Polk vs Axiom (Yes, again...)

propman07

Hello-

I am hoping that the experienced members of this forum can help a noob out. I am looking to upgrade my existing home theater speakers. Right now, I have all Sony speakers (no laughing, please), and I am looking at upgrading. I have read a lot of good things about Axiom speakers. I have also read (and heard, from a co-worker) a lot of good things about Polk speakers.

The room size is approximately 13' x 13' x 8'. Usage would include daily TV viewing, DVD movies, and some music listening. My budget is right around $2000. I have a Yamaha RX-V2500 receiver (130W x 7), and a Sony 61" RPTV. Here are the two systems that I am thinking about putting together.

Polk Setup

Polk Audio RTi10 (Main) $ 849.98
Polk Audio CSi5 (Center) $ 359.99
Polk Audio RTi6 (Surround) $ 339.99
Polk Audio PSW505 (Sub) $ 449.99
B-Tech BT77 Brackets $ 59.99

Total $2059.94

Axiom Setup

Axiom M60ti (Main) $ 900.00
Axiom VP150 (Center) $ 385.00
Axiom QS8 (Surround) $ 500.00
Axiom EP350 (Sub) $ 650.00
Metal Brackets $ 74.00

Total (less 5% discount) $2383.55

I have read that people are suggesting to try out the speakers, but I really don't want to pay return shipping. I am hoping that folks here will have some opinions about either system, or experiences to share.

Thanks in advance.

Ricardo

Welcome; I have never heard Axiom speakers, but have heard good things about them. The Polk line up you show would be a great option. What people say about hearing before buying is because what might sound good to you, might sound not so good to others. If you could demo the speakers somewhere it would help you decide.

For the subwoofer, check out SVS (svsubwoofers.com); they are IMO the best bung for the buck.

AsSiMiLaTeD

IF you go the Polk route and are including a sub, you may want to consider saving a bit and go with the RTi8. Some people, myself included, actually prefer the sound of the RTi8 better, given a sub is in the mix

hoosier21

Buy the Polk's, it will help pay for this website your using.

RuSsMaN

Ed Zachry.

ND13

hoosier21 wrote:

Buy the Polk's, it will help pay for this website your using.

+1..

propman07

HTrookie wrote:

Welcome; I have never heard Axiom speakers, but have heard good things about them. The Polk line up you show would be a great option. What people say about hearing before buying is because what might sound good to you, might sound not so good to others. If you could demo the speakers somewhere it would help you decide.

For the subwoofer, check out SVS (svsubwoofers.com); they are IMO the best bung for the buck.

Thanks for the welcome, and the tip on SVS. I'll have to consider Axiom's in home 30 day trial. Only bad thing is that if you don't like it, you pay for return shipping.

propman07

Polkmaniac wrote:

IF you go the Polk route and are including a sub, you may want to consider saving a bit and go with the RTi8. Some people, myself included, actually prefer the sound of the RTi8 better, given a sub is in the mix

I will consider that, as I don't want to exceed the budget...thanks.

propman07

hoosier21 wrote:

Buy the Polk's, it will help pay for this website your using.

Yeah...that's a good reason...

propman07

ND13 wrote:

+1..

-1 makes you a 0...thanks for your input.

VR3

The Axioms are made -very- poorly.

propman07

Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote:

The Axioms are made -very- poorly.

Thanks for the reply. I have heard other make similar comments. One guy wrote that the verneer had peeled off before he even got his speakers. I have also read that they must be made from thin material, as the speakers do not weigh much.

Thanks again.

Ricardo

Polkmaniac wrote:

IF you go the Polk route and are including a sub, you may want to consider saving a bit and go with the RTi8. Some people, myself included, actually prefer the sound of the RTi8 better, given a sub is in the mix

Yes...forgot to mention that.....I have the RTi8's with a sub and I don't think I am missing anything on the low frequency end.

hoosier21

propman07 wrote:

Yeah...that's a good reason...

Propman07

Your asking for more information from strangers about speakers you have never heard. Have you tried listening to any speakers? How have you narrowed it down to just Polk and Axiom? Are they the only mfg's that the masses have told you to buy?

Polk's are in every major city, go have a listen, while your there try other brands, no return shipping.

As to my first answer, why are you here anyway? there are plenty of other sites to ask these questions, why come onto Polk's website asking if you should by Polk's or brand X? Rather rude don'y you think?

Happy reading, I hope you can somehow find the post that will help you make up your mind.

ND13

propman07 wrote:

-1 makes you a 0...thanks for your input.

:rolleyes: Whatever. It is a Polk site and I agreed with Hoosier21's comment that was above mine. I didn't need to repeat what he'd already wrote, so good luck in your quest :rolleyes:

Oh and btw, the Axioms that I got to hear, I can't recall the model#, SUCKED!!

propman07

hoosier21 wrote:

Propman07

Your asking for more information from strangers about speakers you have never heard. Have you tried listening to any speakers? How have you narrowed it down to just Polk and Axiom? Are they the only mfg's that the masses have told you to buy?

Polk's are in every major city, go have a listen, while your there try other brands, no return shipping.

As to my first answer, why are you here anyway? there are plenty of other sites to ask these questions, why come onto Polk's website asking if you should by Polk's or brand X? Rather rude don'y you think?

Happy reading, I hope you can somehow find the post that will help you make up your mind.

hoosier21-

Wow...I didn't mean to offend. First off, I figured that if I wanted to get accurate information on Polk speakers, I would go to their site. Maybe that was my first mistake. I figured that people here would be willing to share their experiences on their setups. Maybe that was my second mistake.

If I wanted to hear speakers in a soundroom, under optimum conditions, believe me, I will go to "have a listen" as you put it. Rather, I am more intersted in how the speakers behave in the real world, ie. people's family rooms, home theater rooms, and the like.

I didn't realize that by going to a Polk site, and asking for comments between a Polk system and system **** was rude. I was hoping that people would be willing to share what they liked about their Polk speakers, and maybe things they didn't like so much.

I have done quite a bit of reading, thanks. If I were to be so foolish as to buy a product based soley on a stranger's recommendation, well that woud be my third mistake.

I am just trying to make an informed decision on a purchase. Please excuse me if my "doing my homework" has offended you.

propman07

ND13 wrote:

:rolleyes: Whatever. It is a Polk site and I agreed with Hoosier21's comment that was above mine. I didn't need to repeat what he'd already wrote, so good luck in your quest :rolleyes:

Oh and btw, the Axioms that I got to hear, I can't recall the model#, SUCKED!!

ND13-

My response to Hoosier21 applies to you as well. I won't waste my time by duplicating it.

Nice friendly, helpful attitude here on this board, by the way... :rolleyes:

neomagus00

i think you managed to catch people on bad days, normally they're pretty helpful, if a bit uptight

i personally can't comment on the axioms, but i can say that i love every bit of polk gear i own (car and home)... i will repeat the reccommendation to go take a listen to whatever you can, but for different reasons. the more you listen to, the better idea you have of what you like.

in addition, don't expect the soundrooms to be 'ideal' setups - in your own home you can often achieve a much more effective setup for YOU... i know that in car audio the soundboards are the WORST setups for the speakers, and that nearly every speaker sounds better once it's put in its proper environment

propman07

neomagus00 wrote:

i think you managed to catch people on bad days, normally they're pretty helpful, if a bit uptight

i personally can't comment on the axioms, but i can say that i love every bit of polk gear i own (car and home)... i will repeat the reccommendation to go take a listen to whatever you can, but for different reasons. the more you listen to, the better idea you have of what you like.

in addition, don't expect the soundrooms to be 'ideal' setups - in your own home you can often achieve a much more effective setup for YOU... i know that in car audio the soundboards are the WORST setups for the speakers, and that nearly every speaker sounds better once it's put in its proper environment

neomagus00-

Thanks for your reply. I guess that I might have picked the wrong day to ask my questions...

I plan on giving the Polks a "listen" when I get some time. I was trying to get some of the legwork out of the way. I know that people may say that speaker YYY sounds like crap, and someone else may say that speaker YYY is the best speaker they have ever owned....it's all a matter of taste.

neomagus00

propman07 wrote:

it's all a matter of taste.

zactly ... there's often little boutiques around town, take a look in the phonebook, maybe you can find one close by that has similar stuff to what you're looking at...

Early B.

Hey Prop -- we're here to help one another and to provide our opinions, so everything's cool. I haven't heard the Axioms either, but you have to consider other important factors:

-- you can go around the corner and listen to Polks, buy them, and return them hassle-free for a full refund if you don't like them. Can't do that with Axioms
-- The Polk setup you listed is less expensive.
-- you can find used Polks cheaper and easier than the Axioms.
-- you have this forum to help you and it's filled with (mostly) wonderful people.
-- you absolutely cannot go wrong by buying Polk speakers.
-- become a regular on this forum and you can buy/sell your Polk gear right here and get great pricing on "upgrades"
-- we're not totally biased when it comes to Polk products. We've even recommended to you a non-Polk sub.

So after looking at all of these great intangibles, the choice is clear. Welcome to the world of Polk. And even if you don't choose Polk, we'll still be here to help you out as much as possible.

2+2

Propman....welcome....some people need to chill here.

I briefly auditioned the axiom set up (about 2 hr audition) that you are considering except with an SVS sub.....my thoughts:
1. Very poor build quality...looks down right cheap
2. Very bright tweeters...more brighter than the RTi line for sure...It must be their tweeters.
3. OK for HT but for music, it sucked

Speakers is definately matter of taste but I would pass on axioms to consider something else, even if not polk. If you go to axiom site, there are people signed up to provide auditions to prospective buyers....find someone where you are and give it a listen.....

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk propman07!

I think the line up of Polks you have is a good way to go, not to mention cheaper than the Axioms. The biggest problem I have with the Axioms (I have never heard them) is with what you said about the workmanship of the speakers. If you have heard from more than one person that they are peeling, I would steer clear of them.

Check out a few audio places where you live and audition a few speakers including Polk.

landry_p2000

What's up propman?
Welcome to the forum. I don't know much about Axiom speakers, but I know a little about Polks. I think you will like the Polk Audio set-up pretty well. I have owned mine for while now, and can't seem to find anything wrong with them. I am not the audiophile, like many of the guys here,but I like the sound for movies, and music is good too with a sub. I hope you enjoy whatever system you choose. I like the RTi line. Good luck!

propman07

Early B. wrote:

Hey Prop -- we're here to help one another and to provide our opinions, so everything's cool. I haven't heard the Axioms either, but you have to consider other important factors:

-- you can go around the corner and listen to Polks, buy them, and return them hassle-free for a full refund if you don't like them. Can't do that with Axioms
-- The Polk setup you listed is less expensive.
-- you can find used Polks cheaper and easier than the Axioms.
-- you have this forum to help you and it's filled with (mostly) wonderful people.
-- you absolutely cannot go wrong by buying Polk speakers.
-- become a regular on this forum and you can buy/sell your Polk gear right here and get great pricing on "upgrades"
-- we're not totally biased when it comes to Polk products. We've even recommended to you a non-Polk sub.

So after looking at all of these great intangibles, the choice is clear. Welcome to the world of Polk. And even if you don't choose Polk, we'll still be here to help you out as much as possible.

EarlyB-

Thanks for the reply. You listed a lot of good points in your message. I think that I need to "hit the street" and let my ears weigh in on this decision.

This is exactly the type of input that I was looking for. Thanks again.

propman07

2+2 wrote:

Propman....welcome....some people need to chill here.

I briefly auditioned the axiom set up (about 2 hr audition) that you are considering except with an SVS sub.....my thoughts:
1. Very poor build quality...looks down right cheap
2. Very bright tweeters...more brighter than the RTi line for sure...It must be their tweeters.
3. OK for HT but for music, it sucked

Speakers is definately matter of taste but I would pass on axioms to consider something else, even if not polk. If you go to axiom site, there are people signed up to provide auditions to prospective buyers....find someone where you are and give it a listen.....

2+2-

Thanks for the welcome...

I have heard the comment about build quality before about the Axioms, so I think that I will be reconsidering the Axioms.

I have heard others comment on a speaker being "bright". What does that mean exactly? I'm no audiophile, by any stretch, but I do hope to achieve a good sound system for my HT.

I have had offers from the Axiom site to demo speakers at people's homes. I may consider doing that.

Thanks again for your info.

propman07

cfrizz wrote:

Welcome to Club Polk propman07!

I think the line up of Polks you have is a good way to go, not to mention cheaper than the Axioms. The biggest problem I have with the Axioms (I have never heard them) is with what you said about the workmanship of the speakers. If you have heard from more than one person that they are peeling, I would steer clear of them.

Check out a few audio places where you live and audition a few speakers including Polk.

cfrizz-

Thanks for the welcome. I'm off to see if I can find places that have the Polks in stock so that I can give them a listen.

Thanks again.

propman07

landry_p2000 wrote:

What's up propman?
Welcome to the forum. I don't know much about Axiom speakers, but I know a little about Polks. I think you will like the Polk Audio set-up pretty well. I have owned mine for while now, and can't seem to find anything wrong with them. I am not the audiophile, like many of the guys here,but I like the sound for movies, and music is good too with a sub. I hope you enjoy whatever system you choose. I like the RTi line. Good luck!

landry_p2000-

Not much is up...now that the smoke has somewhat cleared...

It sounds like you might be a non-audiophile like myself. I have no idea what some of the "terms" mean, so it's tough to ask questions. I'm looking for good sound for TV, movies, and music, in that order.

Thanks for your input.

Early B.

propman07 wrote:

I have heard others comment on a speaker being "bright". What does that mean exactly?

A bright speaker is one that sounds f**ed up.

Seriously, bright means that the tweeter creates an often unnaturally high, shrilly sound, relatively speaking. Let me use an extreme example -- when I was in high school, a bell rang at the beginning and end of each class period. After a while, the bell became irritating because of its high pitch. Well, what happens with bright music is that over time, the sound becomes annoying and you want to turn off your system because your ears have had enough of it. It just doesn't sound pleasing after a while.

Of course, "brightness" is purely subjective. I listen to lots of jazz, but horns are too bright for me, so I don't have a lot of CDs with horns. Same with some kinds of rock music. The guitar solos are too much for me, so I can't listen to it. Other people love it. That's cool. Brightness can be tamed with good quality speaker cables, interconnects, tube gear, and other mid-fi or hi-fi components.

If a speaker is too bright for your tastes, try another speaker. Now if you keep hearing that a particular speaker line is bright, run away from them unless, of course, you like bright speakers. Problem is, the only way to know what you like is to demo them in your own environment and compare speakers to one another. But to do so is to walk down the path of becoming a dreaded "audiophile." This is your official warning -- step away from the Polks before you end up like the rest of us.

VR3

I'm a rather big fan of bright speakers... - but not shrilly, sibilant bright...

I love detail, I love hearing cymbals and each "ring" in its texture, the way it slowly rolls off, and I love hearing every string in the guitar... and I enjoy instruments sounding alive and not laid back and sub-dued.

One man's bright is one mans detail, but to bright is to bright and I dont think anyone likes that...

I've never heard Axiom, but when a 3-way bookshelf weighs in at 18 pounds... I wouldn't go near it ever. If I put two midbasses and one tweeter and a crossover out of my speakers, it would more than that entire speaker, crossover, drivers, cabinet and all. Which is pathetic.

They seem to be built like garbage...and wouldnt last you to long I wouldn't think...

Joey_V

I have heard the Axioms (owned the M22 which is a real close cousin to the M60 that you are asking about). I have heard them A/B vs the Polk RTi and my previos LSi9/LSi7.

Frankly, here is the rundown:

1. Build - BY FAR... the Polks EASILY win. If you see both in person, they are worlds apart. The RTi uses real wood veneer and looks very very nice in person. The Axioms use a vinyl veneer and were actually peeling after 3 months of owning it. The Axiom customer service is rather superb though... they sent me a new one when I complained.... very good CS.

2. Sound - In my experience with the M22, I would pick the RTi8 or RTi4 over it. No doubt about it. The M22 is boxy sounding to say the least relative to the speakers I compared them against. I was surprised when I heard the RTi4 surpassed the M22 in terms of disappearing behind the music. I then heard the RTi8 and it was so much fuller that it wasnt even funny... of course, I havent heard the M60 so it isnt a fair comparison.

Highs - the Axioms have a bright sound but controlled in sibilance. They are quite sweet sounding but at the same time, boxy sounding for some reason. This boxy sound kind of muffles the midrange, too. Odd as I thought these were the last word in neutrality as proclaimed on the Axiom board. The RTi arent as refined as the LSi and is a little harsh in some recording relative to the Axioms. However, they sound good when you have the right material playing.

Midrange - very close between the two. I may prefer the RTi just because it sounds less boxy.

Bass - the M22 was anemic to say the least so I wont compare it to the others I listened to. Slaughter in this regard.

Conclusion:

If possible, I wouldnt buy the Axioms. There are far better options in my opinion. The Rti would be a good start but the LSi would be an even better option. You may have to go with LSi9 and LSi7 with an LSiC and an SVS PCi sub.

That setup would cost you = 1000 + 800 + 500 - 10% at tweeter = 2070$. Plus the sub.