Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners what made you choose Axiom

I've been looking at speakers a while now and I keep going back to direct sales. I think the Klipsch and B&W are over priced. Anyway, in my price range, I like the Aperion and the Axiom. Strictly on paper, Axiom has the better specs - better sensitivity, better materials for drivers. And paying for the wood upgrade equals in price to the aperions. All that said, what made you choose Axioms over Aperions or other brands? I'm looking at the M22v3, QS8's, VP150v3 (I already have a Hsu VTF-2 MK3). My room is 2000 cubic feet. Thanks in advance for any help!

Customer service, price and performance.

Did i said customer service ?

For me it was the quest for a better surround speaker. I happened across the QS8's in my research and then found a whole new Axiom world of discovery was waiting for me! After finding the unique design of the QS8's I then discovered the in/on wall solution from Axiom which is exactly what I needed. I could not find equivalent on wall style speakers for anywhere near the Axiom prices. No looking back or 2nd guesses from me after 3 years.

Both of the above plus a few opinions from long time stereophile friends that admitted Axiom made a good speaker, although they wouldn't buy them for their own systems.

I chose Axioms over Paradigms, very similar in sound quality imo, but the Axioms were more financially agreeable to my savings account.

Reviews and feedback from existing owners, minus the trolls over on AVS. I was close to getting some B&W 703's but my M60's at the time sounded as good or better and I could get a pair for one 703. I now own M80's and many of the other models, Luv - Em!

ps: oh yeah customer service ain't to bad either.

Peter (pmbuko) and I had been shopping for speakers for me and for him for awhile (I didn't get any at that time), so I knew what I liked: Magnepans and Revels. Paradigms were pretty good, but they didn't knock my socks off like the Maggies or the Revels, both of which were very, very much out of my price range.

Peter ended up getting some Axiom M22s as part of a downsizing deal with his wife (he had bought Paradigm towers). He invited me over to listen. I was pretty skeptical, since I'd seen the online ads, and what internet direct company makes anything good? Seemed like a scam.

Well, I sat down, he put on something (probably Metallica, knowing me at the time), and I got those shivers down the spine like I got with the Maggies and (to a lesser extent) the Revels. I was sold. Took me a few years to get my own, but I haven't looked back.

Rave reviews led me to axiom initially. I took a trip to Kansas city for a weekend away and arranged for an audition at a forum members house. After hearing the m80s and qs8's I knew I had to have them. I have owned m80s, vp150, qs8s, and ep500 for nearly 4 years. After 4 years i am about to make my next axiom purchase. I am purchasing a vp180 sometime this week or next.

Pretty much the same as everyone else, price/performance, service.

Axiom does design and build their own high quality drivers and has done so for a long time.

As to specs, Axiom has their own anechoic chamber and is quite obsessed with producing a speaker with a flat frequency response so you hear exactly what is in the recording.

Though I lost my perma-grin after about a year of listening to my system, I absolutely love the sound of my system every single time I turn it on.

The surrounds are absolutely amazing. I had a speaker support malfunction (don't worry, nothing was exposed) and have had one surround sitting on the arm of my couch. from the main seating positions, you can't tell that it is not mounted in its usual spot.

Hmm, I guess I should really re-mount that speaker...

My wife and I visited a friend from work's house to see their landscaping. While there, her "audiopile" husband invited us to hear his system. I really wish I could remember what his speakers were - they were taller than me. My wife does not like loud music - but of course, he had to play our requests at insane volumes. Think of the old Maxell ad with the speaker wind blowing the dude int the chair away. Anyway he recommended Axioms as excellent sound at a reasonable price due to the direct marketing model. I signed up to the forums and lurked for a long time while saving up and hoping someone in driving distance would offer their systems on the "Hearing Things" thread. That did not happen - so I found a place to audition Paradigms here in town after reading the reccos from the regulars. I liked the Paradigms but the cost is roughly double if you don't go Vassallo. In the end, I went ahead and bought the Epic 60-500 on faith and was blown away and never had a moment's regret - sub excepted.

For me it was best bang for the buck. I was looking for something better than my KLH setup I had in the past (yeah, yeah, I know....) Anyway, I still had a lot of gear to order... New receiver, new speakers, new sub, front projector, screen, etc, and my wife didn't understand why I needed to spend so much money on speakers since my KLH ones "sounded good to her."

Anyway, this was back before they even offered solid wood (real wood, whatever) back then. I looked at Paradigm, Klipsch, and a few others that I don't recall now. I ignored a lot of the trash talk from the AVS people, and did an audition locally. I absolutely loved them, and the price was great.

I asked a ton of questions here, and not only did I get great help from the other forum members, but when one of the "big cheeses" (Alan Lofft) from the company is helping me himself to find the right system for me, and isn't selling me the most expensive option, I am really liking what I am experiencing.

Then you start seeing all of the outstanding customer service that they provide. I mean, I've seen situations where is seems pretty clearly that an owner has done something to damage their speakers, and one quick call to Axiom, and they (Axiom) are doing what it takes to get the person up and running again at little to no cost. Simply AWESOME.

That is why, 7 years later, I am adding on to my 5.1 system and getting more Axiom speakers. I like them THAT much.

For me, I was shopping for my first system. Being new to this, the first brand that I started to research was..... will I dare say it... BOSE! I know, I know, but it is unbelievable what this little cube demos will do to you when you don't know any better.
Anyway, after trying to find some review, I quickly found what the "audiophile" world thinks of them. Reading more reviews and articles lead me to brands like Klipsch, Paradigm, B&W, Aperion, ... I listened to everything at the big box stores but never been thrilled by anything, I heard some Mirage that I liked at the time (at least much more than what can be found at BBS), I really liked the Paradigm but where too expensive.
In the end, it appeared that the best bang for the buck where found in internet direct companies. I too was debating between Axiom and Aperion in the end as both get very good reviews. I signed up to the forum and really liked the knowledge and unbiased discussions on this forum. A year later, once I saved enough money for towers, I went to visit the Axiom factory, got a factory tour, got to audition M60s and M80s, really liked the people and came home with M80s. 6 month later a got a VP150 that I returned withing 30 days as the VP180 was coming out. 6 months later I got QS8s and 3 months after that I found a good deal on a used EP600.
To the day I really enjoy my system and everybody that comes over is always impressed the way it sounds.
I believe Axiom makes an amazing product for the price and its customer service is amazing. I've had a few problems with my purchases but they stand behind their product their customer service always came thru and this is also very important and should be included in the price tag IMO.

I first saw Axiom products back many years ago when they were still selling them in retailers and I was quite curious as to the unique cabinet design. It wasn't until later when they went strictly the IO route and I saw the countless choices of cabinet finishes that I got REALLY interested. The company's background in R&D was similar to Paradigm and PSB(two other notable Canadian companies)so I knew the sound would probably be somewhat similar, however, the Axioms were more competitively priced in similar categories.

Aperion speakers are quite good as well, however, they are made in China and from time to time, inventory, especially with new products, can be problematic. Axiom is a long standing Canadian company that does ALL their manufacturing in Canada, something that is pretty unique in the CE industry today and that is another good reason why they get my full support.

I took a gamble to be different from the rest far over Malaysia here :p and the price from factory outlet are not too bad even after shipping + tax, still almost 50% off compared to other similar spec speakers being sold here.

Off course the great review on the web did help a lot on my decision....they still sound great after 3 years...have listen to better speakers along the way but they are 3 times the price I paid for Axiom M60 + VP150.

Am eyeing a VP180 now and maybe in the future QS8 when my job are really stable.

Casey, I believe individual components for some of the axiom speakers and amps are made overseas, but all cabinets and final assemply is done in Canada

Interestingly, Tannoy was also employing this speaker shape in its Definition lineup in the early 1990s, although i believe their cabinet design (called a corner mount) goes much further back.



I own the D700s.

http://www.hilberink.nl/codehans/tannoy131.htm

I was wanting to upgrade my $500 Sony HTIB, but didn't know which direction to turn, because my only experience with speakers, was a Bose 901 Series II that I used to own (mid 70's to early 80's then they were stolen and I never replaced). I went through a long period, where I didn't listen to music much and didn't even own a TV.

Anyway, I Googled for "audiophile speakers", and Axiom Audio was one of the companies that came up. I was intrigued with them, but just couldn't justify the cost of a pair of M80 at the time. Looking at the place where I wanted to put them, there just wasn't room for them anyway.

So, my thoughts turned back to Bose. A sales man at Nebraska Furniture Mart, where I was shopping demo'ed some Bose Acoustimas (cost around $1200) for me and cranked it up. Immediately, I hated them. Grating on the ears. Unpleasant sounding overall. Back to the drawing board.

I decided I wanted a sound bar. Yamaha seemed to make the best one, from my research, but, they discontinued it. I went to a Magnolia Best Buy store to demo what they had. They had what they called their best one connected up with sound and a TV. They were playing Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds on it and it sounded good. I put in a CD that I had brought and, twa-la, there was no bass, and it sounded poorly overall. They had a pair of Elemental Design's, floor models, skinny and tall towers, on sale that I almost bought, but thought I could do better with Axiom.

I ordered my first pair of Axiom M22 with stands. Sounds ok, but not what I was looking for. I had a cheap Sony Receiver, I paid $150 for off of NewEgg.com, I sent it back hoping my problem was the receiver, and not the speakers. It was a few months later, that I bought the Pioneer Elite reciever I have now. Listening to this combination was like audio nervana. I was in love.

I had a 27" lcd on a stand with these to either side. Then I bought a 37" and mounted it on the wall. Now I wanted the on/wall variety. So I bought on wall VP100, and a pair of M22, all in black. It looked really, really good. But after time, visitors started complaining how there was a certain shrillness to the sound. Then it started to bother me. I moved the on-wall M22's up, then added the bookshelf M22's with stands back into the mix, and the sound was much improved overall.

Later I swapped out the VP100 with an M2 for center channel, to test, and wasn't satisfied, so I placed it above the Tv to use in conjunction with VP100. When I found an on-wall VP150 in a finish I liked on the auction site for a good price, I got it.

Tried out the EP175 and wasn't satisfied with it. Then I upgraded to the EP350 and it's a winner.

My next step for this room, would be to replace the 37" tv with a 47" tv. Then perhaps eliminate the on-wall M22's. Move the bookshelf M22's up, and add a pair of M50's.

Catbrat, you have similar histories. I too had the 901 series II I purchased mine in Germany while in the Army. I actually liked the sound they produced. I too went long without a TV or much music listening. I now have a Pioneer Elite 84tsx, and I want to get the M22v3's because I don't want to take up floor space. I'm thinking of the VP150 for center and the QS8's of course. I have to choose between the Hsu VTF-3 MK4 or the PB-12 NSD from SVS for the sub. I'm just apprehensive to pull the trigger. Don't know if I should get the M60's instead and take up the floor space. I know, I just need to order them and try them out. Thanks for the help everyone.

I'd always go bigger. If you can, get the M80's, or the M60's. You won't regret it.

I agree go bigger if you can, but M22's with a good sub is an awesome combo.

Regarding center channel, I know Cat says he did not have a favourable experience with M2 as a center, but for me in my room I found the M2 to be a very good upgrade to the VP150 as a center channel. Nobody is right or wrong here, but I did want to point out you should consider a vertical center if you can, no matter what speakers you end up purchasing. It's a really good option that most people just never consider.

Oh yeah, go with QS8's, they are just awesome IMHO.

I started out with a pair of Genesis speakers bought in 1979. I loved them but eventually got the bug for a home theater system. Based on some in store listening and advice on this forum, I decided that Axiom seemed like a good bang for the buck compared to what is available at retail stores.

I bought a pair of M22s, a VP100 and QS4 surrounds. I was truly amazed at the quality of these small speakers, but they didn't fill my fairly large room. I found a deal on a pair of M60s, bought an EP350 at Axiom's Ebay auction, and upgraded to QS8s. This system, with a VP100, still blows me away! Even my wife comments on how it sounds better than going to the movie theater.

The original M22s are still in use in the bedroom. I can't imagine parting with them. And I have Algonquins on my deck. All in all, you will not be the least bit disappointed by any of the Axiom speakers.

I had no clue what a home theater was, just looking to start assembling a decent sound system again. Over the years we had gone from ugly-but-high-quality equipment to impressive-looking-but-crap, and one day I got really sick of it.

I had owned a pair of Rogers LS3 speakers and had really liked them, so started looking for something good in a similar size. The Axiom M2s had great reviews and were decently priced so I ordered a pair. First surprise was how quickly they arrived and how good the communication was - something I wasn't used to at the time and still don't see that often even today.

I really liked the speakers, but they were just a bit too thin in the bass for some of the music I played (as warned in the reviews), so I picked up a subwoofer and a DVD player then started down the slippery slope. Each time I wanted to expand the system I did a quick reality check by hauling the Axioms over to a friend's place and A/B'ing with whatever they had -- each time we both came away thinking the Axioms were pretty good so I bought more, ending up with M60 / VP180 / QS8 / M2 upstairs, M40 downstairs, and a temporarily homeless VP100 after it was replaced with the VP180.

Previous speakers include PSB, Rogers, Quad ELS, various home-made Philips/DeForest sealed and KEF transmission-line, and probably a few I'm getting too old to remember.

Oh cool... just noticed that Rogers LS3/5A speakers are back in Canada - $1200/$1500 a pair depending on finish. Hmmmm...

quote: "impressive-looking-but-crap".

which of these two makes was your impressive looking one?

Juliette or Yorx.

i remember one day going in a k-mart store, and they had the Yorx sound system; on the speakers was a plaque showing the F.R.,
it was shaped exactly like McDonald's big "M"

the "receiver" had lots of controls and lots of led's lit up; must have been a heck of a receiver!

anyone has a Juliette or Yorx ?

Never heard of Juliette but I remember my cousin had a big Yorx system in his bedroom when we were growing up. He always had better stuff than me!

You may be right and perhaps Alan could could set me straight here but I understood with the most recent renditions of the speaker designs that everything was being done back in "Dwight" now.

As far as amps go, when it comes to ANY manufacturer regardless of price and where they are assembled, the reality is pretty well ALL of the innards are made overseas.

Axiom has their own factory in Shangai, China. Colquhoun Audio Laboratories. Cabinets, final assembly is for sure in Ontario, Canada.

http://panjiva.com/Axiom-Colquhoun-Audio-Laboratories/1910372

After 7 years, still very much this.

- D

I had owned a 5.1 Polk Audio system for years and just wanted to try a different sound. I auditioned many brands at local B&M stores. I liked some of what I heard but nothing struck me as 'the one'. I lurked here reading all I could and figured with Axiom's 30 day return policy what have I got to lose. IMO their price/performance and customer service is fantastic. Glad I made the decision to go with M80's, VP150, QS8's all V3. My only regret is that I couldn't squeeze a VP180 into my rack.

I bought due to the price/performance and customer service reputation, but honestly I haven't been that impressed with the customer service at all. I generally get the vibe that they don't really care at all. Love the speakers (except the vp150), kind of irks me though that I have to spend another $750 to fix a problem that was solved a month after I bought my speakers (when they brought out the vp180). Bad timing on my part unfortunately.

Customer service..... Customer service...... Customer service....

Axiom has special customer service, special audio expert team and great product.

I e-mail a question to an expert (i gently specify if possible have reply in French e-mail or call)... guest what ?
J-C give me a call the next day !!! during his day-off !!!!

That's the kind of thing other company don't do.

Scince i'm doing business with Axiom, i have the feeling that i'm not only a customer, I'm part of a very friendly cummunity!

I bought them to be more like Mark.

Well, than... fix your listening room²!

Well I came to this site and snooped around for 6mos, plus doing the same on a few other sites.....you all were more convincing! :-) And a little more crazier ...I like crazy. I'm now on my second set of M80s plus the VP180 super center and couldn't be more happier.

Woo Hoo! It's about time the Docs' diagnosis sold some speakers!

After listening to my wonderful AX2s in my audio only system for over 20 years, it was very easy to come back to Axiom for my HT upgrade.

In the competative & often snobbish audio industry, Axiom is a great Canadian success story that deserves acknowledgment.

Furthermore, for me it was nice for a change to do business within my own borders. Axiom made the whole process painless...

Tom
Comox, BC