Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4
newbie
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OP
newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4 |
Been researching, caught the buzz on Axiom... here is my issue. I live in an 1800sq ft. loft, the main space is 25ft long by 40ft wide. with 14 ft ceilings. I have good placement of the main seating area in the center, using a HK AVR 235 with Bose 15 now with a DLP projector facing the the more shallow direction. I can't afford the Epic 80 system... so trying to put lesser package together... will hopefully add an SVS sub later. What is my realistic minimum for this kind of room? Plan to use it for both HT and rockin-out loft parties. Will I need to upgrade my receiver to drive Axioms?
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Re: Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7 |
My first thought would be :
Step 1 - order M80s and either VP150 or (for now) M2 center, keep everything else unchanged except tweaking the speaker levels
Step 2 - big honkin' sub (next year)
Step 3 - replace the surrounds
Step 4 - receiver
M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39 M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1 LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
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Re: Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4
newbie
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OP
newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4 |
a little more staggered than I would hope, but if the M80's are the only thing that will work in a space that big then I'll consider that approach. Surely my receiver can't power M80's properly no? at only 50w per? I know HK has conservative power ratings but that much? I am already planning on addressing bass with SVS, probably a pair of 12's, so that is a separate consideration... not a fan of floor standing, will the 22's with a 150 not be enough even with the dual subs?
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Re: Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 282
local
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local
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 282 |
In simple terms, that is a lot of sg. ft. and cu. ft. To obtain the sound you want. Man I would die for that space, under 2K for what you want to hear - volume, and quality, is not realsitic, I think that's why taking steps is the suggested.
Sunfire amps & processor
Sammy 50"
Crown amp 2-SVS SS Maple Ultras, Axiom 60s,22s,150cc, QS8s
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Re: Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4
newbie
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OP
newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4 |
M80's it is then, just gotta wait a little longer to put it all together... I presume the QS8's and VP150 work well with the M80? Seems like a lot of horsepower focused on the L/R channels for HT? I am personally easy to please, but I still want to do it right. A little side note, everyone is stunned by the Bose 15 in this space, but I know the the drastic improvements some real drivers will make. The loft is pretty sweet, took me 6 months to find it, floor to ceiling windows facing the Puget Sound, 14ft. high restored brick walls, old timber beams, full kitchen/bathroom, etc. and with the Viaduct in front to remind you that you live in the city...
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Re: Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7 |
>>Seems like a lot of horsepower focused on the L/R channels for HT?
True... if it weren't for the "rockin' loft parties" there might be another upgrade sequence although I can't think of one right now. My initial post didn't include an upgraded center then I felt "mains only" might not be optimal after a few minutes and edited the post. I'm making the assumption that for loud party music you would run in "pure" stereo so the M80s would be carrying all the load.
You could go with a big sub first but I don't think that would give you as much overall enjoyment as the M80/center.
The M80s are pretty efficient so I think you will be surprised how much great sound you get out of your current receiver. I don't know if anyone on the board has actually driven M80s off a 230 but AFAIK the entire line has essentially the same high-current amplifier design so you should be fine.
M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39 M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1 LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
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Re: Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458 |
You're gonna invite us all over to see the place when it's done, right? It sounds very nice!
I just want to touch upon one aspect that hasn't ben answered yet: You were concerned about the WPC of your receiver, and I don't think it will be an issue. The HK will do fine pushing the 4 ohm 80's by many accounts here and evidently, HK's ratings are pretty solid. There is not a whole lot of volume difference between 50 WPC and 100 WPC. And the M80s are your most efficient choice.
My opinion is that if you are in the same space in a few years and could move up to some serious power such as 200 WPC, you might pick up some increased "attack" on some transients when you "open 'er up" in addition to the louder overall volume.
You know, there was a post in these forums not long ago (John?) that makes me feel hesitant to recommend anything I haven't personally heard or done....(!)...but my feelings are that the receiver will do fine with the M80s, and the M80s would be your best choice in a room that big.
Let us know when the party is!
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 828
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 828 |
i would double check with hk i dont think that model you have goes down to 4ohm.
------------------------------------------------ Leave the gun, Take the canolis.
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Re: Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458 |
Uh oh. Now I'm paranoid that I gave bad advice!
I went to the HK website and wasn't finding any info in the owner's manual or the FAQ.
Anyone know if I overstepped my bounds here?
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Looking to upgrade...
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 828
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 828 |
i looked on B&H website under specs becuase he was worried about 50w per and i wanted to find out for him what the wattage into 4ohms was because usually its more to try to make him feel better. but none of the sites i found gave the 4ohm rating. and on B&H it say 4ohm/8ohm swithing = no
B&H AVR SPECS
------------------------------------------------ Leave the gun, Take the canolis.
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