rest of my system later. Axiom allowed me the 5% discount even though it was in two separate orders. Might be worth asking.