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Another Upgrade Post....
#428988 03/10/18 03:54 PM
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Hi all,

I'm a long time Axiom owner. I do read the threads occasionally but generally don't really post. I've been enjoying my speakers smile Lately I've been thinking of upgrading some of my gear so I thought I'd pop in and get some advice. This may be a bit of a long post to describe my situation.

I currently own dual EP500v3, M22's, VP150, QS4's, all in Russian Maple finish, and a Denon X3400H.

The first item I was thinking of upgrading are my EP500's to the 600's. My main concern is would I hear much of a difference between the EP500v3 to EP600? I'm looking for a bit more oomph and bottom end. The mix is probably 85% movies, 15% music.

Here's the thing, my living/dining room/kitchen are pretty much all open. My living room is about 20x10 and the couch separates the living room from the dining room. My living room is about 10x10. The kitchen sitting at the top of my living room is open via a countertop bar and is about 10x6. 9ft ceilings throughout. Think of a backward looking L shape. Hopefully that gives you an idea of the size.

The other issue is that my L and R speakers have to sit on top of the subs. I have no room on either side for anything else, just about 6-8 inches of space right now on the sides of my subs. I definitely not interested in onwall. Would the M22's now be to high sitting on the subs? The EP600 is 33.5inches high and the M22 is 20inch. That sets the tweeters to about 51 inches in height considering they sit about 2 inches below the cabinet. Sitting on my couch my ears are at a height of 41 inches. Do I just invert the speakers or do I move to M3's? Would I be happy with the M3's?

I'll also be getting the VP160 although I hate the size of it and those ports. I have to admit I find it ugly. If the ports where on the back it would be so much better.

Oh I should add I'll probably be getting all of the speakers in the Walnut wood.

So that's where I am now. Looking at advice from the experts. All feedback welcome.

Re: Another Upgrade Post....
DanielBMe #428990 03/10/18 05:48 PM
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The 600v4 will give you more low end extension which is very valuable since your set-up is mostly for movie watching. If you want more oomph, ask Ian if he can re-purpose your 600v4 infrasonic switch to Gut punch/Nad tickler. Gut punch mode will give you 6 dB of boost between 55Hz and 80Hz. You can read more about this right here: https://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php/topics/428987/1

Your ears would be 6 degrees off axis if your speakers sat on top of the 600v4. I bet you wouldn't even notice a difference.

The 160v4 is amazing. Get it! You'll love it. I was so glad to move away from the VP150v2; what a difference! I love the fact the ports are on the front because they play better that way with the wall behind them. My 160v4 is naked because I like looking at the white drivers and ports. BTW, the dust caps on the v4 are aluminum. My friends like to gently stroke those rigid caps with their fingers every time they come over. While you might find this a bit weird, I strongly suggest not stroking them because you might get addicted like my friends have. I for one refuse to stroke them. Lacie, one of my female friends, wanted to tongue one of them and that's where I drew the line!

Don't do M3s. I'd suggest trading in the M22s for M5HPv4 if you can swing it. If you buy the sub, VP160 and do a trade on the M22s for M5HPv4, I am sure Axiom can work out a good deal for you.

As for the QS4s, if they are working out for you, great! But since you are spending 85% of your time watching movies, think long and hard about trading them in for QS10HPs.


House of the Rising Sone
Out in the mid or far field
Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated
Re: Another Upgrade Post....
DanielBMe #428992 03/10/18 06:18 PM
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Definitely get the VP160 I've had mine for a couple years totally awesome unit. With the 600 it's possible the M22 are sufficient as the 600 will do it's job beyond well. though for the size of your room you may want to take advantage your room boundaries that's quite a bit of space to pressurize.

The 160 will also really help with low end, running mine through an Axiom ADA1250 set to 40Hz. Man can it thump with ease.

Re: Another Upgrade Post....
DanielBMe #428997 03/10/18 08:43 PM
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The QS10's are out of the question, too large. I do think I an squeeze in the 8's though. I may have to splice some speaker wire though for one of the speakers. I thought about that and could use one of my QS4's as a back center speaker. I have room in one spot but it would be a very long cable run probably about 30ft at least.

I'm wondering as well whether or not I would need the 5HP's rather than the 22's. Other than playing really loud which I don't do, I do play my movies loud but not insanely loud as I'm in a condo, what would be the benefit if I cross at 80?

Re: Another Upgrade Post....
DanielBMe #428998 03/10/18 09:19 PM
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The M5HPs can play louder and lower with less distortion compared to the M22 but that's not the only reason I am suggesting them. They will image and sound better than the M22s. Remember they have a dedicated mid-range and a v4 tweeter which is far better than a v2 or v3 tweeter. The cross-over is also better because they were designed to a more mature family of curves compared to the M22.

As for the bass, the M5HPs have the high powered woofer. Even if you cross at 80, there is significant content below 80 that is sent to your speakers. This content is less distorted with the M5HP. Less distortion will make your system sound better.

Check out this review of the M5HP. Note the reviewer says they are comparable to a $3500 floor-standing Revel. Craigsub says that a pair of M5HPs with an EP800v4 is better than the $10,000 speakers you'll find in showrooms. I trust his judgment.

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1130-axiom-audio-m5hp-loudspeakers

Re: Another Upgrade Post....
DanielBMe #429000 03/10/18 09:54 PM
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I thought about an ep800 and two bookshelves but the problem is I would have to remove a corner bookshelf and put the EP800 in a corner which I know would be a terrible idea.

I know Axiom is offering the possibility of winning a free purchase until mid March. I'd buy now but I need to get some wood samples. I wish they have much larger higher quality photos of the custom wood finishes.

Last edited by DanielBMe; 03/10/18 10:27 PM.
Re: Another Upgrade Post....
DanielBMe #429001 03/10/18 10:01 PM
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You don't need an EP800 unless you want effects down to 10 Hz. The 600v4 will be just great.

Good call on not doing corner bookshelves.


House of the Rising Sone
Out in the mid or far field
Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated
Re: Another Upgrade Post....
DanielBMe #429012 03/11/18 05:54 AM
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The corner more depends on you. It'll emphasize the bass though for effects in a whole house or multiple rooms locations combined to one. Sometimes a plus.

The 10 is probably considerably bigger than the QS4 though not much over the QS8. Being a Kickstarter purchaser of the QS10 they're wonderful. highly recommend and I use mine for ear level side in 5.2.2.

Re: Another Upgrade Post....
DanielBMe #429038 03/12/18 12:45 PM
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Does anyone know if the speakers in the thread have a stain on them or are they just walnut natural? That's exactly what I'm looking for color wise.

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1130-axiom-audio-m5hp-loudspeakers.

Last edited by DanielBMe; 03/12/18 12:45 PM.
Re: Another Upgrade Post....
DanielBMe #429040 03/12/18 01:12 PM
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Based on what is written in the article - it mentions Satin Walnut finish, and looking at the finish options of the 5HP webpage, it appears to be real wood.

Here is a link to the attributes https://www.axiomaudio.com/optionswizard/wizard/index/id/930/attribute183/145/attribute184/3/

Click Read Wood from the list, select Walnut, and then select Natural from the Stain choices, then Satin from the Gloss drop down

Note that it does add cost to the speaker

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