Hi Folks - like many others, I have been lurking here for a while soaking up all the good info about Axiom speakers in preparation for upgrading my speakers from some "just OK" Polk's, as I am ready to move to the "next level". I've decided to go with M60ti's, VP150, EP350 and 3 QS8's (6.1 config) for primarily HT with a bit of music (maybe more now!) thrown in. I've already received the QS8's and EP350 and after a bit of re-arranging of the room, will be ordering the VP150 and M60's. As noted by many other members of this board, I have been delighted by the quality and performance of the product I've received so far, the great customer service, and especially the atmosphere of the discussion forums hosted by Axiom on their products and the folks that contribute.

My previous speakers were wall mounted (except for the sub) as are now the QS8's. The M60's will be the first real floorstanders I've had since some vintage speakers I got rid of a long time ago. They will be sitting on a carpeted floor (as will the EP350) over a wood subfloor. What I am curious about is your thinking on carpet spikes - the whys and the results of using them as opposed to having them just sit on the carpet.

I surmise that the reason for using carpet spikes is to make contact through the carpet to the floor underneath, correct? What I'm not so clear on is what the benefit of doing this is and would like to see what the very knowledgeable folks on this board can share on the topic, as well as experiences with and without. This will help plug one of those knowledge voids us "learners" are looking to fill.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and I'm pleased to be a new member of the Axiom "family".

Cheers,

Doug McBride
Auburn, California

From what I've heard, and through personal experience with my previous set of speakers, the carpet spikes will improve your speaker's low end. They "couple" your speakers to the floor, which can help tighten up the bass by giving your speakers a solid foundation.

To make an exaggerated example of NOT using carpet spikes, pretend you put your M60s on a bunch of ball bearings. With every movement of the speakers cones, there's an equal and opposite movement of the speaker cabinet. This would result in your speakers wanting to move backward when the cones are movign forward, and vice versa. The end result is muddier sound.

Granted, your carpet is probably not frictionless, but I'm sure there is some give to it. I'd definitely recommend using the spikes. As long as you don't forget they're on there and start dragging your speakers across the carpet, they won't cause any damage.

Enjoy your new system!

Do the Axiom floorstanders come with floor spikes? Do they have threads cut for spikes/feet in their bottom?

The M60s do, so I'm sure the other floorstanders do as well. Also, I went ahead and got the QS8 stands and those also have threads for spikes (which are also included with the stands themselves).

they come with both rubber feet and spikes. i'm using rubber feet on the newly resurfaced hardwood floors.

dont forget the little wrench that comes with them.little things like that show that someones thinking of the customer

i didnt get a wrench for the spikes with my M80's i did get the one for the binding posts. Its a bit flimsy, but gets the job done just fine. Just be sure that when you set you speakers down to not have your foot under the speaker err. OUCH! and it might take some fiddling to get all the spikes level. with wood though you might not need to be exact but i have concrete under my carpet so it had to be exact.

Yes, they come with spikes and rubber feet. The speakers also have threads.

Are they four footed or three footed? (I am guessing the former from what Brandon said).

four footed. the threads are like these metal thread things they screw into the speaker cabinet. i just found some at parts express. theyre called t nuts. heres the link.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&User_ID=13714657&St=1093&St2=51436028&St3=-50352430&DS_ID=3&Product_ID=120397&DID=7

BTW ive been tweaking today, biwire,no biwire, sub no sub, and ive got major standing waves problem in one of my corners. i might have to do some room treatments! The sub i have is a 99 dollar KLH peice of work. wish i had a decent sub to hook up that would actually keep up with the m80s.