Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Dorm Room System

Alright, so I'm crazy. I want to stuff an axiom system into a dorm room. Well, I guess to you guys, I'm not crazy. :-)

I was toying with the idea of getting an M60 setup, but obviously I have some serious space issues here. Since the room is...well...small, I knew that the M22ti's could easily do the job.

So currently, I'm looking at the Epic Grand Master 175 package, possibly just upping the sub to a 350.

My Dorm room is very long and skinny, but I already have a Kilpsch ProMedia 5.1 satalite system in there now set up at the desired locations for the listening area. About 8x12x8 (WxLxH). Small. The room itself is 20 feet long, but the farthest anyone sits back is about 12 feet. I am at the end of the dorm wing, so to the right of me there are no rooms, which is nice. there are people living above and below me though.

When I move home I move to my room, about 16x12x8. Essentially the same size.

Basically, I have two questions. For one, will the EP350 bother anyone more than the EP175? I mean, being able to shake a lamp off the table above me would be an entertaining idea, but for the sake of the people around me, I don't want to bother them too much. Do any of you have experience of how far the sound travels? The dorm rooms are separated by thick cinder blocks. I have been asked once to turn down my cheapo Klipsch ProMedia sub, but I really had the volume up then and the guy was in the room next to me.

Secondly, what kind of reciever would be the best bang for my buck? I don't want to spend any more than $500, period. Alot less would be nice.

I was looking at the Pioneer VSX-915-K or 815-K, which looked like they were almost as good as the VSX-1015TX without the THX rating. Some reviews led me to believe the 915 really wouldnt sound much different than the 1015TX.

Then I saw Yamaha. The RX-V567 really caught my eye as a great contender with some great reviews. I then looked at the RX-V557, only 5 watts less on each channel.

My question is to you guys, what receiver would I really need? Would I notice any difference between these models? Any recommendations for great budget receivers?

I am most likely going to keep these speakers for the rest of my life so...I hope it would be a good investment for a Freshman in college.

Thanks a bunch guys. Go axiom!

P.S. By the way, I don't know if it matters but I am going to run all music and DVD's from my computer. I'm just going to directly output the digital SPDIF signal from the good soundcard I have to the receiver. I was wondering if anyone else had good success with this and if it would effect the type of receiver I am getting. PowerDVD (DVD playing program) has the option of directly using SPDIF and not processing any DVD sound.

Hi Dan, welcome.

Well, I'll take a non-technical swing at it.

At your stage in life, you are going to be moving this stuff several more times. Consequently, I would counsel you against the M60's pretty strongly. Your room doesn't need them, and they're big and heavy. You're going to want to keep the factory boxes for whatever you get, and storing the M60 boxes is only going to exacerbate your already minimalist space problems. The M22's would be an excellent choice.

Regarding the sub, I don't think you'd find a lot of difference in inherent "annoyance level" between the two. Again, it's not a big room, so the EP175 should manage it quite nicely. The only thing the EP350 would give you is a bit of future-proofing for a few years down the line when you move into bigger space, but at a significant premium in both space and money (two things that are premium for you right now). You might want to also consider a SVS PB10-ISD or HSU STF-2; both are wonderful subs in the same price range. Again, on a purely lifestyle level, I liked the notion of a down-firing sub; the performance is just as good, but my kids/dog (or your roommates, etc.). have less grill cloth to mess up or speaker cones to push in.

In any case, you'll be in control of how annoying the sub is. Cinder block construction should isolate the noise better than other types.

Using the DACs in the receiver (rather than the ones in your computer) is a good idea, IMO.

I have a budget Denon and I like it very much, except that it does not have pre-amp outputs. I am greatly enamored of the HK receivers because you can set different crossover points for each speaker. People sometimes find good deals at harmanaudio, ecost and jandrmusic. Especially at that level, shop for features and price, not alleged differences in sound quality. I like the looks of the HK AVR 235-Z for $298. Any of those brands will have "enough" power for those speakers in those rooms, so you don't have to really consider the power ratings.

If you really spend that kind of money on these components, you will very likely have a system that is the envy of virtually all other students your age.

Good luck!

Thank you!

I also might like the idea of a down firing sub. One of the biggest things I would be concerned about is kicking the cone of the sub. However, I could also just put the sub sideways.

If anyone has any more receiver or sub recommondations (axiom or non axiom) and insight please let me know!

P.S. My friends think the Klipsch System I have is good (computer satelite system, small sub, 5.1). I can't imagine what they would think when I bring an axiom system in.

Dan, what is your budget and acquisition plan on this deal (i.e. are you buying everything at once or what)?

Lots of people here find it amusing to build systems using other people's money.

Likewise, remember the Axiom factory outlet; it is virtually impossible to find the alleged cosmetic flaw, and you save 10%.

If I were you...

M22/VP100/QS8 from factory outlet = $1062
Hsu STF-2 = $399
HK 235 = $298
Total $1759 plus some shipping from HK and Hsu

Plus some cables, perhaps stands.

You'd never have to replace any of that stuff; it would play well in a pretty large room for a long time.

The package Tom just put together is perfect. Grab some cables from Blue Jeans Cable, perhaps some speaker stands from racksandstands.com and you'll be all set.

That looks like a knock-out deal. I am looking to spend no more than $2000. $1800 sounds good to me.

I like the fact that the HSU sub is just black. I put my feet on my sub all the time as a footrest, and I woundn't feel bad about putting them on the HSU, since it really isn't meant to look good. Any scratch can just be fixed with some black spray paint. I'd be scared to do that on the EP models since they look so nice. And, no cone to kick out by anyone. I like that.

I have just a quick question about the HSU STF-2. How does it compare to the EP175/EP350? I imagine it would be about inbetween or closer to the EP175.

Another thing I was looking at was the wattage ratings on the Harmon Kardon. It seems HK has low wattage ratings across the board for all of their receivers. The HK 235 is only at 50 watts. Would most agree that the HK 235 is the best bet for the $300-$400 range? Does Yamaha, Pioneer or Denon come close? I've looked at some reviews and they say that HK really is efficient in driving speakers at low watts. Some other options and opinions would be nice.

You guys know I'm already sold on the speakers, no "options" needed there. :-) The sub looks really good to me, unless someone finds some really good model or some other good contender, I'm sold on the HSU. The receiver is the only thing I really would like to research a bit more with recommended options.

Thanks alot guys for all your help!

P.S. Before I left college I made spots for the bookshelf speakers. The QS8's will be mounted...um..."ghettoish" I think for now. If I go through with this, I'll put the mounting bracket that comes with the QS8's and put it on some plywood, then make some hooks to hang on my closet door when in use. When not in use it goes in the cabinet above. The other QS8 will probably be mounted to wood also, but suspended by zip ties and duct tape beneath the bed against the wall. (All three bunk beds are 4 feet off the ground on the wall). It might be the most...adaptive placement of QS8's ever. :-P

Tom recommended the system that I would recommend for a dorm room system. I have some experience here, seeing as how I still live in a dorm myself. My profile shows my setup. I absolutely love it and for the situation I'm in, I don't think I could ask for any more (except for some QS8's but more on that later). I will be moving into an apartment come May, so my current setup will last me for a few more years until I can start saving for a house.

Being in a dorm room, I don't want the hassle of having to mount the QS8's and remove them. This is why I still use my 10 yr old ultra small radio shack book shelves. I place them on make shift stands and they have been bounced around a few times (my M22's and TV setup never gets touched, I've already warned all incomers that touching my equipment results in beatings all around ). Inconsiderate roommates and guests don't have the same respect for quality components that we do. Thats just something I would consider for your surrounds situation. But if you can swing some QS8's in your room, awesome.

Your getting started in your quest into hi-fidelity about a yr before I started to. Congratualations.

The HK's are very conservatively rated and are a hich current design, don't let the 50 watts worry you. The other brands are fine also. Axiom speakers are very easy to drive, unless you are getting the 4ohm m80's.

You may want to look at the weight on those Qs8's, they are very very heavy for surrounds and need good support.

I sounded like I was going to be rash in putting the surrounds up, but, really, I'm going to be sure to make sure they are stable. I may be even considering putting wood or metal "cages" around them made of poles to prevent a stray hand or person from directly hitting the speakers.

I am now considering just getting QS4's. $100 cheaper, smaller, more lightweight.

I doubt when I go home or move to a more dedicated "room" setup I'm going to say "Boy, I wish I got the QS8's".

Does that sound realistic to you guys?

And does anyone have any other receiver recommendations? I'd like to have at least a couple options to choose from and look at. I can scour the internet for reviews as well.

Dan, on the receiver power question, it deserves almost no concern since any of the units you've mentioned would have plenty for your use. Five or ten watts difference at those levels is almost meaningless(less than 1 dB in maximum output capacity)and your decision should be based on features and price.

H/K
Denon
Onkyo

Those are pretty much the top three brands mentioned around here. Rarely (if ever) hear any complaints about any of them.

I agree with Spiff, but needless to say I'm still quite found of Pioneer Elite.


Sutter

Yammy's are pretty awesome also. I like my Denon, but it does have a bit of a learning curve and the manual sucks.

Oh the dorm room days, I can remember back in the late 80's cranking up my Pioneer Stereo receiver on my Pioneer CS60 4way loudspeakers with 12" turbobass and led lights. Dark Side of the Moon never sounded so good. I still have those speakers and they are like brand new. It is amazing they survived with all the toga parties, beer drinking, and other illegal activity.

ps: I was on the 5yr program, ha ha

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and other illegal activity.

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So... you're the one who taught Bigjohn all his dirty secrets?

Speaking of BigJohn, what the heck ever happend to him anyways? Did he like fall of the face of the earth, or is he serving time for port plug misconduct.


Sutter

This is my current idea of what I'm going to get.

M22ti's FO - $396
VP100 FO - $216
QS4's - $400

HSU VTF-2 MK 2 ($499) or HSU STF-2($399) I have heard that the VTF-2 MK 2 is amazing, many many reviews out there for it.

Harmon Kardon AVR 235 $320(with shipping)

Grand Total:
$1732 with HSU STU-2
$1832 with HSU VTF-2 MK

Now, if I could only find my credit card...or get the guts to drop this load.

I miss that guy. He only chimes in once in a blue moon. I think there was a crackdown at his place of work which banned or severly limited him and his coworkers internet access.


Btw, looks good Dan. You will be doing the happy dance for a long time. I had the stf-2 at one time. Great sub. Provides a lot of punch and was never boomy.

Bastards.

A few things to consider Dan:

1) When you buy 5 or more speakers from Axiom, you automatically get 5% off your purchase. This also applies to the Factory Outlet. So if you get an Axiom sub, you'll get the 10% for the FO stuff, plus that will give you 5 items, so you get the 5% as well.

2) I like the finish on all of my speakers to match.

Just a few things to consider.

Mr. Quack brings up a very good point there. Saves ya a little more mula.


Sutter

Looks good, Dan, but following my usual preference for a vertical center(if any), I'll suggest using an M2. If you like that HK, also consider the new 240 if any of the features appeal to you, available for $351 shipped .

if you buy some speaker cable it will count as a 5th item too and you will still get the 5% and some nice speaker cable to boot

I didn't see any difference between the 235 and 240 HK models. The 235 is indeed cheaper, so, I'll go with that.

Can anyone give any more insight on the HSU STU-2 or HSU VTF-2 MK vs. any axiom sub?

The HSU VTF-2 MK is the same price range as the EP175, and looks like it would have much better bass extension, I have seen lots of good reviews on it compared to the EP175. Any thoughts?

I haven't heard the Axiom EP175, but I have owned the Hsu VTF-2 mkII and it is an awesome performer. Not to take anything away from the EP175, but the Hsu is an excellent choice at that price point.

Both of the posts here regarding HSU subs are people who "Have owned" the subs. They say they are really good though. Is there a reason?

Easy--I went up to the VTF-3 mkII. If I didn't have the extra money, I would have been happy with the VTF-2.

Thanks alot guys! I think I've came to my final decision.

M22ti's
VP100 - FO
QS4's
$1003.20

HSO STU-2 $399

HK AR 235 $298

Grand Total $1750

Now I have some time to decide...

Sounds like a great system. Enjoy!

You should be extremely happy with your choices. That's a fine system you have assembled.

I'd almost be afraid to have that nice of a system in a college dorm. You might want to check into some type of insurance incase some jerk rips you off man...

Not to mention his party harty pals slinging beer all over his Axioms.

my situation is similar to yours however not college, (military) the room I’m living in atm is about the size of a dorm room. I would recommend getting the best that you can afford. Especially sense you want to save the speakers for as long as you can, with the electronics, I would just stick with in your budget for the receiver that you want, until you get out of college, then buy a better receiver, or a pre/pro set up.. measure your room, and see if you cant get some 60’s to fit in there.. the idea with building a stand for your qs8’s was a good idea, I will be doing the same, over my Christmas vacation, ill build a stand to put one behind my projector.. I though I would post some pics to show you just how much you can fit in a room.. ive got 60’s vp150 and a ep600 in my room atm, and my room is approximately 100sq foot.. if you can swing it any time soon, and are interested I would recommend getting a projector, best value for picture size to dollar, plus they are small so easy to move with.. you could go with m22’s but plan for the future, and your future house. I would say spend 80% of your money on the speakers.. don’t know if anyone has said that or not..

Frankly, we're all amazed he's still alive...

About the stealing issue...I'm in a private Christian university.

The trust level is set to a little higher standard there.

I'm not saying everyone is goody too-shoes there, but there are stereo systems in the shower, CD's, numerous other expensive items in sight all over the dorm. Stealing has never been a problem. A laptop is much easier to swipe and is much more $$ for the size...that is even unheard of.

Anyways...

Yea, I definately have absolutely no room for M60's or VP150's, nor the cash I would be willing to spend on them.

Also, I might be seriously considering getting a Yamaha instead of the HK.

Yamaha RX-V657 or RX-V557 vs. Harman Kardon AVR 235 anyone?

I've seen great reviews for both. Same price range.

WoW Dakkon, I can't imagine cranking it up in your room, does our hair stand up? If your in the military, thanks to you by the way, your hair is pretty short anyway I'm guessing...

thanks for the pics man...

Randy

Alright guys...just did the huge transfer of $1900 from my savings account into my checking account. After the transaction clears, I think it's go time.

Heck, if I don't to it now, I'll do it down the road.

And heck, it's Christmas!

I'm going to be giving the gift of very, very, loud music and movies this season! And, creating better-than-movie-theater sound quality in my dorm room. Who could ask for more!

When they arrive they will be in a temporary setup in my family living room. Maybe I'll post some pics because I know you guys love them.

P.S. I'm kind of miffed that I'm spending $70 on speaker cables and 2 SPDIF cables (one for sub, one to the computer). Oh well.

Don't worry. There are plenty of things to spend your money on in this hobby.

70$ well spent. dont buy crap, you dont have to waist money on the over priced monster stuff, but do buy decent cables, you will notice a difference.

It sounds like you made some very wise choices. Your buddies are going to love you! What finish will you choose for your new system?

"Your buddies are going to love you!"



Buddies???? Who cares about the buddies. Its the chicks that are gonna love ya.

I'm goin with black oak. My room at home is more of a boston cherry color, but I'm not going to live with my parents everywhere. Black goes with everything.

And, I guess girls can understand Finding Nemo on a widescreen computer monitor and in surround sound. Heh.

P.S. Oh yea, my mom is like "Are you SURE you want to do this?" I told her that if I wasn't going to do it now, I'd do it while I was older. I mean...yea. Speakers never go "obsolete." My dad doesn't know yet. I don't think he cares. He told me at the beginning of the year before college "any technology crap you want to buy, I'm not going to help you buy it, you gotta pay for it" Exactly what I'm doing. As long as he gets college payments in, I don't think he will care. I think the first time he will know they are all up is when he hears loud noises from my room. Ahh yes, parents.

I was initially going with cherry as well. Then I asked the wife and she didn't like it. We agreed on the black oak as some day I'd like a HT room and let the speakers disappear off to the sides of my 100" plus projector screen.

Ohh boy!

Dear Daniel Drazba,

Thank you for purchasing at AxiomAudio.com; we hope you will enjoy our products for years to come. Your transaction number for this purchase is: 7502264.



You purchased the following items:

1 Pair Millennia M22ti Bookshelves in Black Oak finish for 440.00 USD

1 Pair QS4 Surrounds in Black Oak finish for 400.00 USD

1 VP100 Center in Black Oak finish for 240.00 USD


:-D

I went with the Yamaha RX-V557 receiver. I was going to go with the RX-V657 (which has auto setup) but I figured I would be a lot better off spending the money on an avia DVD and SPL meter. That way I have a cool SPL meter, and I can tune the system how I want, and learn in the process.

Cool! So what's the final decision on the sub?

HSU STF-2

It may arrive late, but I'm glad I made that decision.

I did a TON of research on the subs. It looks like if you are in the $500 market, or even $400 market, HSU is the way to go because of the quality for price.

However, once you start getting into the price range of the EP350, axiom really got their stuff together and made a good sub for the price. Then it would simply be a toss up between them, SVS, and HSU.

Then, once you start going...EP500 and EP600? Axiom pulls through as the clear champ of subs for the value.

So, this sub will do for a long time. It will be able to take some kicks from my feet because it is DOWN firing, and all black so no wories on mucking up the paint job. Next upgrade in...many years will definately be an axiom sub.

UPDATE!

They arrived...way too fast. I don't know if that is possible, but from canada to chicago in 2 days flat is...very impressive. Now, I have to wait for my sub, still in california somewhere. My receiver should come today, but no cables.

This is torture. They are all sitting nice in my bedroom, screaming to be played. At least I still have to do the wall mounts...something to occupy me from sitting in my room and drooling at something I can't use.

One thing is for sure, when I am unpacking these "Man, these arn't toy speakers anymore, they really are...professional."

I'm pretty sure anyone who walks into the room and sees these huge speakers is going to be set back in a bit of awe. The M22ti's are bigger than I expected...can't wait to try them out.

Should I wait until the sub arrives to try them out? I think it might be more rewarding.

Hey another Axiom owner in Chicagoland .

That means you can drop your sub off at my house so I don't have to wait, right? :-P

If you are close enough that could be arranged...........for an hour or two

Alright, I'm going to mount my back surrounds. I got the QS4's, and really, I don't feel guilty at all getting them. They should fill the room great. The QS8's might be overkill.

Anyways, these are going in my...bedroom for now. Basically, I'm going to put permanent brackets up in my room, and make others for my dorm room.

My room I think is the perfect setup for a small home theater, the room is very ideal.

It is 11x11x8 with a 3x3 doorway attatched.

Basically, I need to put the speakers on the back wall. My bed is butted up against the back wall, and it is the main seating area.

I was thinking about putting my speakers on the side walls just to the right and left of my bed, but I would need to put them way too high (I have a in-wall shelf on one side) and they would be very close to the corner and ceiling, about one foot from the corner and 6 inches from the ceiling

I don't have drywall, I have thick wood paneling that should hold any screw well. The only studs I can find are the horizontal studs. One runs right at 5 feet and 3 inches.

I've taped up the brackets at those positions, four feet from the center, about one foot from the walls, and 5 feet 3 inches (top of bracket) from the floor.

I like the horizontal position, should I try to go higher with the surrounds? Remember, I'm sitting on a bed on the back wall, where some people may be as close as 2 feet and at max 5. When I'm sitting on the bed I am about 7 feet from the front speakers.

P.S. My sister woke up, saw the speakers and said "Ho, haha, those are HUGE"

Dan, separated 8-9' and 5-6' up on the back wall should be fine.

All mounted, once the cables come from Blue Jeans Cable I will be a happy kid...without a subwoofer.

Pics soon to come.

Ok, I couldn't wait any longer.

Yea, I ran to radio shack and got a spool of mediocre speaker cable because I couldn't wait for the USPS to drop bluejeanscable off in a few days.

So, I have wires strung across my room like clotheslines, but I don't care. Holy crap. Let me say it again...holy crap. I've listened to albums over and over and over...and over again just for good measure, and just by listening to songs once, I'm like...I never heard THAT before!

Anyways I'm very impressed how the Neo:6 Music mode creates surround sound out of...two channels. I'm here listening to queen sitting utterly amazed.

Anyways...the M22's have a definate lack in bass. However, I can see and hear where a sub would match perfectly with them. When that day comes, I will be a happy man.

I dunno how people can complain with the QS4's...I mean they say they don't match "tonaly" with other speakers in a Pink Noise test....but they are mostly used for reverbs and other effects, I can't complain.

Pics soon!

I don't think many people do complain with the QS4s... I think a lot of QS8 folks don't even consider the 4s. I know what you mean about the pink noise test; that made me a little nervous when I heard it, but man, do they sound good on real stuff!

Um yea...I also realized the speakers sound VERY different when you move around during the pink noise test, i could even tell the difference between my m22ti's left and right in the pink noise.

A ton of stuff I see going around on these boards is almost all psychological. It sucks becoming an audiophile because you strain your ears to find little discrepencies in your sound system (like I have been doing wondering if I had M60's) when you should just sit down and listen to the amazing sound system you have.

I watched a little inkling of the intro to Matrix:Reloaded...no sub, just to see the surrounds get a workout. I like my surrounds louder so I can hear them almost all the time, so I turned them up, and when all the matrix sounds were flying around me (the high pitched, computerized stuff) whenever the green matrix code comes up, I wasn't thinking,"Oh, the QS8's would have definately done a better matching tonally with my mains."

Once you get into the movie, or music, I really hope you guys arn't thinking of how the tinyest dip in a frequency is ruining the movie. I just get immersed in an amazing sound system.

Ok, enough speech.

Wait till you get your sub and play that movie. It is going to add another wow factor to your experiance.

Hmm...the new cables made a HUGE improvement over the 16 guage radio shack speaker cables. My M22's have bass now. Pretty amazing.

Anyways, I took pictures. So, here are a few to give you an idea of my situation.



My layout. Arn't them M22's so PURDY? Notice the 25 year old TV. Makes the M22's look retro style sorta. But, I care for sound much more than video, and the TV works so I'm ok. At college I have a 20 inch Widescreen monitor waiting. And the desk is about...a foot narrower. Cramped quarters.




Receiver and family DVD player I stole from downstairs that miraculously had digital output. And the SUBWOOFER (ahem FedEx) cable waiting patiently.




My awesome wiring job. It's an 18 year old boy's room, what can you expect?



My spacious seating area and surrounds flanking it.



Mmm...boxes.




Shunned radioshack cables. They worked well...for a day to ease my anxiousness.



This picture I felt gives my room depth...sortof. All my trophies hastily pushed to the side in preparation for...reciever.



The TV is so old it needs an RF modulator. AKA, used VCR.



Everyone posing for a picture. AVIA DVD to be used when the sub arries, the CD I am imposing the entire house to listen to, the Radio shack SPL meter, mp3 player to test stuff (regretfully I can't use its optical output because i need some converter cable or something)...and the crucial little adapter for my soundcard on my PC.




Alright...the sub is probably going right under my desk or to the left in the corner...when it gets here. Can't wait. Sorry for the many pictures. I hope I didn't kill someone with 56k or something.

Hey, where's the photos of the chicks, man?

Thanks for sharing...photos are much appreciated around here.

Nice setup, one thing you might want to do is get the DVD player off the top of the receiver. You should let the receiver vent the hot air as much as possible.

I'm not at college yet. More girls are there. Unless you want pictures of my sister and mom listening to the system...

Yea, wid, I realized that and was a little concerned. The heatsink for the amp is near the front of the receiver, so I moved the DVD as far back as it could go. It turns out in my dorm room I'm going to have to put a printer on top of the receiver, so I think I might run a small computer fan and get it blowing through the receiver. I probably will be able to find some spot for the printer though.

P.S. Do the M22's have any sort of break in period? Seems like they get better as I listen to them, more tight bass. I toyed with the equalizer, turning treble down and bass up, helped alot. Or I am just falling more in love with their sound...heh.

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Or I am just falling more in love with their sound...heh.

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Sounds right to me

>>Sorry for the many pictures. I hope I didn't kill someone with 56k or something.

45Kbps. Still downloading pics, you guys go on without me.

Looks like a real nice setup. Next step might be hanging some absorbent material on the side and back walls because the reflections off your walls will probably limit your ability to hear good imaging.

>>P.S. Do the M22's have any sort of break in period? Seems like they get better as I listen to them, more tight bass.

A number of people report a big improvement in sound during the first 10-20 hours of listening. General consensus seems to be that your ears are getting used to the sound, but it sure seems like break-in.

You mentioned earlier that you thought the new cables helped with the bass. Do you still think that is the case, or is it more likely to be "break-in" or getting used to the new sound ?

I havn't really cranked the volume. I noticed some definate distortion when I really really cranked it. I'll try when people arn't sleeping to see if I can tell. The bass response was a little better. I quickly listened to a song then redid all the cables, and was able to notice a little bit of a difference, especially in the low end. The mids and highs sounded the same.

Yea, I'm only in my room at home for about a week, but so far it doesn't seem to have much reflection. I do have a rug in there, and a few things behind the camera to break up the noise, I have blinds down and some clothes in the corner. I'm thinking it's going to be a challenge to get good bass in this room, we'll see.

Anyways, soon I'll be heading to college and cramming all this in a dorm room. Plenty of bedding and other things to absorb sound. I'll post pics in a week when I'm there. It will be a very interesting setup.

>>I noticed some definate distortion when I really really cranked it.

I probably don't need to say this, but most of the things which cause distortion (amplifier clipping, overdriving the inputs etc..) also push out an extraordinary amount of high frequency energy so you can damage tweeters at what seems like a reasonable sound level. You want to back off as soon as you hear any noticeable distortion just to be safe.

You should find that once the sub shows up everything sounds a heck of a lot louder.

I just caved and watched Independence Day without any subwoofer. Anyways, it was an enjoyable experience, except I was noticing a lot of emphasis on "sss" and "ttt" sounds, sometimes things such as crumpling a paper bag seemed a bit harsh. At times they sounded a bit tinny. I never realized this in music, only on this DVD. I wasn't playing it very loud, the total output was about 75db on the SPL meter, -20 or 15 on the receiver. I noticed deactivating the tone control on the receiver helped a little bit. I was slightly dropping the treble and then bumping up the bass. Otherwise the receiver was on straight dolby digital.

I have heard there is some break in time with the M22ti's (probably the same for the VP100) especially in regards to the high "tinny" noise. Anyone have experience? Am I placing them wrong?

Perhapse I'll try watching another movie and see if I can see the same results.

The sub has arrived. BUHAHAHAHAH!!!

Fedex delivered it at my back door at like....5 AM or something. Left a note. I was a very happy camper.

So, pictures.





Yea, the corner seems to be the best place. Under the desk the whole thing rattles. Like, the whole desk.

I went outside my room for a second, and realized my DOOR was moving back and forth. Every beat, it would bump up towards the door jam, then go back to where it was resting. (like you can wiggle a door back and forth like it was closed, the sub was doing that and making the door make noises as well).

Basically, I was used to a crappy sub. All the bass tones sounded very high. I wasn't used to all the low rumbling. It seems like my sub was making all the noise a whole octave too high. Now I'm hearing music like its supposed to be heard. The sub mixes so well with the m22's, It's amazing. I set the crossover at 100, perfect. A little tear came to my eye hearing some music. Perfect musical nirvana.

Ok, time to watch a buttload of movies and test how strong the house's foundation is.

It's good to hear the sub is to your liking, a great sub at a very good price.