Klipsch vs. Axiom - Axiom Message Boards

Time to plan and replan our new home. I have torn down my HT from our old place and now must plan the new house, starting at the family room.

I have Klipsch Reference 35's w/ RW12 Sub, but would like to go in wall in the Family room. I can save the RB35's from the living room (where I installed a wall digital control and wall speaker terminals), but what do I do with the rest.

How Does Axiom compare to the Klipsch? Should I consider thier Architectural Series for the family room to flank a 42" Plasma or LCD? Should I keep the Klipsch and wall mount them? Should I go with Klipsch Wall mount fronts and keep the RS35's for the surround.

It will be a 5.1 and your feedback is appreciated as I look at the Axiom option.

Cheers,

Steve

Steve,

Welcome. Speaker preference is going to be different depending on who you talk to, you really need to try to listen to some Axioms if possible and make your own decision. There is an Audition thread in the "Hearing Things" section where people will let you have a listen in your area.

A friend of mine has Klipsch and I personally don't like the "horned" sound, to harsh for me. Just my 2 cents.

Hey Steve! I have owned both Klipsch and Axiom. Although not ideal, you can mix and match Klipsch with Axiom, but you will have very different sound signatures. At the very least I would make the front three speakers the same. Also, some level matching will be necessary as the Klipsch horns are very easy to drive.

My advice is to order a pair of Axiom Architectural series speakers and do a comparison with the Klipschs. Like I said, there is a very different presentation of sound bewteen horns and domes--one that you need to decide which you like best. If you like the Axioms, then you can still use the RB35s until you save up for the rest of the set.

Better yet, like Randy said, check the audition thread and see if someone is local in your area. Maybe you can take your Klipsch speakers over for a comparison.

Generally, when people hear Klipsch side by side with Axioms, they are able to make a very clear, distinct decision. It would be worth trying for an audition.

If you cannot get an audition, you can always purchase a pair of Axioms you are interested in, and then you have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee.

Thanks for the feedback. I think I may take a drive to the factory (showroom?) and have a listen. I can the pick-up a factory deal???

I have run into one small challenge... the location of a stud "just" off centre above the mantel that may restrict my use of any in-wall speaker. If this stud is OC by 7", I am golden for the Axiom (and not other) in-wall. Otherwise I will only be able to use on-wall.

I will post a pic when all done if I throw up Axioms.

Cheers

Steve

Quote:

Thanks for the feedback. I think I may take a drive to the factory (showroom?) and have a listen. I can the pick-up a factory deal???

There wasn't a "showroom" so to say when I went up but they do have a listening room set up. Or it could be the deafening room

You can get a discount when buying at the factory I think it was 8%, all others apply too (Factory Outlet and 5 item deals). If you want Factory Outlet you will need to call ahead and arrange.

Here's another memebers 2004 trip which has some pics including the listening room.

2004 Tour