Hi everyone, I'm looking for some help. I am trying to decide on speakers for my basement build currently underway, but it will be a while before complete. Initially, I was looking at getting the architectural series W22's and W150, EP500 sub and two pairs of QS8's to complete a 7.1 system.

I am now having second thoughts with regards to the in-walls. My wife really likes the way they look, but is willing to allow me to get floor standers (M80's) ,if I'm always going to feel like I'm missing something. Is there going to be a substantial difference in sound quality to justify the price increase? I am planning on purchasing a 130-150 Watt AVR, most likely a Yamaha RX-V1900. Is the 4omh load a concern? I have no experience with them. I don't listen to audio at earth shattering levels, but at a comfortable level. Has anyone had experience with the in-walls? If I would go with the M80's I would probably drop the 7.1 surrond to a 5.1 to offset the cost. (The room would be wired for there future addition though).

What should I do? I appreciate your time and sorry for the long first post.

Welcome!

First of all, it would help to know the dimensions of the room, that makes all the difference in the world?

The M60's or M80's would give you a lot better performance over the W series. The W's are very nice and with a sub would do very well, however, a floorstanding speaker will give you a lot more in terms of the low frequencies, and the additional midrange/tweeters would help with the detail.

Also, the W22's once placed on the wall, can't be moved to improve the sound, so you have to be sure you've put them in the best spot acoustically. With bookshelf or floorstanding speakers, you can play around with placement from the side/front walls and with toe-in to get the best sounds.

Axiom Audio promotes HK, Denon, NAD, and Sherwood Newcastle for receiver brands they have tested in the lab to play nice with the m80's. In the past some Yammys, Onkyos, Sony's, etc have had shut down issues driving 4ohm speakers.

Technically, any receiver should be able to drive the m80's, but some receivers have proven to be rock solid.

Where do you live, maybe someone is close to you on the audition thread and will let you have a listen?

Randy

I fully agree with what Sirquack said. I have recently installed the exact W series setup you mentioned and am very happy so far. However if my room allowed I would have preferred floor standers like the M60's or 80's for flexibility in placement and increased depth to the sound stage.

Hey Dan.

Just to be fair, I am considering some W's or T2's for our upstairs living room to use with our new Panny Plasma.

Thanks guys, I appreciate all your help. My media room is an open design, approximately 20X30X8ft. Seating area will be located approx. 14 feet from the t.v. wall. I was not aware of the Yamaha shut down problems. I have had easier times picking out a new car. So much to learn.

Welcome STLCardinals to the Axiom forum,

With baseball season under way I have to say how happy I am with my Toronto Blue Jays starting the season 5-2 (yeah winning record!) .

O.k to speakers now....if you are considering the M80's and can afford to audition them under the 30 trial it is well worth it to go that route for your mains...I would also stick with the VP150 and QS8.

Cheers!

Go Cards!

If you did decide to go with the m80's, one receiver you could go for is the denon 3808. It can be had from 6ave.com for $1099 (reg $1699 MSRP), but you have to call and ask for the price.

I have never heard any main speaker except the m80's (the ones I own plus the ones I auditioned) so I don't have much room to comment on the others. I will say that the m80's are truly amazing speakers though. With a room your size I think they might be a better fit, but I think you will be happy with either one.

Dave, I think that is the price it is going for on the website, without having to ask...

Cardsfan, also just to let you know my room is bigger than yours, and I have owned 60's and 80's. Both were totally adequate for that big space.

I'll chime in with the rest here. I have never heard the in wall Axioms, but your room is similar in size to mine. When I heard your room size, I believe you would much prefer the M80s. I actually have M80s and M60s for the 30 day trial. I will be sending the 60's back. The 80's had a much deeper, fuller and wider sound stage than the M60s in my 31'L x 23'W room. I am powering them with the Denon 1909 (90w x 7) at this time. Randy and I are tormenting whether to jump to the 3808 or not (a whole 'nother discussion). If you want to read my comments and others on M80s vs. M60s you can check my two threads.

Pg 3 post # 255939

Also search M80 vs. M60 for more info.

Good luck, ( been there )