Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Axiom VP150 vs DefTech XTR-50?

I was all set to go for the Deftech XTR-50 (LCR);

http://www.definitivetech.com/Products/products.aspx?productid=Mythos%20XTR-50

but came across Axiom's speakers, specifically the VP150 and maybe pair it up with (LR) the M22. The room is 12'x24' and we have the viewing area set up width wise (TV to viewer is 11').

The reason I'm looking at the XTR-50 is because of our room setup. The 58" plasma is mounted on the wall, and I want a thin profile speaker to mount on the wall as well, so aesthetics are very important.

I have heard the XTR-50 (although the Mythos 9 sounded better, but to "thick" for my setup), but I haven't heard the Axioms. Can anyone commend on perhaps how the two might compare in sound?

I have the M22 on-wall, VP100 on/in wall and the M22 bookshelf speakers. I haven't heard the XTR-50, but from what I can see of the design, I'd be willing to bet that the Axioms probably sound better. If at all possible I'd buy both and compare them. The Axioms have a 30 day return policy (you pay return shipping). I prefer the sound from the bigger cabinet M22. You lose some sound quality when you go thin.

When listening to the Axioms, remember to wall mount them and set them to large in order for the ports to function fully before judging them.

Welcome flyboy. I can't comment on the Deftechs as I've never heard them before, but I know an M22 based system would make for a wonderfull sounding system from many of the forum member reviews I've read over the last two years(I own M80s/VP150/QS8's and P'digm sub). A good sub will round out the lower end with the M22's. You DID however, mention you preferred an unobtrusive, thin design type speaker for aesthtics so you should know that regular(cabinet) Axioms have fairly deep cabinets right across their range of speakers....therefore, you may want to look at some of the "onwall/incabinet" M22's or similar in the Axiom lineup, these will mount on the wall for a nice clean appearance. Keep in mind you may be sacrificing a little sound quality when you get away from a full cabinet, whether you go with Axiom, Deftech or any other company. There are some people here who have compared the M22's to their wall-mounted counterparts, so hopefully they can chirp in....

hello,
I'm in the same dilema. However, you mention you have M22 on walls and then at the end of your note you mention "'port' set to large". I assume you have M22 bookshelf speakers mounted using the full metal brackets or are they on stands and the M22 on walls were your 'surround speakers'?

Thank you,

tony

Actually, my setup right now is a little weird. I originally bought the M22's bookshelf with stands for L/R for a projector room, but used them in my TV room instead. Then I bought the on-wall setup for the TV room for aesthetics. After doing much comparison, I decided I liked the sound from the boxy speakers better, so now I have both the M22 bookshelf on stands and the on-wall M22's mounted directly over them in a vertical fashion for a nice sound (and an EP350). I no longer run them large, but when I had just the M22 on-wall, with and with-out the EP350, the sound was fuller if I ran them as large. Now with the addition of the bookshelf M22, running them as large isn't necessary. I intend to replace the on-wall with boxy M2's and mount the M22 that are on stands on the wall, someday. The on-walls provide a better wall-of-sound than the boxy ones do. I'm hoping that the addition of the boxy M2's will do the same. The on-walls will then probably be mounted on the back wall.

Thanks for the help guys

I live not to far (well, three hour drive) from Axiom so perhaps a drive up to see and hear them might be in order!

I am really only looking at the on-wall versions of the VP150 and M22. I understand the VP150 doesn't have a port at the back, but do the M22's on-wall have a port at he back?

They have 2 small ports on the bottom, firing downward. That's one reason to listen to them mounted on a wall.

Hi Flyboy320,

Have you considered the Axiom M22v3 In/OnWall and the Axiom VP150v3 In/OnWall models for your system. Aesthetically they are identical to the OnWall models but sonically they are closer to the regular stand alone models. You have the best of both worlds.
M22v3 In/OnWall
VP150v2 In/OnWall

Furthermore, they are easy to install and they can go on an exterior wall. Here is a link on how to install them.
M3 In/OnWall Installation Video

The M22v3 In/OnWall has two small round ports on its bottom side and the VP150v3 In/OnWall is a sealed construction as is the regular VP150v3.

Thanks Jc.

I don't want to cut into the walls if I can help it. I would be only using the speakers for watching movies and although if I listened to the on-wall and compared it to the bookshelf speaker I might be able to hear the difference, I think for my movie watching the on-wall should work great.

I have to admit what's swaying me is the great price. The Definitive technology XTR-50 I am also looking at are $700 each, so for three I'm up to $2100 and with the M22 and VP150 combo it comes to $908, a considerable savings!