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Novice updating system..
#433582 09/30/19 10:27 PM
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I'm updating my av receiver. My current set up consists of M60s, VP150 QSR8s and an EP350. Have been very happy with this set up. Recently I had a chance to hear an atmos system and was impressed with the sound field. I am looking at a Denon AVR-X4500. Is there an option for me to get the same results with Axioms? I am far from an expert and looking for advice. Thanks!

Re: Novice updating system..
Bigduke6 #433583 09/30/19 10:37 PM
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If you want to go with Atmos, then the QS8s will have to be replaced with bipolar speakers like M3 or M5.

Since I upgraded to Axiom version 4 speakers which included a VP160 centre and QS10 surrounds, I don't feel I need Atmos. I'm not saying Atmos isn't cool; I just feel the 5.1 I have is good enough for me.

Adding high power amplification like the ADAs has moved my system to an entirely different level. I run a 7 year-old Onkyo by the way.


House of the Rising Sone
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Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated
Re: Novice updating system..
Mojo #433587 09/30/19 11:50 PM
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Bipolar?

Re: Novice updating system..
rrlev #433593 10/01/19 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted By rrlev
Bipolar?
Perhaps he is, but he might not take that comment well! :-)

Re: Novice updating system..
Bigduke6 #433599 10/01/19 02:41 PM
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Monopole speakers all around is best for Atmos. I replaced four QS8s with four on-wall M3s, lowered them to be just above seated head level, and used four more on-wall M3s mounted to my ceiling for the overheads. I have a room with a lot of soundproofing (and acoustical treatments), and there was no way that I was going to try to retro-fit 4 in-ceiling speakers, through my ceiling's double 5/8" drywall, plus GreenGlue, plus hat channel and whisper clips, with my master bedroom right above the theater room. If I was building from scratch again and could have designed back-boxes to keep things soundproofed still, I would have gone in-ceiling.

Anyway, it is really impressive when you get a well mixed movie. Be aware that many times it isn't what you hear when watching an Atmos (or DTS:X) encoded movie that you notice, but it is what you don't hear if you turn off the overheads that makes you realize how more enveloping these audio formats are.


Farewell - June 4, 2020
Re: Novice updating system..
BBIBH #433600 10/01/19 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted By BBIBH
Originally Posted By rrlev
Bipolar?
Perhaps he is, but he might not take that comment well! :-)


I sure messed that up. The QS are bipolar. Nick is correct.

A great question though in my mind is should you spend the money on new speakers and a new receiver to go Atmos or is it better to stick with 5.1 or 7.1, and get better amplification? Of course it's great if you can do both.

Before the VP160v4, QS10, 800v4 and ADAs, I could not listen to movies anywhere close to reference. And while I thought my system was loud enough for music, I know now my peaks were being compressed by my Onk. The soundscape in my room is now completely immersive and non-fatiguing even beyond reference level.


House of the Rising Sone
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Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated
Re: Novice updating system..
Bigduke6 #433610 10/02/19 03:11 AM
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Well, technically the QS series are quad polar.

Per the main QS product page, "... multi-directional Quadpolar Surrounds ..."

As for Atmos of improving a 5.1 or 7.1 setup, I will say this. I continue to hear this at CEDIA every year... "Atmos won't make a poor 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 setup sound better. You need to have a solid quality foundation before thinking about adding height speakers."

Now you can hit a point of diminishing returns, or a low ROI based off of your own wants... Is your current setup providing plenty of clean power, or would "going separates" or upgrading speakers be worth the cost? vs Is your current setup providing a solid enough base that jumping to Atmos would be a great upgrade, or do you again need to tidy up a few sound issues with your setup (including room acoustical treatments)? Those are rhetorical questions not specific to you, but just things that people should weigh.

For me, I wanted to jump into Atmos back in 2014 when I was at the Dolby booth at CEDIA when they made the announcement. I already had a lot of room treatments, and built the room with good mathematical dimensions, had added a 2nd sub to smooth out bass, etc, so I had a very solid base to work with making the jump to Atmos the right decision for me. I opted for a significant upgrade to my $800 Onkyo receiver with my Anthem MRX-1120 which really made my Axioms come to life.

It certainly wasn't a cheap upgrade either. Traded in four QS8s, bought eight on-wall M3s, and bought the Anthem (which is still a current model), so you can do the math and it was a pricey upgrade for sure, but it was the "right" decision for where I was at.


Farewell - June 4, 2020
Re: Novice updating system..
Bigduke6 #433611 10/02/19 05:10 AM
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Yup. Good reasoning, Nick. BTW, the QS10 is now pentapolar...LOL. Actually all QSs can be classified as bipolar because their drivers all fire in phase.


House of the Rising Sone
Out in the mid or far field
Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated
Re: Novice updating system..
Bigduke6 #433612 10/02/19 03:54 PM
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Hey, don't shoot the messenger. LOL. I just quoted Axiom themselves. hehehe


Farewell - June 4, 2020
Re: Novice updating system..
Bigduke6 #433614 10/02/19 06:22 PM
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I know. smile

BTW, I remember the photo of you on the staircase at CEDIA.

Last edited by Mojo; 10/02/19 06:26 PM.

House of the Rising Sone
Out in the mid or far field
Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated
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