I'm considering:

Option 1) The Epic Grand Master system ($1,510) or

Option 2) Piecing a system together with FO-M60's, FO-QS4's, EP175, and VP100 ($1,664).

I have a 13x22 room with 8' ceiling. listening/viewing is across the narrow dimension. I'm more concerned about music than HT. Receiver is an Onkyo SR700.

I'm leaning towards option #2. Should I be concerned that the QS4's are too small or the M60's too large?

Which option would you pick?

I would go with option #2... (Actually I sort of did)

I got FO M60s, FO-QS8's, and a VP150. I went with the QS8's vs. the QS4's because they use the identical tweeters to the M60s, so they are more 'matched' I went with the VP150 because it gives a wider sweet spot for the center channel which is important in my seating arrangement.

I am VERY happy with these speakers, they sound better than anything else I have heard anywhere near the price range.

I did go with a JBL PB-12 subwoofer instead of an Axiom one because I got it for $270 (including 2-day shipping) from B&H Photo and it was highly recommended. I think it blends very well with the Axioms, and I haven't had any problem with 'port chuff' that some people complain about in LOTR, or other movies. (I can make it chuff but only by turning it up to the point that it is WAY too loud, and everything in the room (windows included) are rattling)

Michael

The M60s had a very similar sound to the M22s when i compared them except that the M60s were simply larger, truely full size speakers.
Otherwise i found their sound character to be highly similar.
If music is really your big concern, you could get away without the subwoofer. Once you get the M60s you could decide whether to add that to the system or whether you feel the bass is deep and loud enough for your preferences. If it is, then you've just saved yourself a small chunk of cash by going subwooferless.
I would never have bought a subwoofer myself if music were my only concern.

I would also go with option 2, but if your buget allows get the QS8's. If your buget does not, I would'nt be too concerned from what I have read from other users posts the QS4's seem to do a great job, I cannot remember reading a bad post about them. The M60's are great speakers I personally do not have the M60's, but I know a couple of people that do have them, and could not be more pleased with the speakers. The EP175 is great choice for a sub (Actually they are Joe's favorite sub), very tight bass, very responsive, and they do produce very respectable lows. Which ever route you take I am sure that you will be very pleased with the results.

I'm basically a newbie like you, but I have what I believe to be a damned nice system. This is my very first home theater and I have the M60's, QS8's, VP150, and EP175. The more dvd's I watch and cd's I listen to, the more I'm happy with my decision to have the upgrades of the VP150 and QS8. I didn't get to compare the others mind you, I'm just saying that what I have sounds incredible.

You might want to consider purchasing new from Marc at audioshop. I was able to get perfect speakers at the same price as the FO speakers directly from Axiom. (2M60's and a VP150 for $1023 delivered). However, there is nothing wrong with the FO speakers, but why pay for a small blemish?

I agree with Cheese about the bass. Get a 5.0 system with M60's, and then determine how much more bass you need. It may help you decide how low and loud you want to go.

Hi Jim, Thanks for the plug!

The vocals are more true to life on the M60TiSe over the M22TiSe as well don't you find?