Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Advice Please

Well it seems that DVD-A and SACD have been very well explained, I guess that leaves me with the fun part of suggesting some gear.

If you want to go the all-in-one receiver route, here's a suggestion:

Axiom M60ti mains $800
Axiom VP150 center $315
Axiom QS8 surrounds $470
Hsu VTF-3 subwoofer $850
Pioneer VSX-43TX receiver $553 (crazy eddies)
Pioneer DV-47Ai cd/dvd/sacd $571 (crazy eddies)

Both those Pioneer pieces have a $1200 retail price, so those are some real bargains. The reciever includes the much praised auto EQ feature. The player does every format you can imagine.

Going with separates:

Axiom M60ti mains $800
Axiom VP150 center $315
Axiom QS8 surrounds $470
Hsu VTF-3 subwoofer $850
Rotel RSP-1066 processor $1000 (audiogon.com)
Rotel RMB-1075 120x5 amp $800 (audiogon.com)
Denon DVD-2900 cd/dvd $1000 (you can find it cheaper)

I personally have this Rotel setup (sans the Denon). It's wonderful!

The Rotel pieces are readily available on www.audiogon.com Rotel recently released a new flagship processor (the 1098) and many audiophiles have been making the upgrade, so lots of 1066's are available on the used market now. The Denon 2900 is another universal player that's garnered tons of praise. The Pioneer would work just fine with the Rotel, the only reason I mentioned it was to let you know there are numerous universal players available. The Denon 2900 is bar far the most popular. (and it's going to be available in silver now!)

The choice of the M60ti speakers is assuming your sitting postion will be at least 10' back. If you're going to be closer, you may want to think about the M22ti's.

Thanks for all the recommendations folks this is very helpful!

So as I understand it DVDA, SCAD, only support 5.1 speaker layout?

Is the 6.1,7.1,8.1 only used for DVD-Video?

I ask since I'm wondering about the advantages of more surround speakers like a 6,7,8.1 layout and if I'd really use it given it seems most movies are 5.1?

Thanks, EL

I HIGHLY recommend that you start off with 5.1.

I was running a 5.1 setup with some Polk LS f/x di-pole surrounds. I was never all that terribly impressed with 5.1. So I bought a second amp (Rotel RB-1070) and then purchased some QS8 surrounds to replace the Polks, and also a pair of M2i's to throw in the rear for 7.1.

I've got to tell you, the QS8's are so good, I truly feel I could have stuck with 5.1, and saved myself the expense of the second amp and rear speakers.

So...try 5.1 with the QS8's first. If you still feel you need some more sound behind you, then grab some speakers for the rear.

Crazy Eddie has a horrible reseller rating. >Lots of complaints for the same reasons.

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Also, if you're going to hang out here, don't bother asking about cables or speaker wires. The combative consensus is that you're wasting your money if you use anything better than string.

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Now, now 2X6spds! I don't think "everyone" is combative about wire. I for one enjoy hearing everyone's opinions (and I try to keep an open mind) even if I don't agree with them. It makes for a more interesting board.

And btw Eldwynn, wheather you buy expensive wire or inexpensive wire make sure they are well made.

P.S. "string" now thats pretty funny.

The 43TX doesn't have auto EQ and isn't otherwise notable. I wouldn't include it in my list.

www.etronics.com has the Pioneer uni-player for $608, they've also got the VSX-43tx for $485. I believe they've got a pretty good rep.

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The 43TX doesn't have auto EQ and isn't otherwise notable. I wouldn't include it in my list.

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Hmmm, it said it did in the product description.

ahh...just looked again. Tricky wording. It has "Manual MCCAC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration Circuit) coaches you through fine-tuning your system to your listening room's environment-until the receiver and your speakers are perfectly aligned."

Sounds like the same thing, only you have to make the adjustments yourself rather than the entire process being automated. ???

I have a 43TX and I absolutely love it. The description of the MCCAC is exactly correct. The 43TX does not have a built in microphone (like the 45TX), or an external micrrophone (like the 53TX) to automatically calibrate your speaker levels. You need an SPL meter (or your ear, I suppose) and you adjust the levels manually, but it works quite well. And yes, it generates various tones and between pairs of speakers at a time, and you fine tune the levels at each point.

Thanks for the advice on cables! This will certainly help save some $'s. Any tips on what to look for in determining a quality, well made cable?

O.K. so the general consensus is M22's plus a good sub or M60 and sub provided the room is large enough with a minimum 10’ separation. Can anyone familiar with both the M22 and M60 comment on their differences other than the M60's obvious improved lower end. Do the M60's have the same clarity, detail, timbre in the mids and highs as the M22’s are famous for, or are the M22's clearly better in this range?

Thanks, El