This forum has opened me up to a new learning experience, and I have gained some valuable info over the short period of time I have spent here.
But I would like to inquire once agin as to assistance with speaker info. I recently began putting together (ON PAPER) an AXIOM system. Granted these have come with rave reviews. BUT, at a cost. the system i was piecing together came in around 1200.00. WITHOUT a sub. Then adding a Sub I would come in at 1500-1600. This is a bit steep for my first plunge into HT, but I was relunctantly willing.
Then as i was reading, AGAIN, some more threads, I came across someone praising a sytem from FLUANCE. I tuned to their website, and lo and behold I could not believe what I was reading or seeing. Now I am in a bit of a quandry. Should I go all out and blow the wad on the Axioms, or, try for the Fluance and get my feet wet. I do not have a large room, 13 x 15. And the HT would be used part of the time since there is my son's room directly above.
I would look to pair either of these with the HK AVR 325/525, or the Denon's 1803/2803. Depending on prices.
Lastly I would like a sub, that would not kill the budget, again a referral came to Adire Rava or Velodyne.
Any input is valuable to me, and I appreciate all.
Thanks
I also read that Fluance requires BIwiring, is this an issue, or dificult to perform?

Hello Davey

Here's a recommendation which will save you some money. The best bang for the buck in subwoofers, in my opinion, is the Vance Dickason Titanic 10" subwoofer kit from partsexpress.com. Even a monkey can put this kit together. (not suggesting in any way ...) The cabinet is already completely assembled, you just have to screw in the plate amp, connect the driver, screw it in, screw in the really beautiful large black chrome plated brass cone feet. You've got a great sub.

Cost delivered is $350. I have a Klipsch LF10 (supposedly 1640 watts) and a Velodyne CHT100, both cost much more than the Titanic and the Titanic holds its own. It has slam and is very musical.

For the money, I don't believe you can do better than Axiom speakers. I'd check the Axiom Factory Outlet and get whatever speakers you are looking for there. You'll save even more money.

I haven't heard the Axiom subwoofers but they do not get the same uniform rave reviews as the Axiom speakers.

Thanks for the info on the Titanic 10" sub. I checked out their website and wondered if you had any opinion of their 12" sub ... though it appears (by omission) that it was not desiged by Vance Dickason?

Hi, I just read this line. Cost was a BIG factor for me, as is music. I did not want a HT sub. I wanted a music sub. I got the 10" Titanic to go with my M3ti's. If you search long and hard you can check a number of reviews and specs. The 10", due to design, is cleaner and plays flat lower than the 12". And it is a lot smaller. I am blown away by the 10". Yes, it stands up to any sub smaller than a coffee table and it is small enough to "hide". The only sub even close is the Hsu. Now, I have not tried the Axiom subs. There is nowhere near to listen to them. I have not read sparkling reviews as I did for the Titanic Vance.

Oh yeah, I checked the specs again. The 10" Titanic plays flat down to an octave lower than the EP125 and a little lower than the EP350. The Titanic goes reaaallllllllly low. Clean lowwwwwww.

DAVEY,

So, which Axioms are you thinking about?

Well if I stay within the Axiom line I was considering the following...M22/VP150/QS4/ QSS4 stands. I keep reading about the Axioms sounding bright. Not sure what to make of this. I have also considered these other lines since I am not 100% sure: FLUANCE, or TANNOY. Anyone have any experience with these lines of speakers? Oh, I was thinking of pairing either with a HK AVR 325/525 or perhaps a Denon 1803/2803. Again not really sure what to do.

Your Axiom candidates will sound great. With regard to the "brightness," barring the actual 30-day trial (you can only order the M22's first, so that the return shipping would not be too much even if you do not like them), the only way to "examine" your own tonal preference is to listen to a number of speaker brands in your local shops. For example, if you do not feel that, say, the Energies and Monitor Audios particularly bright, it will be unlikely that you feel the Axioms too bright, either.

I would also like to praise the price and performance of the Parts Express 10" 250-watt subwoofer. I bought mine about a month ago on E-Bay for $262 plus $42 shipping. It normally sells for $350 with free shipping. You do have to assemble it, but it is very simple. The results are well worth it. The parts are of very high quality, and the sub produces deep, clean bass.

Try this system within the $1,200 price range:

M22ti front speakers: $400
M3ti rear surrounds: $275
VP100 center channel: $220
Titanic 10" subwoofer: $350
Total: $1,245

I don't think you could possibly be disappointed at this price range, which includes tax and shipping charges.