Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Help an Audiophile Virgin pop his cherry.

Yes, I also called and spoke with an Axiom Rep. The info provided me was the following: Fronts; the suggestion was to go with the M60's due to the fact I have 2 kids 7 & 11 around. The M22's on stands are a bit top heavy and may or will toppple if "hit". Next was the center. The suggestion was based on rm dimensions, and viewing distance to TV, I would be able ti utilize the VP100. Any user comments from the forum on this? The rears they suggested the QS8's.
Now for the receiver, I had it narrowed to the HK AVR 525. Then I got some info on the PIONEER ELITE 53TX or the 55TXi.
The 55TXi is MUCH more costly, has a few more extras. BUT, both of these have MACC. Which auto calibrates the system. This would help me. The only drawback to the Pioneer's is they do not power 4 ohm speakers. This only comes into play should I or anyone look into using the M80's. So with all this vast info, research, I hope to make a final decision and order by this week.

Hi Davey,

I faced a similar "active child" problem vis-a-vis the mains. There is certainly nothing wrong with the M60s! But if you want to save a little bit of money, here is another alternative that I have found to be extraordinarily sturdy: the M22s plus 20" Atacama Nexus stands filled with shot. The Atacamas are available from Audio Advisor. One regular-sized bag of regular-sized shot will fill the main post of both stands; blue poster-tak holds the speakers to the stands with suprising force. My stands have been violently jarred many times and have never fallen (knock on wood). The advantage of this arrangement is that it will save you a bit of money: $400 (M22s) + $125 (stands) + maybe $12 for the bag of shot, as opposed to $800 for the M60s. So you'd save around $250.

At this point, one relevant question (which I cannot answer, having never heard the M60s) is whether the M60s are "$250 better" than the M22s, given your needs. I'd be interested in other listeners' opinions on this question, as upgrade fever always lurks in the background.

I noted the CSF? (child safety factor) above and ultimately went with the M60s. Are they worth the extra $250? Well, one reason I kept the 60s is that I felt they filled my room a little better (nearly 30' long) but that's only part of the story. I think the main reason I kept them, and I KNOW its why I'm glad I made that decision is their stereo performance!! I initially set up my HT system for something like 90% DVD 5% TV and 5% music. But, after experiencing the M60s in stereo!!, everyday I am trying to find more and more ways to spend my time down there listening to plain CDs and old vinyl. Well, that's my 2c.

Davey, the Pioneers have no problem with 4ohm speakers.

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Davey, the Pioneers have no problem with 4ohm speakers.

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Yup! Been there, done that... with my 45TX.

Davey..I am about the same place you are on deciding on a receiver purchase. The forum guys here have been extremely helpful and understanding of a non-sudiophile's question...although I've always understood the only dumb question is the one that doesn't get asked...I've looked at the Pioneer 45tx, 53tx and 55tx and compared it to the new Yamaha RX-V1400 at Sushi's suggestion...on paper I'm more impressed with the features of the Yamaha than anything in my price range including the H/K, Denon, Okyno, etc.

My .02, the i-link feature on the Pioneer's is a big plus. Having to purchase and connect 6 separate interconnects for DVD-A/SACD is a pain in the butt (not to mention expensive!)

That's the one thing I really wish my Rotel gear had. One cable for DVD-A/SACD would be sweeeeet!