I've got the epic 80s with the ep500 sub on layaway (the waiting is pure torture!)... I was wondering if I should upgrade to the EP600.. or get both... OR... I really like the sound of HSU subs. Would it be a good idea to get one of the axiom subs with an HSU?
And can someone tell me how hard it is to program the denon 3808? The onkyo 605 was a breeze.
Thanks.
majik, overall you are better going with matching subs, or at least subs from the same manufacturer. With matching subs you know you'll get the same sonic signature across the board, and different subs from the same manufacturer will give at least similar sound.
Having said that, I run a Hsu VTF3 mkII sub with two smaller 10" sealed subs. To me, it sounds fine. More than anything I wanted to flatten out my room response with multiple subs.
You may find the 500 is all you need, I would have patience. How big is your room? Get the receiver, read the manual, read it again because Denon manuals suck, read it one more time, then ask questions.
I have found the 3808 to be reasonably easy to program initially, it is the fine tuning for this input and that input etc. that gets to be a little confusing, then you head to the manual and get even more confused, then you come here
Okay, so I should go with the same subs. Now that I understand why, what sub should I go for the Axioms or the HSUs? Many ppl have said the HSUs, but they also admit that they haven't heard any of the Axiom subs.
If I wasn't crazy, I would have gone for a pair of the HSU ULS-15s. The deep extension of a 15" driver in a sealed enclosure had me intrigued. Since Axiom's gear has been good to me, and I like the specs on the EP800, I decided to go for the gusto. Still, I don't think anyone would argue against the performance and value of the HSU subs.
I will throw this out there, I have not heard the EP500 but have heard the EP600 and the STF3 at the same time and I feel the Axiom subs(the 3 I have heard) are more musical with their expansive smooth sound, while the Hsu STF3 was great for HT impact.
Is there no one nearby that has an Axiom sub for an audition?
Jay,
No one nearby for an audition. I live in a small community and people are actually waiting to audition MY set when it finally gets here! I think I'm just going to go with the 500 (I might even upgrade to the 600 or 800). Who can tell me more about these subs?
Thanks for the input.
The 500 is incredible. The 600 is Super Incredible. The 800 will likely be Super Duper Incredible.
I'm not very helpful, am I?
Might not be helpful but correct.
Majik, how big is your room? The bigger the room the more woofage you require. If you can afford the 800 and can wait, then buy it, you can never have too much subwoofer. The bigger more powerfull sub will just not have to work as hard to pressurize the smaller rooms. The main differences between the subs, other than the obvious appearance and size differences, is that the higher up the number the lower the sub plays. The 500 is good for 18hz, the 600 down to ~15 and the 800 is stated as being good to ~12hz. The lower each one plays the more feel you get with it.
Majik - I've heard the 500 & 600 first-hand (not side by side unfortunately). In both cases, the subs were in medium-small rooms ~(14x10x9). The differences between the two are fairly subtle as Jay mentioned, but they are both very impressive subs. When I ordered my set, for me, the little bit extra was worth it for the 600 versus the 500, as I'm in the same camp Jay mentioned "you can never have too much sub."
I was then bitten by the same bug again when the 800 came out, even though I'm extremely happy with my 600 now. That's a long way of saying that assuming you have a medium-sized or smaller room, you'll be very happy with the 500. The differences from 500 to 600 and 600 to 800 (I suspect) will be more subtle, but definitely there. It comes down to a personal decision of price to value.
On the question of 1 versus 2, I'd definitely just get the one first and make sure you 'need' another one before you put the money down. You might find that you're very happy with just the one sub.
Jason
I purchased Axiom subs so the exterior finish matched my other speakers, that might not be important to everyone. With that said, I love my 600 and twin 350v3's
Good point, I should have brought that up as well Randy. That was definitely a big draw for me too (though I suppose if they didn't sound as good as they did I could get over the lack of perfectly matching finishes)
Jason
I suppose black is black.
I was going to say, Randy... your custom finish is about the easiest to match ever!
thanks for the input gentlemen. much appreciated.
my room is 12' x 30' x 8' (approx), opened (meaning I have an open entrance to the kitchen and the basement. Will the 500 be enough? I'm thinking of upgrading to the 600. Even the 800 but can't seem to find any info on that one.
While I'm here, I was wondering if anyone knows of some alternate stands for the QS8s? I like the look of Axioms stands but can't justify that kind of money for stands - especially if I upgrade my order to the 600 or 800. The QS8s will be placed behind the couch for the 7.1 but there is no wall there. Stands are my only option.
I suppose black is black.
Don't try saying that in a forum about HT projectors.....
Thanks for the input gentlemen! Much appreciated! I've decided to go with the 800. Looking forward to it.