Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...

Returns are shipped!

And by the bye - has anyone else tried the Yaqin VK-2100 with their Axioms? This is a cheap Chinese hybrid integrated with a tube preamp wedded to a chip-based, solid-state output module. 85 WPC at 8 ohms (probably all of 90 at 4 ohms, LOL) with no remote control. Nevertheless, the Yaq moves some of the best sound I've heard out of my M-80s.

The tubes bring out the best in the tweeters, the soundstage is broad & deep, and the Yaq has surprising bass! To get these results, you'll need to dance your speakers about until you find the right spot, though.

Even so, for its price, the Yaqin is one of the better matches I've heard for my Axioms. (and before anyone asks, no, I haven't heard the Axiom amps).

Boom

Here is my Yaquin Tube Amp/Axiom story with pics throughout:

https://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthr...aven#Post371303

http://www.axiomaudio.com/blog/home-theater-pictures/nggallery/wall-o-fame/toms-vintage-ax2s

The main difference with my system now is an additional EP400. So now I run the Tube Amp/Denon SACD Player at 30W/CH in Trilinear Mode with 2 X M2s & 2 X EP 400s fed to the speakers from the Amp Speakers Out terminals. Even at only 30W/CH there is lots of power as the subs at 500W/CH provide the heavy lifting.

This system is easily as good if not better than anything that I auditioned in our local stores; however, a bit of heresy here - after a couple of years of listening, I don't hear a lot of (if any) difference in my Tube Amp as compared to SS Amps. But it is sure cool to have it softly glowing in a darkened room on a cold winter's night...

TAM

How interesting, exlabdrver -

Our tube experiences diverge. I once had a Rogue Audio Magnum 88 integrated amp that was highly reviewed and could be operated in triode or ultra linear modes. I hooked it up to my Axioms, and it just didn't perform. Neither mode.

It sounded flat, non-dimensional, and un-dynamic with my M80s. I sold it.

The Yaqin VK-2100 that I now have uses a tube preamp stage and some cheap chip SS output amps. There's nothing of particular distinction about the thing, yet...

The M-80s just LOVED the thing! Broader and deeper sound stage, tighter and fuller bass, and jump-out-of-the-soundstage treble! Why? I don't know. Maybe fortuitous circumstance, maybe the planets aligned, maybe Cindy Crawford blew in my ear. Whatever, the match was the best I've heard!

Tube power amps with transformer outputs (based on the Rogue) just didn't like my Axiom speakers. Apparently, I'm the only one with this experience, so maybe the Rogue was damaged, but I really don't think so. I had it tested by a local shop & they said that everything was working, in spec, and with no obvious problems.

Nevertheless, the hybrid Yaqin runs rings around the Rogue, and competes head-to-head with my Emotiva XSP-1 and XPA-1L solid state, mono-block rig. The Emo has some strengths (cleaner in the midrange, more neutral), but the $300 Yaqin owns the treble, the bass, and the sound stage.

As of right now, my M-80s are on the way back to Canada, and a day or two after Christmas, I should receive my new M-100s. We'll see what the Yaqin can do with them...

I looked at getting the VK-2100 when the MC-100B came my way via ebay. Interestingly, your Rogue & my Yaquin were both KT88 equipped amps.

I've been really happy with this setup; however, I attribute much of its strengths are due to the power, dynamics & fine articulation of the twin EP-400s. They are quite spectacular for music & the M2s just play happily & accurately along...

TAM

I'm very happy that your amps do what they do for you. I wish mine had done the same. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.

As well as my Yaqin does with the M-80s, I'm eager to see what it can do with the M-100s. I'll write about it after I listen.

Thanks for taking time to chat with me & Merry Christmas to you & yours!

Boomzilla

What was that about Cindy Crawford???

Who cares! LOL

So currently, I'm fighting the Axiom website - It won't let me log into my account to track my speaker order. I hit the "forgot my password" button, and the site sent me a password. But that one doesn't work either - Just kicks me off with a "incorrect password - try again" message. I've called them, but in the middle of Christmas week...

I'm hoping my speakers are already on the way, but have no way to know.

I too made the mistake of ordering my M80's in December , one speaker made it the other one was shanghaied in Whitecourt . Hang in there , they will be there.