Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Thinking of making the jump: what can I expect

Hi-

I'm looking to upgrade my sound system and have had Axiom in the back of mind as a consideration due the overwhelming amount of positive things I've read about them. I'm relatively new to "high(er) end" audio, having bought my first real speakers about 3 months ago. I'm currently using B&W dm601 s3's, with an LCR60. To cover the low end, I have an SVS PB10-ISD. This is all being pushed by a Marantz SR8400.

So, I'm hoping you kind folks could enlighten me as to what I might expect with a pair of Axioms. I think I'm all but sold on moving to floorstanding...I could go bookshelves b/c my sub is a real thumper, but I think that if I can afford the floorstanders, this could make a more significant difference. In terms of budget, I'm looking at $1000, so not a lot. With that said, that would afford me M50ti's and a VP100. My main concern or question is, can anyone elaborate on what sort of sound differences I could expect? I know B&W is known for their extra smooth midrange, albeit a pronounced midrange, and a focus on neutrality. I must say, I'm not terribly disappointed with the 601's though they could seriously use some more low end. Also, they're not very efficient, at 88db spl.

Is there anyone out there who has maybe demo'd the B&W's (specifically the 600 series), or knows an owner that could elaborate a bit more on what I can expect. I know you have to just listen to them, but I've never bought anything without looking at/hearing it first, and am now considering dropping $1000 to do just that. Being that I'm not made of money, that's a little unnerving. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to our Axiom family

Ahhhh the golden question, B&W versus Axiom. It actually is funny how often this comes up. I was in your same situation about a year ago. I didn't own B&W's at the time, however, my brother inlaw has a recording studio and has been a long time B&W fan. My experience in demoing the two had the Axiom m60's and 703's pretty equal. I would also say the 60's are a bit above the 600 series. Can't really provide input on the M50's as I've never heard them. One thing to consider is to check out the prices on the Axiom Factory Outlet link on the "Store" page from the main menu. If you haven't heard about this yet, Axiom has very strict quality control policies. The Factory Outlet speakers are brand new, and have the same warranty as the regular speakers. If Axiom feels there is even the slightest nick or blemish, the speaker is sold at 10% the regular price, and if you buy 5 or more items, you get another 5%. Most of us will tell you that you'll never be able to find anything wrong, I'm still looking and I bought all my Axioms from the Factory Outlet. This savings may help you get some 60's, which are better than the 50's in overall performance.

If you try the Search feature and type in B&W, I bet you'll find tons of threads on this subject.

Good luck and welcome again

Randy

M60's VP150 EP350 4-Qs8's
Denon 2805
Sanyo Z2 projector

ps: the Qs8's are the best surrounds in the industry, check them out if your into HT.

Yes CS, welcome. Can't offer any personal info on a direct Axiom/ B&W 601 comparison, but there's been some brief discussion here, and as Randy mentioned, you might do a search.

However, I will throw out some thoughts on a setup that'll fit your budget and I suspect give you better sound. Across the front use M60s plus a vertical M2 center, which would run just above or below $1,000, depending on whether you use factory outlet. Move 601s to side surrounds and LCR60 to center back surround. Position LCR60 vertically; as you might note, B&W specs show that it has better horizontal dispersion in that orientation, as is typical with MTM designs.

Thanks for all of the replies so far. John, just so you know, that sounds like an excellent set up...but one that I can't afford (the part about the B&W's.) If I go with the Axiom set up, I'll have to sell my B&W's on audiogon or ebay or something...I just don't have that kind of cash. With they're sale, I'm hoping to recoup ~$500 of the $750 I spent on them to put towards my Axiom set up. As for the center, The M2 probably won't work...simply due to the fact that my tv stand MUST accomodate the center (WAF). Also, would the M2 have a problem with dispersion vs. a dedicated center? Just curious.

Again, thanks for your replies so far. They're only making it easier for me to bite the bullet and pull the trigger.

Okay CS, then the budget is really about $500 plus what you'd hope to recover on the B&Ws. Assuming that works out, I'll still suggest the M60s/M2 across the front. If there's no way possible to fit the M2, then the VP100(using factory outlet prices)becomes a possibility. Yes, a vertically oriented center can in general have a better horizontal dispersion. For example, look at the B&W dispersion specs on the LCR60 which I mentioned; they show 40 degrees vertically(horizontally when vertical)compared to 20 degrees in the opposite direction.

Thanks again John. Yeah, the budget is more or less $1000, being $500 of my own plus ~$500 from the sale of my speakers. I looked at the specs on the M2 and it would indeed fit. The height of the upper opening in my entertainment stand is 8", so anything 8" or less will fit. I'd have to turn the M2 on its side and put it in there. It's 7.5" wide, thus on its side, it'd be 7.5" tall. But here may be a snag; can you buy them individually? I don't see that option anywhere, only pairs.

As for the M60 vs M50, seems as though the M60 is strongly suggested. Any reason why? Is it just a superior speaker for only $200 more (less than that at outlet prices). Just curious...want to gather as much info as I can. Thanks.

Correction...I see them in the outlet store sold individually. My bad.

Right; but on its side the benefit of the better dispersion would be lost(at least toward one side), so don't give much thought to that.

$750 for your B&W 600 series bookshelves?

Man, my $340 factory outlet M22's were an absolute steal.

I had the chance to listen to B&W 600 series and for me they sounded warm but a little refrained for the type of music I listen to. I thought they were optimal for Jazz music instead (for example). They lacked that "oomph" that you can get from Axioms. Different story with 703s but for 3000 dollars....

Anyway, I have Axiom M60s and am quite happy in a stereo setup with Rotel gear. They sell 900 dollars a pair (or less factory B).