Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Help with first HT setup/purchase

Hi folks!
I am moving from an apartment to a condo and am just setting out to decide what my HT should be. Some choices I have already made:
1. Purchased Denon AVR-2309CI
2. Will buy Samsung LN52A850 or LN46A850 (still need to figure out if the 52 is too big for my place)

I am still looking into speakers, and came across Axiom. Have read many great reviews and just need to think what would be right for my location. I have attached a picture of my new condo with as much information as I could fit in. I haven't decided where I would put the tv yet, but am considering attaching it to the wall with next to the rectangular column (the square with the 'H' on it').

With that said, I was thinking of two different choices from what Axiom offers:
1. Axiom Epic Grand Master - 175
2. EP175 + VP100 + 2 x QS8 + 2 x M60

Both configs would be within my budget, but with option 2 I may think about purchasing some components up front and adding on afterwords.

From a current situation, I live in a small junior 1 bedroom apartment and use my computer (with 5.1 sound) for music and movies. This will be my first HT, and I want to make sure it is done right while obviously not overdoing it since it is just a condo. I will be getting a Blu-ray player shortly afterwords (looking at several models, but am still probably a month away from making a decision), but the system will be used for movies and music. From a music standpoint, I have a fair mix of tastes, but tend towards alt/hard rock and guitar oriented (acoustic and electric).

So what does anyone think/recommend?

Thanks in advance.


[img]http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=floorplangl2.jpg[/img]

Welcome to the forum TooManyCables

What are your room dimensions? This can give us a better idea on what setup would work best in your situation.

Cheers ,

Dr. House

Sorry, just updated my post with an image. I have all the info in there, but let me know if more is needed.

Thanks.

Do you have your heart set on towers because if I am reading that correctly (and I hope to think that I am) a pair of bookshelves like the M22v2 might do the trick. I would then use the money saved on the speakers and upgrade to the EP350 or EP500.


M22
VP150
QS4
EP350

M22
VP100
Axiom QS8
EP350

Cheers,

Dr. House

Thanks.

Towers or bookshelves, no real priority at this point. Just checking my options. From reading other posts and viewpoints, I was still a little uncertain because of my condo size. Actually had the inspection yesterday, so saw what the 'real' measurements were. Biggest concern was for maximum enjoyment with minimal interference to neighbors.

You think the M22 and EP350 would be a good combo?

The M22 and EP350 would be an amazing combo. I think no matter what you choose, if you play your movie or music really loud, there is not doubt it will probably be disruptive to your neighbours. As long as you calibrate your system with a SPL meter correcly and keep the volume knob under control you should be fine. Maybe invite them over for a few movies :).

Cheers,

Dr. House

I guess my only concern was that bookshelves may not be good enough to give you a true, deep experience.

I guess my level of loudness would be at a moderate level. My old system (again just my pc) was ok, but a lot of times I would need to turn it up really loud to get good exposure to what I was listening to: too loud would just drown things out anyway. With music, it was reasonable, and anything too loud would just become noise anyway: my pc has a nice set of Altec Lansing speakers that served their purpose but it wasn't like my small apartment could help with the experience that much. I mean, it was just a computer based system so I was never expecting a lot, but it served it's purpose.

The biggest concern I had was that whatever I choose would give me a nice range of listening options (soft to hard) while not increasing the knocks on the door to turn it down. Not that I would blast my system volume, but I want to make sure I don't loose any pleasure for those things that would call for increased volume.

Not sure if that makes sense

Another welcome TooManyCables. I agree with the doc. The M22s would do quite well in your space. When I compared the M22+EP350 to the M60 I found them to be very similar (except for the lower bass the EP350 delivered.

Some have found the M22 a little thin compered to the M60, but in a room your size I don't think that would be the case.

The EP350 is an absolute must. The 175 just dosn't deliver enough bass, even in a room your size. When listening to LOTR, the 175 at full volume did not give much rumble and shake in a 20x12x8 room. The 350 at 1/3 was quite an experience!

Check out the hearing things forum to see if there is anyone in your area that can give you an audition on either the M22 or M60.

Whatever you choose, you are in for a treat compared to the Altecs.

Cool, Thanks!

So now I am leaning towards the 22/350.

So from the original 2 Doc suggestions:
M22
VP150
QS4
EP350

M22
VP100
Axiom QS8
EP350

What are the thought on the VP150/QS4 vs VP100/QS8? Much difference or fairly equivalent?

I do not think there will be a huge difference between the two in your particular room. When it comes to timbre matching your mains with the centre channel, Axiom recommends the VP150 with the M22's. As for the QS4's and QS8's both will work great in your case. The only minor differences between the two is that the QS8's can provide more output and go a bit deeper (from what I have been told). I own the QS4 and I find them to be excellent performers in a medium sized room. The QS surrounds are something special :).

Cheers,

Dr. House

What is your budget? Also, keep in mind if you order from the factory outlet, you get 10% off plus the normal 5%...

I would also consider m60's for your mains.

I vote for the M22/350 combo first and then if you do not like the sound or feel it to be lacking, you can always upgrade to the M60s. I have the M22s and just recently hooked them up in the main HT with my big PB13 Ultra and it sounds very good in there right now; not as good as the M80's/PB13 but very good.

Thanks for all the replies.

I am feeling good now with Dr.House's suggestion of the following:

M22
VP150
QS4
EP350

After doing some more reading on the forum, it seems right for the size, etc. Looking at the FO, I can get the full set for just under 2k which would be fine.

To jakewash's point, if I don't like the sound I can always go the upgrade route. Still have some time before a final decision, but this is looking like a winner. Thanks for all the input.

Any other comments, feel free to chime in.

Looks very promising as a setup! You will probably get more than you expect (I know I did and I was expecting a lot).

That setup should do quite well in your room and provide plenty of "wow" factor . To say this will be a big improvement on your previous computer setup is an understatement . I hope you are pleased with your Axioms as much as I am.

Cheers ,

Dr. House

If your not going to go with a better bass producing speaker like the m60's, that is ok. I would still get Qs8's over 4's.

What finish are you thinking about getting?

Dr. House

I'm thinking just the simple black oak. I looked at the samples, and they really didn't do that much for me. They have a lot of nice combinations, but I am not looking for anything too extravagant or showie. I'm still working out the rest of the furniture for my place (centered on the home theater from the get go ). I think the black would complement the tv and any other choices I may make furniture-wise.

From a QS4 vs QS8 point of view, I think I will try the 4's first. If they don't work out I can always upgrade, but I think from what I have been reading and the recommendations from you guys I think it should fit well with the other components and the size of my place.

Cables -

Just to add one more opinion, I agree with the advice provided earlier and your current choice for your order. The nice thing with Axiom (in the past at least) is that if you want to upgrade from one speaker to another (i.e. the M22 to M60, or the QS4 to QS8), they'll even pick up the return shipping on the original speakers before sending you the new ones.

Assuming that's still the case, you have even less risk to try the system you've outlined first before deciding to spend more money from the outset. I don't believe you'll be disappointed with what you've chosen.

Given your screen name, I'm assuming you're done with your cable shopping, but if not, be sure to check out MonoPrice.com for your cabling needs. They offer great quality at a very reasonable price.

Happy shopping. Let us know if you have more questions.

Jason

I just want to know how you get into the master bedroom....there's no door???

lol

I was still updating it based on my condo inspection from yesterday. Maybe a hidden door a la Batman?

Thanks for the site reference. Still need to get cables, so good to know.

Graeme, maybe that's why the condo was so affordable?

These are my two recommendations for cables. Either of these companies will fit all your cable needs .

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

That was my reason for choosing black as well. I didn't have the money for the HG cherry or burled wallnut.

Toomanycables,


I'm a little late to the party and a lot of opinions have been expressed already, but I wanted to get my $.02 in. Agreed on the cables, I have almost all monoprice in my system and I wouldn't imagine paying more.

I also have almost the exact system you are considering:
M22
VP100
QS8
Outlaw LFM-1 EX (specwise pretty close to 350 and has been compared, but I haven't heard it myself)

In my approx 12x20x8' room that combo rocks my room. I haven't heard the Axiom tower speakers, but with a proper subwoofer the M22's precision is paired with great bass.

The QS8's are amazing. My Brother in law just got the QS4's and without extensive listening I found them to be quite nice as well. I don't think you'd go wrong, but for $100 you get a larger cabinet and two 5.25" woofers vs. two 4" woofers, which can make a difference. Either way though they envelope the listener in a way that I haven't ever heard any other surround speaker do.

You'll be amazed any way you go with the system, Axiom doesn't make a bad product.

p.s. could the master bedroom be a (jedi) master bedroom? that would explain the confusing entrance.

I was originally looking at the cables through Axiom, so the re-directs are perfect. Thanks.

I think for what I have seen, the QS4 should do nicely; I can always go from there if need be. I think the black oak is nice and simple: except for possible tonal quality of the wood, the other colours look nice but aren't really me.

I managed to save enough for the speakers by having that hidden bedroom. They said if I can figure the way in, I get the extra room for free. I'm hoping that if the bass is strong and low enough from the speakers, the wall will just give from the vibrations

You and Jackie Chan have surprisingly similar taste...

Jackie Chan's Jedi Fortress

That was pretty cool!

Someone posted it here a few weeks ago and your comment reminded me of his place. Amazing what you can do with loads of cash!

By the way, on choosing BlueJeans versus Monoprice, either one will do you well... MonoPrice is generally cheaper, so must of my cables are from there. However, I did buy my HDMI cable from there because they were one of the few companies (at the time) to have tested and rated their cables for operation at that length.

Either one will be bueno.

Jason

When in doubt going black is always a good choice. It gives you lots of options for your decor. BTW the EP350 should do an ample job filling in the low end for music as well as movies.
Let us know when you have placed your order .

Dr. House

Will do.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

One additional question. I am about to make the purchase, and am thinking about stands for the surrounds. Any comments on the FMSQS Stand?

Thanks.

I have them. They are not high enough by themselves (risk of falling over when pushed if they were higher). But I have 2-feet high benches and the stand on them. Did you consider ceiling mounting with the flexible all-metal bracket Axiom sells?

Not sure I want to do ceiling mounts. With the wires and everything, thinking it may be too much.

But your opinion is the stands are too short on their own?

Yes and it is intentional (because of the balance issue). It is not terrible (I did have them on their own for a while), but QS8 do a better job if they are at 2-3 feet above ear level. The stand brings them at ear level.

Apart from that, the stand is made of two columns to take the down-firing driver into consideration (unique design). I am still planning (I only have had them for 14 months!) to buy and use some nice furniture to use as base. But my EP500 is firing through the legs of the QS8 so I will need to be creative!

Nice, thanks. I will need to think about this a little more.

Hi,

I used sanus HF-1 stands for my QS-4s, which is the max weight they can take.

Here is a link Sanus HF-1

I dont think it would be able to take the weight of a QS-8. But this stand goes up to 58 inches .

I can put a picture of mine if that helps

Sam

Thanks Sam. Decided to hold off on the stands and see what I have to work with once I have the speakers in hand.

Just pulled the trigger

Ordered:
2x M22 - Black Oak
2x QS4 - Black Oak
EP350 - Black Oak
VP150 - Black Oak

Now the fun begins. Thanks all for the help in this.

WOOOHOOOOOO!!

You can say that again

Congrats on a system you're bound to enjoy for years to come! Now the tough part...the wait...

Tomorrow should be a fun day!

Sounds sexy :D! Congratulations on your purchase TooManyCables and welcome to the family . I hope you enjoy your Axioms as much as I do . If you have any more questions please lets us know.

Now the waiting game, congrats again

Dr. House

Thanks folks!

Ordered my cables from mono, so just need to wait and get everything together and setup. Ordered a 46 inch Samsung 850 lcd as well, so I can't wait to get my big picture and sound.

Now just need to finalize the furniture and then I will be all set

That is going to be one kick-ass home theatre setup.

Very nice indeed!

Dr. House

Furniture.... you don't need no stinking furniture! You have your priorities all wrong... don't you need an amp or something first?

Jason

Mono shipped very fast to me and I'm in Canada!

Jason is right. I finally admitted Summer is over and got back to work on the new HT room last night. Everything for inside the room pre-exists or has been purchased.....Except furniture.

I hate it when summer’s over. Guess I’ll have to dig up some real shirts to wear over my T-shirts in a couple months.

As someone posted elswhere here... Furnture? We don't need no stinkin furniture! Unless, of course, its an EP800 bench.

I figure sitting on the floor would be kind of hard on the assets after a while. Plus, it's not a real show unless you can kick back and relax in a comfy chair

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