Hello everyone. This is my first HT, I have a lot of friends with Bose, Klipsch, Sony, Etc... I wanted to do it right. Axiom gets great reviews everywhere. So today I bought M80's, VP100, and QS-8's. I'm not sure if I will need a sub or not, Do the M80's produve enough base for movies? I plan on buying an Onkyo NR900, it produces
Power Output* (8 ohm, 20 Hz-20 kHz, FTC)
Front L/R 110 W/Ch
Center 110 W
Surround L/R 110 W/Ch
Surround Back 110 W/Ch (L/R)

Power Output* (6 ohm, 1 kHz, FTC)
Front L/R 145 W/Ch
Center 145 W
Surround L/R 145 W/Ch
Surround Back 145 W/Ch (L/R)

Dynamic Power** (front)
3 ohm 280 W/Ch
4 ohm 220 W/Ch
8 ohm 140 W/Ch

Any thoughts appreciated, I didn't go with the vp150, but may get one later. not sure yet.

Thanks,

Rick

Get a sub! Very few speakers really go down to 20Hz, and I think all of them cost in the 5 figure range and up.

I'm no expert, but I checked out the M80's low end frequency response on this website. It appears that these mains will start to lose strength when they hit 34 Hz and below. In my mind, that kind of frequency response is more than adequate.

If you set your receiver speaker parameters to 'large' for the mains, the amplifier will direct the lowest frequencies to them. Considering the efficiency of the M80 is good, you should really hear that full bodied sound @ 110 watts. For HT, I think you will be impressed (perhaps astonished) at even modest volumes.

If you really need that ultra low 20-35hz response, there's plenty of subs that will fill that role, but with the M80s, I'd say that is overkill.

Really when it comes down to it, it all depends on you and your ears. Give the system a listen, but don't be swayed by your initial impressions. Give the speakers time to break in, then assess the subwoofer issue--- I honestly think you'll forget this whole thing after you do this

BTW, I just bought an ONKYO SR800---I don't have speakers nearly as good as yours, and I simply LOVE my new HT experience!!!

Hope this helps...

I think that for Home Theatre a sub is very much a must. Especially the way sound is being produced in a lot of the current movies like Lord of the Rings. Plus it frees up your mains to produce the sounds that they do best.

Best thing to do is to listen to the same movie without a sub and then with. Let your ears decide while you are in your listening environment; that is the only true test.

Your HT setup will sound great. Just be sure to switch the receiver to 4-6 ohms. If you aren't getting the "slam" you were expecting with action movies, first play with the placement of the M80s...moving them too far out into the room substantially reduces the bass output. If placement doesn't solve any problems (which isn't to say you'll have any...the M80s have a LOT of bass), a local shop should let you take a sub for a home audition.

Thanks for all your input. I'm surprised at the amount of traffic this board has.
Now, a question about speaker wire, I'm looking at running 14ga wire, is this enough for the M80's? I'm not real particular on brands, I'll probably go with bulk Monster or AR.

Thanks,


Rick

dont get monster first of all, i have some old monster and some old rs mega cables and the monster is getting oxidized through the whole cables. And i would suggest 12 gauge. 14 would work. but you might as well go all the way and just get the 12 gauge. And i would say, AR or RS cables would be your best bet.

how can you tell if a cable is oxidized and what does rs stand for?

rs is Radio Shack

If a cable is oxidized it changes color to a greenish blackish kinda type thingamajig.

Most floorstanding will have enough bass to handle music and your M80 is definitely adequate. However, for movies, you cannot avoid a sub woofer since you want the feel the rumbling effect of an earthquake or avalance, the explosion of a cannon or volcano, the dinosaur's footsteps, etc.

As for cables, minimum 16 will work but of course, as you go thicker it will be better but more expensive.

I've been considering the Onkyo TX-SR800 myself, I also found the JVC RX-DP9VBK for $529.00, or the Kenwood VR-6070, did you have a chance to compare the Onkyo against these?

I didn't have a chance to compare receivers, just searched through Crutchfield for info. The biggest sale for me was the net tune build into the receiver. I can plug it into my home network. I use to be partial to sony, but ever since my friend got one, I wasn't that impressed. Onkyo has lots of features, and build a good product. Their reviews seem to hold consistent.

I guess I need to order a sub now after talking to everyone. Thanks for your rely's. I like to do things right the first time. Also, does Axiom allow you to trade up? I ordered the VP100, but I'm guessing that I will want the VP150 soon.

I'd say return the VP100 right now while you are still in your 30 day period and get the VP150. It will be a MUCH better match to those M80's. Remember, the center channel is meant to lock action that takes place on the screen to the screen. That's the majority of what you hear in a movie. This is not a good place to cut corners.