Hi there,

I have been reading many reviews about Axiom speakers, and have decided to look into a few options. I am hoping that people here can give me a hand deciding what the best one is for me.

To give you some background, I am using an H/K AVR 145 receiver, currently with crappy Pioneer speakers (2 fronts, 2 rears, centre channel) that came from my previous home theater in a box. Most of it's use is for watching tv in stereo sound and listing to music, however, I really like watching DVDs in 5.1 surround. I would say it's use is split 65% for music/tv and 35% for DVDs.

I only have a budget to upgrade the front speakers and centre channel right now. I'll have to look into rear speakers once I save a bit more. So my options given my budget constraints are as follows:

1) M22's for fronts and VP100 for centre

2) M3's for fronts and VP150 for centre

3) M3's for fronts and VP100 for centre, plus get a head start saving for some rear speakers.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Foster

Forgot to mention that I also have an Acoustic Profiles AP-A100 subwoofer that I really like. Not looking at upgrading the subwoofer for awhile.

Thanks,

Foster

If your current center is really that bad, do not neglect the possibility of upgrade front+surround and using a phantom center channel for a while. That might be better than having surround that are not in the same league as your mains and center.

If you already have a good sub, M22 might be a better option. M3 are really, really good by themselves, but M22+sub is probably a better HT option.

How big is your room?

What kind of display (TV) are we talking about? The VP150 is humongous.

Do you prefer the usual center-channel form factor (like the VP100 and VP150)? If not, you might also consider just getting three M3's across the front.

Of the options you presented, I'd choose #1.

I agree with Eric,tThe M22s are incredible for Movies and TV and the benefit of good surrounds outweigh the need for a center. You can just run a phantom center untill you can afford a center.

If you are dead set on a center then the M22s and VP100 are the way to go,IMO, the VP150 plays slightly deeper and louder but you are not losing anything with the VP100. I had the M22s and VP100 for 4 years till upgrading to M80s and VP150 for my main HT area. The M22s and VP150 now reside in another room.

Foster, welcome. I'd also suggest that you get the M22s and use them at least temporarily to form a "phantom" center. That will allow you to immediately get the excellent QSs for surround enjoyment of both music and movies.

Thanks everyone for the comments. I appreciate the idea of running a phantom centre, however, the QS surrounds + the M22's would push me a bit out of my current budget. From the reviews I have checked out the QS8's are the way to go, so I think I'll be saving for them next, and using my pioneer surrounds in the meantime.

From the responses it sounds like the M22's would be best for me, and that is what I am leaning towards, since I have a subwoofer that I am happy with.

Also, from the responses it sounds like the VP100 would work well with the M22's.

In response to some questions, I am still using a 27 inch picture tube tv. I intend to move from an apartment into a house in about a year from now, and will likely upgrade the tv at that point. For the same reason, it's tough for me to determine room size since I have no clue as to what my room will be like in a year from now. I guess I'm looking for a somewhat versatile system, and considering I am on a tight budget, I know that my options are limited.

Thanks again for the comments, it certainly helped confirm a lot of my initial thoughts and makes me feel more confident buying speakers based only on reviews and not on an actual demo.

Foster

You can always check the hearing things forum and look for an audition from some one nearby.

Chalk up another for the M22 VP100 recommendation. Have you considered a vertically orientated M2 for a centre? Depending on your room size it could be a really good option.

Oh and since you're on a budget (like the rest of use), I would suggest using the Factory Outlet for 10% regular price.

If you order 5 items (like 2 M22s, 2 QS8s, and 1 VP100) you also get an additional 5% off. your total for the above would be a cool $1083. Just keeping your options open

The price for M22s and QS8s (running a phantom centre for now) would be $910 USD.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/factoryoutlet.html

You know you wanna!

Or...you could get 2 M22s, a VP100 and 2 QS4's for $988. Posting your budget would help with:

A) Needless posts suggesting things you can't afford
B) Accurate posts about what you should get.

mismatched colours? I am confused...

Foster, check your PMs

nevermind...I changed my post. By mismatched I meant Boston Cherry M22s and Black VP100....but the point is moot...I was mistaken about the HT discount

I'm looking at a budget max of only $750. So that's why I figured there are only a few options open to me.

I really like the reviews of the QS8's so I think I will hold out for awhile and get them. For now, I'm really liking the idea of the M22's with VP100.

Thanks!

Foster

Foster, you'll be thrilled with the M22/VP100 combination for a long time.

I'd suggest the M22's and VP 100 combination. but give consideration to M22s and QS8s with a phantom center for yhe most bang for the buck.

Foster,

If you can stretch your budget a bit, you can get the M22s and the VP150 from the Factory Outlet for $791. THat way you'll have the top of the line bookshelves, and top of the line Centre channel. You'll be able to use the VP150 in a larger room in the future if necessary.

Its up to you. I would personally vouch for the VP150 for future proofing. The Factory outlet is a God send.

I agree with Hutzal

Thanks again for all the replies. I considered all of the advice, but since I really can't stretch my budget at all (in fact, I'm pushing it as is), I decided to order the M22's and VP100. I took advantage of the high gloss cherry free finish upgrade, and am looking forward to setting them up!

Foster

Winner winner chicken dinner!

Nobody likes a gloater. . .

I wasn't gloating, I was just drinking glib.