Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners On Wall Solution for HT - Need Advice!

Hi cb919,

Welcome to the Axiom forum. I'm delighted that Listener compared the sound of his W22s to Paradigm's Studio 100, but it doesn't surprise me.

I do most of the double-blind listening tests for existing and new models of Axiom speakers, and I can assure you that the W22s did not receive my go-ahead for production until in the blind tests vs. the M22s, the W22s received similar scores and rankings.

In the tests, when I write down "similarly good" to two different models (remember, I don't know what I'm listening to) and my preferences often change just with different music but the scores are so close that there is no statistical difference, then the speakers are essentially identical sounding.

As to the Paradigm Studio series, I own a pair of Studio 20s, and the M22s or W22s are virtually indistinguishable from the Studio 20s. I have a slight preference for the bit of extra detail I hear from the W22s, but when I pair them up on my own A/B switcher, I often forget which I'm listening to.

The W3s are really nice; the W22s have a bit more midrange detail and will handle a bit more peak power because they use three rather than two drivers. I'd recommend the W3s if you don't use a subwoofer because the W3s have a bit of a boost in the 100-Hz region that subjectively sounds like more bass when used on their own, without a sub.

I think you'll be thrilled with the sound of the W22s paired with a good subwoofer (the EP350 v3 has wonderful deep bass extension and power; it comes remarkably close to the EP500). The 500 goes a little bit deeper, is more linear, and is more powerful for very large rooms.

Regards,

You could also save money with a different brand of sub. Are you in the states?

Well keep in mind that the w-22 is not a full range floor standing speaker. I think most people would not compare the two speakers to each other as the studio 100s have an obvious advantage. But for me since I could not spare the floor space it was a good comromise. You're not going to get the same full range sound and the imaging will also not be the same as with the 100s, but it is still incredible especially for an on wall speaker. My room is about 25'x 20' x 8'. The speakers work great in a room this size. I now believe that there is no such thing as overkill for the subwoofer. I have never heard the m3s but have heard that they are slightly warmer than the m22s and have a little more bass.

The great thing about axiom is that you have 30 days to try them out. I honestly do not think you will be dissapointed. Even though I wish i had bought a larger sub I'm not really dissapointed plus I know I can still squeeze more performance out of the sub with better placement.

Listener - I am definitely integrating a sub with my setup - I am not letting all my soundproofing efforts go to waste! It's just that the Studio lineup was not in the cards for me so never thought to compare that level of speaker with the W-series.

Rick - I live in Ontario, Canada. Axiom sub prices look reasonable to me, but I am open to suggestion.

Allen - As the resident Axiom expert, what's your opinion of mating the W-3's or W-22's with a VP100/150 as Worfzara suggested to avoid installation issues? Is there a way to secure a VP to the wall directly?

You are all very helpful - thank you!!!

Darn, if you were in the states the choices would be a little different. I'll let the boys up there give you some ideas.

Paradigm 3100/3200/3400DSP, Energy/Mirage or PSB. The HSU, SVS, and Outlaw subs are very good choices, unfortunately they can be a little pricy once they cross the border. I chose the P'digm DSP3400 myself, roughly $730 Cdn but you can most definately get it for around $700. This sub, as the name implies, has the DSP chip and 300 watts continuous power which should be good with your Axioms, or the DSP3200 would be over $100 less but with the same power (except with a 12" driver vs the 3400's 14") and won't reach quite as low. I believe the Energy and Mirage speakers are more-a-less the same thing, now that Klipsch took them over. They might be worth looking at too.

Hi again cb,

The only way to mount a VP150 or VP100 to the wall is with the Axiom Full Metal Bracket, which has a bolt that screws directly into a recessed threaded inset on the rear panel of the 100 or 150 so you don't have to drill holes into the speaker's back panel. The bracket brings the speaker within a few inches of the wall behind it, and it tilts up or down so you can aim the center speaker towards the listening area if it's above or below the video display.

In terms of tonal balance, you can certainly mix the W22s with a VP100 or VP150 center rather than use the in-wall/on-wall W100 or W150, which require cutting a hole into the wall, as does the W22.

Regards,

Alan

cb19. If you live anywhere close to Axiom, I would recommend you go up and give the speakers a listen directly at the factory. For a smaller speaker, you could even order a set of both the W3 and W22 and compare them in your home. The cost of shipping a pair back should not be that much.

The only US base sub company that has reasonably priced products in Canada is SVS. Their products are sold by Sonic Boom Audio.

You can also build a small shelf for your center if you have a saw handy. If you are not overly handy, the Axiom mount sounds like a no-risk option that would fit your needs.

OK, I think I am almost there decision wise. Firstly I have to go home and figure out exactly where front wall LCR would go given my stud placement to ensure I haven't forgotten something - I have been on a business trip throughout these posts. I will use some cardboard cutouts to give me an idea.

I will explore the VP series with shelf vs. W series for center channel options.

So a few final questions:
1. QS4 vs. QS8 for surrounds. I am thinking QS4 due to room size, budget and WAF. Am I really giving much up going with the smaller surround sonically?

2. Factory Outlet Purchase - For those that have gone this route, has anybody found blemishes that are obvious and really detract from your speaker? Also, what are the lead times like, are they approximately what it says on the web page? (4 weeks for my selections is indicated)

3. Alan (note I got the spelling right this time!) and others with W-Series experience: Can I audition the W-Series without cutting holes in my walls? Return becomes less of an option once you've butchered your walls! I am thinking I can clip the speaker to the in-wall enclosure portion but use a temporary 'hanger' or shelf to place on my wall. Will this make a sonic difference to the speaker if it's not installed exactly as intended for auditioning purposes?

4. Placement near corner - I am struggling with keeping my front right channel out of the corner of the room but still tring to reduce the asymmetry of front wall vs. listening position. What is the minimum distance I can safely use from the corner to the closest edge of the right channel speaker? Here is the link to see approximate floor plan:
http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/SxG3caPyTLCvThhZ9awrfA?feat=directlink

Cheers all.