Hi, I was just wondering what HT system would be right for me. This is how the layout of my basement goes:

Area 1 (where the theatre is going to be set up) is 1890 cu ft.

Area 1 extends to Area 2 (with full opening)which is approx. 4000 cu ft.

So essentially I have a room that is about 6000 cu ft.

The problem is, my first choice for the front left and right speakers would be the W22 (in wall front speakers). I chose these because asthetically good looking, it would be a perfect match for my setup (I will be getting a plasma), and it doesn't take up ground space.

But when I contacted one of the audio experts at Axiom, they suggested that I should go for floorstanding speakers such as the M60 or M80 since it would accomodate the space that I have. The W22's were meant to be heard in a space suitable to 2500 cu ft.

So I am in a dilemma as to what set of front speakers I should get. I wouldn't mind getting floorstanding speakers but I would perferably would want to chose W22's over the M60's or M80's ... but it is the sound that matters... right?

I am going to have it tagged along with a EP500 (would this be enough to fill the space of my basement with clean bass?), 3 QS8's, and VP150.


Thanks a lot, I will be looking forward to seeing your guy's input.


P.S. My first post on Axiom message boards!

Welcome Paul!

Hmm, it looks like you have a lot of space to fill. How far away do you sit? And, how loud do you like to crank it up?

C'mon, just get the floorstanders! You'll get used the big boxy things once you hear 'em!

Seriously, it seems you'd be better off with bigger speakers. The sub, surrounds, and center will be just fine.

Welcome Paul,

I have 4,000 cubic feet (see Wall of Fame for pictures) with the Epic80-600 system. I considered in-walls but realized that I would be giving up too much in terms of sound quality. There are two major problems with in-walls: 1. diffraction effects and 2. inability to tweak their location and angle. This coupled with worse frequency response than floor-standers puts you at a disadvantage before you're even out of the gates.

Go with M80s, 4xQS8s, VP150 and EP600 and never look back. If you're strapped for cash, forego 2 of the QS8s and the VP150...you can always add them later. But don't miss out on the EP600 especially if you watch movies!

I have no doubt that you will enjoy your Axioms. Whatever floor-standers you end up buying, make an equilateral triangle with them and your listening position, toe them in, keep them away from side walls, move them a couple of feet out from the front wall and try to keep the area between them open. Sound treat the ceiling and floor area that is in between you and the speakers and you will be a happy camper. Bass traps in the corners may be a good idea too. Good luck!

Hi,

Thanks a lot of the helpful tips.

I decided to opt for the floorstanding speakers. I looked at the comparison of the frequency range for the W22's and M60's & M80's and their is a pretty big difference.

As for the sub, a lot of people told me that the EP500 and EP600 are quite close to each other in terms of performance (of course the EP600 will go down further, Hz wise). But I thought an EP500 would be a better choice.


If that doesn't satisfy my wants, then I can always add another EP500 sub (which IMO is better than a single EP600).

Any thoughts? Thanks.

Paul, the main point is the sound level where you're sitting, not necessarily at the farthest reaches of the entire space, and it's possible that the W22s would be adequate for that location. Be that as it may, a setup with M60s and an EP500 would unquestionably be excellent.

I notice that you mention 3 QS8s. Unless there's some compelling reason not to do so, the back surround setup should use two widely separated speakers, not one, so as to allow for the stereo back surround processing which DPLIIx, Logic 7, etc. can do.

Dual 500s may give you more homogeneous bass but they will not offer you a lower frequency response. I don't know what you might be missing with a 500 over a 600. I know Sirquack had a 500 for his 8,000 cubic foot theatre and recently upgraded to a 600 and he's been saying that they are very close. And I agree with what JohnK said about the rears. Good decision on floor-standers BTW.

Dual EP500s are better than a single EP600.

Jakeman did tests with even FR with 2 EP500s and 2 EP600s in various parts of his HT. He found that 2 EP500s outperformed 1 EP600.

This being said, I have not heard the EP600, however, if I needed more bass, I would opt for another EP500 rather than just having 1 EP600.

I would trust his findings, he spent alot of time experimenting with the EP500s and EP600s.

Better is as subjective.

But I agree after being told by Alan and Craigsub that 2 EP500s would give you 98-99% of EP600s. If I ever am allowed to buy a 2nd sub, it will be an EP500.

Quote:

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Better is as subjective.

But I agree after being told by Alan and Craigsub that 2 EP500s would give you 98-99% of EP600s. If I ever am allowed to buy a 2nd sub, it will be an EP500.

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98 - 99% of what? 2 EP500s would be able to produce alot more SPL than a single EP600 would it not?