bummer the trade up program is gone. From my perspective I would have liked to use it since the tradeup program was giving what I think is top dollar for the used gear. From axioms view point I could see how it was probably more hassle than it was worth.

Is there a way to sell complete 5.1 systems (or other groups of speakers) on the auction as an "all or nothing" package?

that is a good thought, if I was ever going to upgrade my 1-2 yr old Axioms I would want to unload on the entire package. Well, maybe keep some of the subs not sure.

I would imagine if you specified the sale as such in the description, ie. "Full 5.1 system will not sell separately", it should be sufficient to the prospective buyers that you are only selling the entire system.

I'm bummed about that, too. I would have preferred doing it that way.

I imagine I'll be upgrading my M80s and getting a VP180. I always figured I'd upgrade if Axiom ever released a new flagship speaker so I could give my current M80s to my dad. He's slowly getting pieces that I upgrade from. So far he has an EP600 and a VP150 from me. While I expected to upgrade after the release of an M120 or something, the v3 M80 seems like enough of an improvement. I'm disappointed that my EP800s won't match now. I prefer having the grills off, so two will look smooth and two will have the holes. Of course, I'll probably end up having them face each other like JohnK suggested, so it shouldn't matter too much.

I'm glad Axiom is making these changes, despite the mismatch with my existing system. Magnetic grills were a long time coming. I don't mind the new look of the drivers, but I don't think I'll prefer them over what I have. We'll see.

RickF,

The release of the new VP180 is what prompted us to also release Version 3 now. The original intention was to release Version 3 in early September but we realized it would be silly to bring out a new model in Version 2 and then change it to Version 3 in less than 3 months.

Thanks for the explanation Ian, I figured there had to be some practical underlying reason. Man that VP180 really got the ball rolling, didn't it!

I am not pleased.
I inquired if the trade-in program was still applicable. I wanted to trade in my M60's and VP150 for M80's and the VP180.
Here are the two e-mails received on June 17, 2010:

First e-mail:
Thanks for your e-mail! My name is Brent; I'm an expert audio advisor with Axiom.

I thank you for your interest in Axiom Award-winning audio speakers and taking the time to send us in your request.

Axiom does still offer a trade up, I have provided a link to the trade-up program.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/tradeup.html

Please don't hesitate to contact me directly anytime - my contact information is below - or call the Axiom toll-free line at 1-866-244-8796 - any of our Audio Experts would be pleased to help.

Kind regards,

Second E-Mail:
Hi Paul,

The M80s will be version 3 which will be available in approximately 2 weeks. The VP180 is now available and would match to any of our speakers.


So, I say ok, I should wait for the version 3. Axiom sent me two e-mails on June 17th giving me the link to the trade-in program and telling me version 3 will be released in two weeks.
That is at least major mis-representation and could be viewed as fraud. I went to the trade-in link and put my serial number, etc. and my new purchase and printed it out (I have it) in order to place my order on the version 3. (The link goes to the aution now.) If I would have known the order would have included version 3 (except maybe the magnetic grill), I would have placed my order then. The e-mails were just last week!!

Very mis-leading.

Paul, I'm confident that the Axiom folks aren't out to get you.

Why not just give them a call and explain the situation?

Yes, call them. They had to remove the link at some point. State the same information you did in your post. It is not because they removed the link that they cannot honor the email that was sent to you. Call first, post later! Hope everything gets resolved to your satisfaction.

"Call first, post later."
That is good advice. I will do that.