Forum n00b here with a question for anyone with an opinion.

I'm about the pull the trigger on a 5.0 Axiom setup that will consist of a pair of M22s (as fronts), a pair of M2s (as surrounds) and the VP100 (as the center,obviously). All of this will be paired with my existing SVS PB12+ sub. I'm confident that this is the setup that will suit my room and listening habits the best while maintaining my budget.

My question is this...should I go for the setup in the standard Black Oak finish or visit the custom shop and order the kit in Ebony?

I know the choice seems dependent on personal taste and all, but I'm really torn between the two. I kind of like the "industrial"/"all purpose" look of the Ebony finish and I think that it would match the texture of the SVS sub well...however, I think that the Black Oak finish might "dress up" the room a bit better since, as I understand it, Axioms veneer finishes are top notch.

So anyone got any opinions for me?

I need to make this final, important soon so I can pull the trigger and get my new speakers!

Below are a couple of pictures of my room. They might help you guys to help me make a decision.

Thanks in advance!

Order the standard black. You don't need to spend any more money unless you're Randy .

Look at Mojo's Dojo on Axiom's wall of fame if you want to see what standard black looks like in a room.

RJ, I agree with Mojo, go with the standard black.

By the way, I like your avatar!

I love my Ebony Pica from the custom shop. Very sleek, no glare for HT projectors, and more expensive looking.

One question, is why you are not going with Qs4 or Qs8's for surrounds, they will give you an experience no direct radiating speaker can create?

If you do go with Black Oak, you might order from the factory outlet, which will save you 10% more, if budget was an issue in getting the Q's.

Thanks for the replies fellas...the help is definitely appreciated...



That certainly would be the practical approach...I could always put the money saved into a new receiver...perhaps one of the newer Denons that decodes the new HD surround formats ;).



Nice room by the way!



Thanks!



There you go complicating things!



I had definitely thought about going with one of the QS series speakers as my surrounds, but in the end decided that the direct radiating might be better for some of the multichannel music I listen to. I prefer the "preciseness" that a direct radiator offers for multichannel music. The unusual driver configuration of the QS's also factored into my decision. Who knows...I may decide to audition a pair of QS's in the future but for now, I think that the M2's will work well for me.



The factory outlet might be an option I exercise...although, these being my first "real" mid/hi-fi speaker purchase I really want to get a "perfect" pair, if you know what I mean .

I'm going to try to wait until tomorrow to place the order to see if I get any more advice...right now, I'm leaning towards the Black Oak finish.

Thanks again for you advice guys!

I ordered m80's, vp 150, qs8's, and ep500 from the factory outlet. All were in perfect conditiont with no blemishes at all except the ep500. It had a small scratch on the back of the sub where no one would ever see.

Most of us order from the outlet, and you will be hard pressed to find any problems, so they will be perfect. By the way, the Q's are great for multi channel music as well. For HT, the bullits will go through you instead of around you like direct radiating.

Standard black should suffice, if you're looking for a non standard finish I would spend the money on a nice wood and forget the black. If the sub doesn't match hide it or cover it with something sound transparent I vote for High Gloss Cherry...man these dress up a room

Also, I would vote for QS. Randy will probably mention as well, that they do great for multi channel music.

Good luck!