Is Axiom right for me? - Axiom Message Boards

Hi all,

I’m new here and am thinking about getting some Axiom speakers. I’ve been a HT buff for some time and the only thing I feel that’s lacking in my HT is the speakers. Here is what I have now:

Video:
1. Sanyo PLV-Z2 Projector with 110” screen.
2. Pioneer Elite DVD player

Audio:
1. Pioneer Elite 7.1 Receiver (using it for 6.1 only)
2. Technics Front Speakers (large)
3. Sony Rears
4. KLH 210w Sub.

Let me say that I really like my Technics front speakers. I know they are not considered high end, but I’ve really enjoyed their sound and don’t really want to replace them. I do not like my center or rear speakers though.

I guess my question is; can I get a center and rear speakers from Axiom and keep my Technics? Will the difference in sound be too drastic?

Also, what makes axiom better than say JBL or Klipsh?

Thanks for any info
-JL

I guess it depends on how neutral the Technics speakers are. At worst, the only difference will be a slight change in timbre as people (or aliens

) move around the soundstage; depending on what you watch this can be a trivial thing or more of an annoyance. You don't need to worry about things like sensitivity because the receiver has adjustments to make everything match up.

If you like your Technics fronts because the sound is clear and "open" then the match with the Axioms will probably be pretty good.

The big deal with Axioms is that they are one of the more accurate (ie flat frequency response) speakers in the price range, and as a result they seem to do a better job than most of letting you hear all the detail in your recordings. Klipsch and JBL tend to emphasize certain frequency ranges (which many people prefer, I'm not just saying they are junk) so in general you get a more exciting sound with rock but a less enjoyable sound with a broad range of music or with movies (where a clear midrange is particularly important).

JL,

Nice post, and welcome to the Axiom Message Board.

I can't say whether or not Axioms are right for you. That's a personal decision that we all have to make. Each of our tastes are different, as well are our ears. I can only tell you my experience with Axioms and why I choose them over others.

In my case, it's all about accuracy and purity. Being able to reproduce sound faithfully and accurately at any volume level without any distortion.

As a musician of 27 years, these things are key to me. Over the years I've owned many different speakers by various manufactures, but Axiom is the only one I've owned four systems from. They're outstanding speakers! Axiom produces outstanding speakers at an exceptional value, and their customer service is second to none.

You might be able to buy better, but you're going to pay a heck of a lot more for them, and even then, the level of improvement will be minor at best, based upon my experience anyways.

If you decide to give Axiom a try (remember they've got a 30 day trial), then I'd suggest at the very least, going with Axioms for your mains and center channel. You can mix and match brands, I just don't recommend it, due to a wide range of various reasons.

I hope I was able to help to some extent. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide.

Sutter

In reply to:
Let me say that I really like my Technics front speakers. I know they are not considered high end, but I’ve really enjoyed their sound and don’t really want to replace them. I do not like my center or rear speakers though.

I guess my question is; can I get a center and rear speakers from Axiom and keep my Technics? Will the difference in sound be too drastic?

Also, what makes axiom better than say JBL or Klipsh?

First let me say that if you like your Technics, by all means keep them! That is the whole point to this audio/video hobby is getting to the point that it pleases you.

Now, having said that, your Technics center should match your mains with the same timbre. If you purchase an Axiom center, you may find that it gives you a cleaner, clearer, fuller sound. Your fronts should all match. You may find that you will probably want to match your fronts and change your Technics to M22s or M60s, however.

What makes the Axiom speakers better than JBL or Klipsh IMO would be the higher quality test research facilities used to produce a technically superior product. IF you like the sound of , for example, JBL or Klipsh then all the numbers in the world should not convince you otherwise. You will notice that a lot of poeple get hung up on graphs and specs without even listening to a product.

Perhaps the proof will be in the pudding, as they say, and the best bet is to audition the Axioms. It will definitely be one of the single most significant upgrades you can do to your system.

Thanks for the replys everyone! I'm hoping to buy at least the 3 rears and center this month. As for my fronts, I'll get the center and hope the matching isnt too off from the Technic fronts. If it's an awful match, I'll think about maybe upgrading. I only have so much on the old credit card though.

-JL

Welcome JL, hope you do decide on Axioms, you'll love them. I was in a similar situation about a year or so ago. I had my 80's Pioneer 4-ways (still have them), Advent Center, Infinity rears. My new system is light years ahead in the sound I'm hearing...

Randy

Axiom m60's vp150 ep500 4-Qs8's
Denon 2805
Sanyo Z2
Panny S97S DVD
10ft wide 2.35 screen
Prismasonic H600 Anamorphic lens...

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"The big deal with Axioms is that they are one of the more accurate (ie flat frequency response) speakers in the price range, and as a result they seem to do a better job than most of letting you hear all the detail in your recordings. Klipsch and JBL tend to emphasize certain frequency ranges (which many people prefer, I'm not just saying they are junk) so in general you get a more exciting sound with rock but a less enjoyable sound with a broad range of music or with movies (where a clear midrange is particularly important)."
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the above statment makes me think that Axiom may not be the best speakers for a Home Theatre. I dont do anything but watch DVDs on my system. It's a dedicated DVD theatre. Is Axiom the wrong way to go? Are these more for music rooms?

Thanks
-JL

JL,

Not at all, my system is a dedicated theater system. I watch movies about 85% - 90% of the time.

One thing that's important to understand regarding this topic, is this; One of the main reasons why you hear so many of us talk about it's music reproduction, is because there is nothing more difficult to reproduce faithfully and accurately then music. Therefore, if speakers can reproduce music faithfully and accurately, then they're going to kill and rock hard in the home theater department, movies in other words.

Sutter

I see. Thanks SutterCane.

P.S. SutterCane, I sent you an email concering something on your site. Hope thats ok.

-JL

JL....Axioms will work great for both music and HT. They are the best speakers I've ever owned, and I've owned a lot in the past.

You might want to check the Audition Thread in the "Hearing Things forum" to see if there is an Axiomite in your area that will let you listen to these gems...

>>the above statment makes me think that Axiom may not be the best speakers for a Home Theatre. I dont do anything but watch DVDs on my system. It's a dedicated DVD theatre. Is Axiom the wrong way to go? Are these more for music rooms?

I would almost say the other way round. For music systems there are long, painful arguments every day about exactly what nuances are best for an ultimate music system. For home theater it seems to be much simpler -- flat is good.

JL,

I received your email and responded.

Sutter

In reply to:
what makes axiom better than say JBL or Klipsh?

You've gotten some excellent advice from the guys. I would just like to reinforce what others have said about how subjective the definition of "better" is. My "better" could be your "worse." That being said, you've heard some good reasons why anyone might consider Axiom as "better" than another brand. If you went to the Klipsch forum, you'd hear any any number of reasons why you might consider Klipsch "better."

In reply to:
the above statement makes me think that Axiom may not be the best speakers for a Home Theatre. I dont do anything but watch DVDs on my system. It's a dedicated DVD theatre. Is Axiom the wrong way to go? Are these more for music rooms?

Respectfully, I feel it's just the other way around. I found Axioms capable of flawless movie soundtrack reproduction. Music reproduction is trickier because of the lack of any standard for the mixing and mastering of CDs. Axioms are relentlessly accurate and revealing. What is on the CD, is what you'll hear. If the CD is poorly mixed and/or mastered, you'll hear it. On the other hand if the CD is well mixed and mastered, the "WOW" factor is through the roof.

You're on the right track. Get the center and surrounds, and see how they work with your Technics. If you're not happy with the mix then you can add some Axiom mains when the budget allows.

When I bought my Axioms I, like you, was interested predominantly in movies. I would have put my ratio of movies to music at 90/10. Once I got my Axioms that ratio changed to about 50/50. They resurrected my interest in music. Should you end up with all Axioms, don't be surprised if you experience a similar change.

Welcome to the board Jlunden.

I was in your shoes about 2 months ago. I was questioning if I should go with Axiom or not. 99% of my listening is for Home Theater. I decided to give them a try. What do you have to loose, they offer a 30 day money back guarentee! Needles to say, I have had my Axioms for about a month now and I am VERY happy. Axiom makes a great product and I have no doubt that you will love them.

Add to all that there great customer service. These guys bend over backwards to help you. I sound like an advertisement. lol. Anyway, im sure you will be very happy.

In reply to:
...Axiom may not be the best speakers for a Home Theatre

My Axiom system runs all day. My son Patrick starts his DVDs early in the day. I finish out the evening. The best change for me was adding the sub. DVD watching is just not the same. I don't go to the theatre but wait for DVDs because my sound system is so much better than the theatre.

Well, I did it. I just ordered 3 QS8s and 1 VP150 center. I wanted to say thanks to the folks that offered advice.

I'll be looking forward to hearing how you like them. I'm kind of going the opposite way as you. Ordering M60s first, followed by the EP500. The S8s and VP150 will come last.

Hey guys,
Just wanted to post to say thanks for all the input and advice. It was a real help! I've got my QS8s and my VP150 up and they sound great!

Thanks again!

-J

Very Nice!