For my HT build, I am looking at going 7.1 - I will replace my 20 year old Energy surround speakers with 4 Axiom surrounds. The room is 13 x 16. Should I go with QS4 or 8?

Thanks,

Marc

I'd go QS8, personally. But I have not heard the 4's. I have a 7.1 system with QS8's and love 'em. Exceptionally seamless.

Scott

i would say go with 4 QS8's but if your goal is to save some coin then use a pair of 8's for side surrounds and a pair of 4's for rear surrounds.

i don't think you will go wrong either way but, if money is not the issue then go with 4 QS8's.

QS4 is good, QS8 is better. It's all about your and your wallet my friend.

The QS8s are the more capable speaker, but QS4s are no slouches. Decide how much you want to spend and go that route. Of course, if you decide to go the QS4 route, make sure you can live comfortably with the fact that you didn't get the biggest/best speaker. I'd say most people on this board couldn't handle that, but there are those (me included) who can.

How about just start with one set of surrounds first and go from there. Both the QS4 and QS8 are sufficient for your room. If you are willing to spend the extra money on the QS8 then that is probably the best choice.

I'll let you know in a few days.

Get a pair of QS4 and QS8, if the QS4 is enough for you them return the QS8 and order a second pair of QS4 or vice versa

All good advice. I'll take it in consideration, thanks!

You might consider QS8s for the sides and M2s or M3s for the back like THX recommends:
http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/home-theater/surround-sound-speaker-set-up/

I got 4s decided to go 7.1 so got the 8's for the sides moving the 4's to the back ... there was such a difference with the 8's "I couldn't stand the" 4's got sent back and 8's all around ... there is no comparison .. the 4's are great, the 8's deliver!

Man, all you guys that have done the comparison make me really excited, but really nervous... please don't let the improvement be hyperbole!

I'm eager to read your impressions.

Well I don't think your life will change but you might like the sound better ....

I have the QS4s in a 6.1 system with M80s and Vp150. I'm sure if I did a side by side comparison there would be a difference but I tell ya, the 4s do a damn good job in my system. I don't feel I'm missing out on anything.

Hmmm Didn't know that (far from an audio expert here). I figured surround speakers would be good for rear speakers but guess not. Thing is though, the rear speakers well be basically right above the head of the listeners. I'd probably be better off with the QS than the M series for better dispersion?

If you're looking at 7.1, and those are the rears you're talking about (ie, not side surrounds), I wouldn't even bother with it. Not if it's going to be right over the listeners' heads.

Hi SUBnet,

For application like yours, where adding a pair of rear surround speakers has the potential to be detrimental rather than beneficial, now exists a great alternative; Height Speakers. However, it requires a recent a/v receiver model which provides either Dolby ProLogic IIz or Audyssey DSX. Denon, Marantz, Onkyo and Pioneer offer several models with this technology. Based on my personal experience, a pair of Axiom QS4 or QS8 is ideal and delivers a stunning performance on movies and games. I also received very positive comments from Axiom owners who have embraced this setup configuration.

So I'd be better off sticking to 5.1 and using a pair of QS8s on the sides then (mid-room)...

If you're up against the back wall, then yes, 5.1 better suited. But the speakers should be located to the left and right of the listening position, or slightly behind.

So in your case, probably a few inches from the corner where the side walls meet the rear.

My room isn't much larger than yours (12.5 X 18). My rears are about 36" behind me. I have tried 5.1 and 7.1 using both M3's and QS-8's as surround backs. The M3's did not blend well at all due to being too close and the fact that they are directional, but the QS-8's work nicely and I prefer them over the 5.1 configuration. I have not heard QS-4's. If the cost delta isn't an issue, go with 4 QS-8's. Many BR's have discrete 7.1 and even though you are close to the rear wall, you will still be able to enjoy the extra discrete channels.