Hello-

I have been looking at a set of Axiom speakers to upgrade the existing speakers in my home theater. I need some help in deciding on which system to "pull the trigger" on. The room size is approximately 13' x 13' x 8'. Usage would include daily TV viewing, DVD movies, and some music listening. My budget is right around $2000. I have a Yamaha RX-V2500 receiver (130W x 7), and a Sony 61" RPTV. Here are the two systems that I am thinking about putting together.

Polk Setup

Polk Audio RTi10 (Main) $ 849.98
Polk Audio CSi5 (Center) $ 359.99
Polk Audio RTi6 (Surround) $ 339.99
Polk Audio PSW505 (Sub) $ 449.99
B-Tech BT77 Brackets $ 59.99

Total $2059.94

Axiom Setup

Axiom M60ti (Main) $ 900.00
Axiom VP150 (Center) $ 385.00
Axiom QS8 (Surround) $ 500.00
Axiom EP350 (Sub) $ 650.00
Metal Brackets $ 74.00

Total (less 5% discount) $2383.55

The Polk system is about $300 cheaper. A guy at my work has the exact Polk system, and raves about it all of the time. I have been in contact with Axiom, and they state that their system will be far superior to the Polk system.

Thoughts??

There's a easy way to find out.

Order the Axioms and do a side by side. They can be returned if you are not satisfied.

You can also save an additional 10% by ordering factory seconds. Most folks can't find any flaws in their cabinets.

I audtioned the Polks before I bought my Axioms.

Or you can order just the M60s for audition on your home to compare them with Polks. If you like them in a 2 channel setup, you will surely like them in a HT. Besides, everybody agrees that the Axiom surrounds are some of the best in the market. You can buy them with closed eyes once you choose your M60s.

...sounds like an audition might be in my near future. Thanks for the comments.

Do you know that you can audition some Axioms without purchasing them? You can visit Hearing Things section at this forum and can probably find somebody close to your city/town.

thyname-

I didn't even think about that...I'll have to check that out. Thanks.

David; I had the chance to listen to some M60s to somebody's home here at this forum before I ordered mine. People here tend to be very nice and willing to let you come over for an audition. And then of course, if you like them, you can place the order and have them home for audition for 30 days with your own equipment.

I have a similar Polk system (RTi8s, CSi5, FXi3s, Velodyne CHT12 sub) and I have a pair of Axiom M22s. You can't go wrong with either system - but with that being said, here are my thoughts:

You can definitely do better than a Polk subwoofer. I found Velodyne to be better on a dollar for dollar basis, but SVS, Hsu, and Axiom seem to be the most popular subs around here.

Based on reviews and at least one person that posted here the Axiom surrounds are probably superior to the Polk surrounds.

I don't know anybody that has compared Polk RTi towers to Axiom M60s or M80s. Ditto for Polk CSi3 or CSi5 to Axiom VP 100 or VP 150. I have a hard time thinking that you will find a big difference. Friends that have heard my M22s say they sound "really good". Then they hear my Polk system and say it sounds "amazing." However, they are different systems in different rooms so I can't say the Polks are superior - just that they are very good speakers relative to what else is available in your (and my) price range. In the big scheme of things, with all the money you are putting into the system knowing that you got the best thing you could in your price range and that you researched it to the best of your ability is worth a lot more than $300.

If I were going into this right now I would do exactly as others have suggested and get some M60s and compare them to the RTi10s. Sorry to be so long-winded, but I remember being in your position and info like this would have given me some peace of mind at the time...

If you haven't already, try doing a Search for Polk, I recall many threads on this in the past. I would also recommend ordering from Axiom's Factory Outlet, you get the same 5% plus another 10%. The FO's are also brand new speakers and every bit technically the same. Axiom has a very high quality control process, and if a speaker has even the slightess blemish or nick, it goes through the outlet. Below is some result of an old poll I did once.

In regards to Polks, I auditioned a Polk setup at a friends house back when I was looking, personally I like the Axioms better. I also auditioned B&W, NHT, and Paradigm with the end result being Axiom. I love this family

Also, I've never been able to find another surround speaker to match the quadpolor performance of the Axioms

Factory Outlet To Be or Not To Be (Total Votes: 83)
All Axioms from FO 30 (36%)
All Axioms from regular inventory 15 (18%)
Mix of Axioms from FO and Regular 27 (32%)
Mix of Axioms from FO & other brand speakers 5 (06%)
Mix of Axioms from Reg. & other brand speakers 6 (07%)


Randy

M60's VP150 EP350 4-Qs8's
Denon 2805
Sanyo Z2 Projector
Panasonic S97S HDMI DVD

I agree that the axiom system will be far superior. I have a friend with a very similar polk setup (he has the same center and fronts) and my system blows his away. Both systems are in the basement and his room has better acoustics than mine. Ie. his room has sheetrock and carpeting while mine has wood paneling and tile. Also, my room is more wide than long and his is more long than wide.

If you get the axioms you won't be disappointed... and your friend might just be jealous.