Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo 2.what subwoofer ?

I decided to remodel my stereo system and I made the decision to integrate a sub into my setup. For loudspeakers, I go undoubtedly with M22. As for the sub, I hesitate between the EP350 (That I have already possessed), the EP400 or even the EP500. My question is very simple, who would be the best candidate for the music only. I live in a condo with air opened but the lounge strictly speaking made 18x22.

Let's discuss subwoofer, and I know new line of subwoofer amplifier is coming right ?

I've had one EP400 playing with a couple of M2s on stands used only as a music system with a measly 35W/Ch Tube Amp since last summer. The 400 is simply stunning for music & with 500 Watts it generates lots of horsepower in a small package - even in a fairly large room.

Even though sound-wise I didn't really need another one, I enjoy it so much that I've ordered a second one from the Factory Outlet Store (patiently waiting) so that each M2 has its own sub.

Tip - today is the last day for the 20% Off Sale at the Factory Outlet...

TAM

Phillipe, I'm going to disagree with TAM on this one, with the caveat of admitting that I haven't heard any of the subs in question.

While the EP400 has it's uses (and I want to own one someday), I would be looking at the EP500 for a room that size.... especially considering that the prices are almost identical.

I could be wrong, but I though that the EP400 was designed primarily for smaller rooms, where 2 or more of them would be needed for larger rooms.

You're not wrong. Axiom notes: "A truly specialty subwoofer, designed to meet the needs of connoisseurs of profoundly deep bass extension who are looking for the perfect solution for ultra-low bass in smaller rooms. " (Bold Italics are mine)

You guys always want to spend as much of everyone else's money as possible.

For a MUSIC-ONLY system, I think a relevant question might be "what kind of music?" If the answer doesn't involve much content below 25-30Hz, then the EP350 could be more than sufficient. If you're willing to spend the extra money and the size of the enclosure doesn't matter, I would definitely get the EP500 rather than the EP400.

Phillipe:

I went through this process last year as can be seen in my thread:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthre...ewal#Post380021

My room is open style, measuring 3900 cu ft with hardwood floors that is larger than yours if you have 8' ceilings (3200 cu ft). The prevailing wisdom here was that the M2s & EP400 would not be adequate for a room of that size. Well that has proven not to be the case so don't underestimate the performance of this little sub. My system is unquestionably up to the task for 'music only', but I would agree not for 'HT' unless there are 2 or more 400s.

I listen to Electric Blues, Fusion Jazz, Latin Jazz, Big Band, some Classical (including pipe organ) & to a lessening degree, Rock. With my EP400 set at about the 1/2 Vol Level, I've measured about 85 - 90 Db in my near-field listening area that is about 8' from my sub. Never does my system seem strained at those levels. In fact the EP400 easily thumps my couch with authority; however, if you often listen at Disco/Party type levels at the far end of the room, then more likely a 12 inch unit or 2 would be the way to go.

Just one happy user's opinion, FWIW...

TAM

Maybe the new subs will reach lower and have a bigger amp.
In theory I should be at least half right.
The 400 has be taunting me but...

Well for me with music at moderate levels, 500 Watts & extraordinary, clean extension down to ~20Hz in a small box is just perfect.

Still waiting for EP400 #2 to ship...

TAM

I can't tell the difference between My M80s alone and the M80s with my EP350 for most music. The sub certainly helps for the pipe organ.

Thanks guys for the reply, I will definitely call Axiom to know what they think about it. I guess they know their sub well But I have this little 400 in mind for a while now.

exlabdriver I did not mean to suggest it was inferior in any way.
Quite the opppsite. The 400 just about became my first axiom purchase (even while I have/had 3 powered subs at my disposal).
Philippe I personally believe you will be very happy with any of the subs you've mentioned.
Me, I would go with the 400 or 500 and purchase a second one shortly after. 2 x 400 should be better than 1x500. 2 x 500 should get you in plenty of shit from the neighbours.
My comment was intended to show my exitement that they are will potentially improve upon a very nice small (size only) sub.

One more thought...
I do also agree The M80 should not be overlooked.
I am not using room boundaries to my advantage and the they do very well with the subs turned off.
Best of luck.

brwsaw:

No problem.

I believe that sometimes we all tend to universally consider the requirements for audio gear using 'HT' parameters only; however, often the prerequisites for 'Audio' systems can be somewhat less - unless one is operating in a huge space at 'party/disco' levels.

For me in my 2 audio only systems at moderate levels, smaller is better by taking advantage of the finesse of my minimalist components rather than brute force. HT is another story...

TAM

I have tried the 400 with M80s and could barely tell the 400 was even in the room. Once we took the M80s out and ran the 400 with my M22s the 400 was a great improvement on the SQ.

My EP400 was the first of the 'souped up' versions that left the factory late last summer. Ian spent some time with mine reprogramming & testing the DSP (on the tower) to provide enhanced response below 25 Hz. From what I can tell, it certainly sounds stout & clean way down low for music.

I wonder how it would now compare the the M80s in the low end as I've never heard any towers during my local auditions within an affordable price range that can match what I'm experiencing with the M2s/EP400 combo. The beauty is that one can 'dial in' the bass response to ones' liking. I don't overdo it but there is still lots of room for more gain if required.

It will be interesting to see if the addition of my second little monster will make much of a difference...

TAM

Send your 400's out this way and I'll let you know

I've been looking for a second PS1200v4 for a while.
I can see at least one EP800 in my future.