Hello, I'm almost ready to build my home theater room. I think I narrowed my speaker selection to the Axiom Epic 60-500 7.1 or a Aperion Audio Intimus 633 Cinema. Has anyone had a chance to compare these two systems. by specs, the aperion sub is not as good as the EP500, however I like Aperion's center. Of course what really matters is a listening comparison. I wonder if I should try buying both systems then only keeping what I like? Aperion has free shipping AND free return shipping, and I guess with Axiom the buyer pays for return shipping?

Also, I read some people are not happy with Axiom vp150 center. I'm wondering if I should consider the m22 for a vertical center? My room will be a front projector with a 100" or 120" screen. Will the vertial m22 work will with a large front pj screen? thanks all

-Eric

Hey Eric, welcome...

Can't help you on Aperion, never heard them.. If you use the search feature and look for Aperion in the subject only, there are lots of threads, even one where the 633t was compared to the m22's and m80's. Axiom appeared to have a flatter response over the frequency range.

Make sure you change the date range to cover the last 5 years in your search so you get resutls.

Good Luck..Randy

Eric, another welcome. Since you're going to have room beneath the projection screen, yes you should definitely consider using a vertical M22 center there, which would match up very well with M60 mains(as would a third M60, of course). The only problem that sometimes occurs with using a relatively large vertical center similar or identical to the mains is having the room to place it, but with a projection screen that problem doesn't exist.

You may want to read the "Comparison" in this.

I would encourage you to try both systems if you don't mind taking a chance on the return shipping for the Axioms. I'd be willing to bet that the Axioms will stay put though .

Regarding the subs, I'm of the opinion that the 500 will definitely be louder, go deeper, sound more transparent, blend better with your other speakers and be smoother than the Aperion 12" sub. But the Aperion may give you more "punch and snap" at the expense of all the other attributes I mentioned. I am making this assessment by looking at the frequency response graphs. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Aperion sounds "boomy" given the hump that develops right around 55Hz.

Whatever you choose, we would be most grateful if you let know how it sounds. Good luck.

Note that a pair of Aperion 633Ts are $300 less than M80s. And a pair of M80s have 6 more drivers.

I think the difference may be in the fact that Aperion uses 1" HDF as opposed to 3/4" MDF and what they call "furniture grade" finish. Make no mistake about it...the vinyl finish on the Axioms looks like it is furniture grade.

As for HDF vs. MDF, HDF is denser but not necessarily better. The denser and thicker the wood, the more bracing that is required. This could lead to a higher cabinet resonant frequency and hence a louder resonance. MDF and a moderate amount of bracing is certainly a more elegant and less expensive solution. HDF is also not easy to find and it is harder to work with and hence it is more expensive over-all. Using MDF allows a speaker company to put more money into drivers and quality cross-overs.

All of this may be academic however. Let your ears decide.

I'd go with Aperion, I woke up this morning to purchase some M60's, Q8s, and VP150 and talked with Brent, he was very un-helpful and first line for me spending this amount of money is customer service. I have been wanting to buy some Axioms for awhile, I got a bonus and new exactly what I was going to do but Brent ruined it for me. Good sounding or not Customer service is the first line for me.

That's odd.

That could be the very first negative thing I've ever read about Axiom customer service.

If you knew what you wanted, and Brent is a valued employee responsible for selling it to you, why on earth would he mess up the deal? It takes two to tango.

So, if Bose had awesome customer service, you'd buy them?

I have talked with JC plenty over the last few weeks and he was great, I had a couple more questions before I purchased them and he could have had a bad day or something but it was like talking with someone from India or something. It was the worst experience I have had since I have been talking between Axiom, AV123, TheAudioInsider, and Aperion.

Plus they were simple questions about cost and speaker wire.

As to your Bose question, Customer Service is the first line of defence if it is good then I look at track record, warrently, quality etc..,

I own and operate my own Machine Shop my main goal is provide the customer what they want and need.

I have talked to Brent more times than I can count and he has never been nothing but kind, friendly and very very helpful. This post is highly suspect.

I agree, I've talked to Brent more times than I can count over the past 4 years and have never had anything but a great experience.

Maybe the problem was not with him.

Brent took my order last December and seemed quite personable and professional to me. This was despite the fact he was actually making an outgoing call and the PBX wires got crossed and he ended up with me and didn‘t realize it for a minute.

I got the impression he’s not the type of guy to line up all his pencils facing the same direction (a good thing IMO) but he entered my order flawlessly including a special request to have the shipment delayed until I got back from overseas.

Seems kind of harsh to judge something by one experience when all the previous ones were great.

Tazzer,

How is it that you have been so mistreated by Customer Service. I have had numerous occasions to experience Axiom service and have found the company to be among the best companies I have ever dealt with. If you review previous threads, you will find an overwhelming number of further references to Axiom's service reputation. May I suggest you call back and speak with someone else and see if your questions are answered to your satisfaction.

If the only reason you are advising EricC99 to buy the Aperions is because of your service experience then I would like to say that my experience with Axiom has been fabulous and he should therefore purchase the Axioms.

What he should really do is buy them both, compare,and keep the one he thinks sounds best.

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I got a bonus

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I own and operate my own Machine Shop my main goal is provide the customer what they want and need.

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You gave yourself a bonus?