ahhhcheeew!...cough, cough…sniff, sniff

At first the symptoms weren’t obvious, but now my vitals are plunging as a highly virulent strain of upgraditus ravages my body. Between bouts of unconsciousness, I have searched the world over for a cure and have been told that the only known antidote for my condition is a large order from Axiom Audio.

Now, having convinced my wife that this is the only way to save me, I am prepared to make a purchase for my health. I do have one question though…What is the usual shipping time for a set of 60s and a 150 center channel? I live way down in Tallahassee, Florida and would like to order the speakers when I am sure I will be home to take delivery (lots of holiday traveling coming up). Thanks for any insight! -Andy

Welcome Andy. The usual time is 2 days via fedex. Definitely the cure for the common cold. What are you upgrading from if I may ask?

Hiya Andy. Are you also considering the QS8s? Without them, a relapse is likely. Also, there is a 5% discount for an order of 5 or more of anything Axiom sells. Tell us about your system.

2 days fed ex for standard inventory....

Factory Outlet items will arrive usually on the date listed for that item in the factory outlet. These items are 10% less than standard inventory, plus if you buy 5 or more items, you still get the 5% on top of that....

Thanks for the quick feedback. I have to admit, of all the boards I frequent, you folks have to be the nicest group going. This was a MAJOR factor in me deciding in favor of Axiom.

Yes, I do plan on purchasing the QS8s soon after this purchase, but I have limited economic bandwidth (translation = Wife approved budget) right now. Besides, it is always fun to get the Fed-Ex knock at the door, so splitting the order extends the “anticipation high” of a system upgrade.

Right now, I have Klipsch reference 3 series all around. And to tell you the truth, I have been a fan of Klipsch for a long time. My father always had a nice set of Klipsch speakers in his listening room, and I have assumed I would carry on the “family tradition” of Klipsch loyalty during my ongoing quest for sonic bliss.

However, as hard as I have tried, I simply cannot get past the fatiguing nature of the RF3s. Any music listening at moderate volumes for an average time strains my ears. As you probably know, this fatigue is hard to explain. I have tweaked everything and still not been able to get past it. When I first hit play, I think, “Dang. This sounds good.” Ten minutes later I am clamoring for the remote to turn it down. And I am not talking about LOUD listening. I am talking about the “wife is at the gym and I have a cold one in my hand” volume setting. Is this just my fastidious ears reacting to the horn?

The rest of my current set-up includes:

Denon 3802
Denon 2200
Mits 55413
HSU VTF-2
Blue Jeans interconnects

Does anyone see any reason to upgrade another component before I move to Axiom? Axiom is certainly in my future, so buying something else first won’t prevent me from getting the Axiom’s later. Is the now long-forgotten 3802 sufficient? My other thought was moving to separates now and getting speakers later. I listen primarily to classic rock, ranging from the Stones to CCR. Of course, as a fan of DVD-A and SACD, I also listen to almost anything on those formats. Curious for your thoughts.--Andy

Very nice equipment set. The 3802 (excellent) and 2200 (very good) will do fine. If upgradeitis is gnawing at you. the 3805 would do you well, but with the 3802 you don't really need it. The 2900 has been discontinued and Crutchfield has reduced its price by $300 (another $79 lower in the outlet store or $100 less in the Scratch & Dent). Excellent upgrade in audio and video (incredible) in relation to the 2200. Again - not required, just an opportunity.

Let's talk about what isn't listed - a universal remote. I'm guessing you might have one, but if not, take a look at the recent thread here on the MX-700. Terrific unit and especially nice for the 3802 (you'll see what I mean in the thread). This is my most valued piece of HT gear.

Klipsch....either you luv em....or hate em.....

A lot of people on AVS will say Axioms are a lot like Klipsch...I don't see it that way. Some people just love the horn technology, but I find the Axiom's to be more detailed and pleasant on the ears, even at high volumes

I'd hate to take a potential sale for Axiom away, but adding a new set of speakers may not be the "cure" you think it would be. I would strongly recommend a seperate power amp to drive your mains.

I completely disagree. While adding a power amp may or may not change the sound of a system, it's going to change it a lot less than changing the speakers. A new power amp won't make the tweeters different on those Klipshes.

Well, we're not talking about actually changing the sound of the speaker since he says it sounds good at first. We are talking about making it so that it is not fatiguing after a long period of listening. Even with speakers as sensitive as his Klipsch, an added amp to provide clean power where the receiver fails too would yield better results.

I agree with Ken, I don't think the 3802 would have an issue with fatigue, especially with reference III Klipshes.

Dang it! You guys were supposed to help make my decision easier, not fill my head with conflicting upgrade options. Mini-rock had to hit on the only other avenue I was considering, causing the dueling voices in my head to become far more fatiguing than my speakers!

The good news is that I plan to upgrade both speakers and amp over the next year, so it really isn’t one OR the other. Fortunately, I made up my mind tonight when my friend called saying he would buy my Klipsch. So I will order the Axioms soon.

That said, is the Outlaw Audio line really the bang for the buck they are billed as? Also, I have a terrible jinx regarding purchases….As soon as I hit “confirm order,” a new product line is released replacing what I just ordered. Is there any rumor regarding a replacement for the M60s, V150 or QS8s in the very near future? Thanks again for any help, and Mini-Rock, that is a nice set-up you have!--Andy

I've heard nothing about new Axiom speakers. Have you considered the M50's? They're a bit mellower than the M60's. The M60's are a very detailed speakers. (I personaly love that)

Thanks for the compliment Andy! And sorry for making things more difficult; my wife says I have a knack for doing that. As for Outlaw amps, I have only heard the M-200 monoblock amp, but that little guy has no problem keeping up with my B&K Ref 2220. Personally, I think it is the best bang for the buck amp out there…PERIOD, and eventually I'll be replacing my B&K with two more M-200's.