Just curious of opinions of the 2 brands (I know this is a slanted audience ha ha)...looking at the Rocket site showing the RS450's and the cheaper X-mtm...wonder what the sound differences are compared to my M60's....want to be sure I cover my bases before my 30 day commit is over
If you use the "Search" tool, there are lots of posts on this topic. Many of us have owned Rockets, and now own Axiom. Some of us have owned Axiom, and now own Rockets and still hang on this forum. Some of us own a combination of both products.
In my discussions with those folks, it sounds as if they are pretty similar in many ways. Everyone is different, so what you like may be different than what I like. The best option is to audition both and make your own decision.
There have been lots of threads on this, but it's always fun to re-hash 'em!
I've been lurking about on the AV123 forums for quite a while. A good group of folks, that's for sure. I've read a few posts comparing Rockets to Axioms over there, and they seem to not-surprisingly be in favor of Rockets, but usually complimentary to Axiom.
Don't tell anyone, but when I bought my M80's earlier this year, I was actually considering getting a pair of RS760's instead. Not because I think they're better, but just to get something different. The biggest negative against the Rocket floor-standing speakers was the shipping. Unlike Axiom, shipping isn't free and it's not cheap. Figure at least $100-$200, depending on the weight.
The finishes on the Rockets are simply stunning. From the photos I've seen, vastly superior to the standard vinyl finish of Axioms. Of course, Axiom has the custom finishes that I fully expect to equal the Rockets, but at a price.
As far as sound quality goes, folks seem to love 'em. I have read discussions that would suggest that Rockets are a bit warmer than Axiom. Whereas Axioms are occasionally criticized as being 'too bright', Rockets seem to be occasionally criticized as being 'too warm'. More of a mid-range hump, as it were. Not better, not worse, just different. I have not heard them in person, so I really can't really say for sure.
It's funny that you mention the x-mtm. I have been bouncing around the idea of picking up a pair for a bedroom system. I'm waiting until they actually start shipping and the discussion about them picks up. For $449/pair, it seems like a heck of a deal...
Two valid points made by Randy and Peter.
If you really want to know the differences, find a Rocket owner and ask for an audition.
Obviously the x-mtm's have not been released as of yet. So no one really knows what they sound like. I suspect they'll be similar to the X-cs with the ability to play louder, with more bass and midbass.
Well Brandon, all ya gotta do is come to Cleveland and you can hear my 850s.
(what kinda nut would go from Hawaii to Cleveland.
)
One that would stop by Indianapolis to visit Klaus on the way.
Brandon, just let me know, and I'll drive over and meet you all.
Sounds like my kind of vacation. The last time i went somewhere the first thing i did was map out every audio store in the state.
I would really like to get to a show sometime. RMAF would be fun. Could be sooner than later since I plan on moving to the mainland sometime within the next year and half or so! Colorado is on the top of my list too!
Ah HA! Another Top Gear fan.
Best. Show. Ever.
It's the "warm" vs. "bright" difference I would like to hear...unfortunately the X-mtm apparently will not be available until May...at the price on the website they seem like a bargain even with shipping.
On the flashlight forums people organize "passarounds", sort of like a serial get-together. If there's a couple of lights that everyone wants to compare people lend their lights to the cause, put them in the box, and ship them around the world for a while. When you receive the shipment, you have a couple of days to play before packing everything up and shipping to the next name on the list.
Doing this with M80s and 850s might be problematic, but maybe some M22s and the smaller Rockets -- RS250s or whatever.
Alternatively this summer maybe we could organize a road show if time permits -- load up some Axioms and Rockets and take that cross country trip...
DISCLAIMER: The following is merely under consideration. Nothing has been decided.
Mark Schifter is considering a similar program where speakers are sent to someone for auditioning and, after a few days, sent on to others who sign up for the program.
I wonder if he will allow them to travel up here? I would love to hear a set of Rockets. Now if the courier companies would only take care of them to ensure the speakers make it to all in one piece. It could get very costly for Mr. Schifter.
Well, he went ahead and did it.
Test the Strata Mini at no expense to you.
When I first heard he was considering this, I figured he'd limit the program to the smaller, lighter, less expensive bookshelf speakers. But NOOOOOOOOO! He starts with a pair of 47" tall, $2000 for the pair, floorstanders which come it at 315 lbs. total - shipped/crated/palletized. YIKES!
Don't know if he'll ship to Canada.
At 315 pounds, it would be cheaper to ship a couple of us board members down to the USA.
Jump in a crate, slap a "Live Animals" sticker on, and you're good to go. Watch out for the quarantine period, though.
Whether he's a fool or a genius remains to be seen, but Mark Schiffler certainly seems to have the drive to push his company to the limit.
His posts over on AV123 and AVS never cease to amaze me. From disclosing problems with products, to helping people decide on speakers, to offering to help replace a scratched veneer from a speaker toppled over by kids, he's a class act.
I applaud him on having that much faith in his products that he's willing to take a multi-hundred dollar hit for each return.
I sitll love my Axioms, however.
He's a very interesting, and, IMHO, unusual person. He did something very nice for me, so I plead guilty to having a personal bias. However, in general, I'm a believer in the old saw "if something (someone) seems too good to be true, it (they) usually is (are)." So, for years, I've had my BS meter sniffing the air, and, much to my surprise, the needle hasn't moved.
I've no doubt that Mark has found kindness, honesty, generosity, sincerity, human warmth, and unabashed enthusiasm beneficial to his business. He's a very smart man. But, that doesn't mean that those traits aren't genuine and representative of the real man. As far as I can tell, what you see is precisely what he is - i.e. a little nuts in a good way.
Interestingly, though they approach it from very different directions, Axiom and av123 end up in almost exactly the same place. Both are companies unflinchingly rooted in manufacturing the best product they know how to make, and providing customer service second to none. IMHO, they both succeed admirably, and choosing one over the other is merely a matter of personal preference. I have no qualms in recommending both for consideration, and frequently do.
If im honest, Yes the finish on the rockets is nice. Nicer than my HG cherry even. Not surprisingly though. We're comparing vinyl to real wood, of course it will look better. I would really love to compare the RS850 to my axioms. or the 760.