Guys,

Are these speakers really good? I have configured a number of home theater systems from Jamo, Yamaha, JBL etc. They all come in at a very similar price point. Are the speakers manufactured by Axion worth purchasing? What do you like about them? Are the enclosures made of materials that will last a long time?

I'm trying to figure out if I should buy speakers from a company I've never heard of (Axiom) versus speakers from a company I'm familiar with (ex. Jamo), if the prices are similar.

Anyone?

From the brand names you mentioned, I think you'll find people here on the boards will resoundingly recommend Axiom over them, especially if they're coming in at the same price. Yes, the speakers are worth purchasing. It would help to know which exact Axiom speakers you're looking at purchasing, too.

I like the detail, linearity, and full range of sound I get from them. They're my first "audiophile" loudspeakers, and I think I did pretty good by getting them. I'm still interested in what else is out there, but I can say I'm very pleased with Axiom. Their quality and customer service seem to be outstanding, especially at their price point.

Now I'll let the people with much more knowledge fill you in on enclosure materials and perhaps specific comparisons between Axiom's sound versus the brands you mentioned.

Axiom Audio makes audiophile speakers, and has since around 1980. You will not find anything in your local Retail stores that can even come close. They are recognized as being one of the leading Canadian speaker manufacturers around. Their research and relationship with the NRC in Canada through the years has resulted in speakers that rival much more expensive brands.

Just search the net, there are rave reviews everywhere.

Another thing to note is you can look on the hearing things forum in the sticky at the top for someone nearby that might be willing to give you an audition. You will then know the Axiom sound and can decide for yourself.

If you don't find anyone nearby, repost where you are and send Amie a PM to see if she can locate someone for you.

I resoundingly resound what CV says.

Personally, I would consider those other brands 'consumer' brands while Axiom is an 'audiophile' brand that keeps it's price point competitive by offering only online shopping and by not standardizing on high end glossy finishes. Unless of course, you want a high end glossy finish. You can get that too but of course, you pay more.

I too had reservations about buying unheard but between the good reviews, advice from this and other boards and the 30 day return policy, I decided it was worth trying them out. I couldn't have afforded the local alternative in a similar sounding speaker so it made sense to try it out verses buying something in the 'consumer' category.

I was extremely happy in the end and even had the opportunity to test them against my original 'local' choice and the test showed I got just as good a speaker (maybe better) for a price in my budget. By buddy who went with the local product came out with the same opinion from our tests. We are both happy but he payed more.

Editing in a side note: I know nothing about Jamo so perhaps I unfairly categorized them into the consumer category. Others seem to agree though.

I recently purchased my Axioms and couldn't be happier with them.
They are well built, look good and most importantly sound great.

I'm buying the Epic 80 500 as soon as my stock sale funds. Thanks guys for the vote of confidence!

My father-in-law was considering Jamo speakers for his 5000cu.ft. basement theatre. It was a box set for $500 at London Drugs. Sure the speakers sounded marginally good at the store in their small corner of the listening room that was probably 10x8x8 which is quite decieving because of the listening space.

I convinced him to go with Axiom and a standalone receiver instead of the HTIB. He is VERY happy he decided to go with Axiom. Those little speakers from Jamo just don't cut it. Axiom is the best value for your money hands down. (I truly believe it and continually tell my friends about Axiom when they are considering going to a B&M store for speakers).

Just got my Epic 80 600 system and I can tell you that you wont be disapointed they sound amazing. And as for customer service they are second to none. I would recommend this company to anyone looking for speakers at this price point I'm sure they are as good if not better than most out there.

what are the cabinets made of? Real wood, or a particle-board product?

Like most other high end speakers, the cabinets are made of medium density fiberboard. The finish is in vinyl, but they can be customized with a real wood veneer.

Hi,

As kcarlile pointed out, 99.9% of the speaker enclosures around the world are made of MDF, because MDF is the most acoustically dense and non-resonant material available other than concrete (using concrete would not be practical).

Real wood is much more prone to resonances than MDF, which is why MDF is so universally used. Manufacturers then add either a synthetic vinyl veneer of simulated wood over the MDF, or a real-wood veneer, as indeed Axiom does if you prefer a real-wood finish. The real-wood veneers cost more, of course, depending on which wood and finish you choose.

By the way, no contest regarding Jamo vs Axiom. Jamo are European and while they've always had handsome real-wood veneered enclosures, the sound quality is definitely colored and not neutral or linear like Axiom.

Regards,

Hi,

Just adding my $0.02. I have listened to a number of speaker systems including Axiom and can easily say that you get the best bang for the buck in product and sound qualities from Axiom. They beat all the manufacturers you state at similar to higher price points.

If there is one thing I would look to for additional options, it would be the subwoofer. Not that Axiom's are bad, its just that there are many internet direct & brick and mortar companies that have excellent products with a great value. Some brands you could look at are SVS, HSU, Outlaw, Elemental Designs, Velodyne, to name just a few. It all boils down to your budget. You may end up paying less than an Axiom subwoofer and still be happy!

I guess I'm against MDF because of the effect humidity could have on it. Look at a 10 year old couch with a lot of MDF in it - the MDF is what is failing in the structure - all the real wood is still holding strong. I suppose if it's painted on all surfaces... I have never spent this much on *speakers* before. I would feel a lot more confident if I thought that they would last a long time. I don't want a guest leaving a drink on the subwoofer, and finding a nice fat ring welled up there tomorrow.

I think you're more familiar with LDF--MDF is pretty strong. I've never seen bulges on any of my speakers, and I'm not particularly careful with them.

Primarily, you should remember that subwoofers are not side tables though they are used in that fashion sometimes!! I have seen glasses of coffee and tea placed on SVS and Velodyne subwoofers and there has been no resutling bulging.

We are not talking about furniture or cheap MDF shelving you would pick up at Home Depot. There is a reason speaker manufacturers ALL AROUND the world in ALL climates have used MDF since the beginning of speaker manufacturing.

I would suggest you do a little research on the internet and get educated about speaker manufacturing and sound acoustic techniques if our educated responses are not what you want to hear.

you're right - there is a definite difference between MDF and LDF. I recently used MDF for center panels in a raised-panel wainscoting treatment I did in a remodel (I'm a builder). I guess the whole time I was thinking LDF and saying MDF. Thanks for being patient in spite of my ignorance.

Also remember that all exterior surfaces on speakers are typically covered with either vinyl or veneer. With Axiom, you can be sure there is no exposed MDF.

Ouch, Randy.

He's a regular porcupine.

Hoose edjumakated?