Polk RTi vs Axiom

aiden

I have a Polk Rti system, RTi10's front, CiC5 center, RTi6's surrounds and backs with a HSU VTF-2 sub. I have a case of upgrade itis and have been looking at some Axiom M80's. They are 4 ohm speakers that are very sensitive. Anyone have any opinions about Axiom speaks? Power is not an issue as I have a couple of Anthem amps (MCA20 and 30) to drive them.
Thank you

2+2

do a search...axioms are pretty much cheap and bright HT speakers....

Early B.

This question is raised on the forum every couple of months. I haven't heard the Axioms, but based on previous responses, it's probably a lateral move, at best. If you wanna upgrade, proceed to the Lsi series.

You already have an awesome HT setup. What else are you looking to achieve?

Perhaps you can consider other enhancements such as upgrading speaker cables, interconnects, power cords, experimenting with speaker placement, etc.

VR3

I dont have to even see them...

They're built like garbage.

Cabinets are built VERY poorly and Im sure the drivers are no different as well as the rest of the speakers.

Nelson57

I agree with Early B, you have a pretty nice setup as it is. I do understand the upgrade itis bug as it hits me every now and then, but every time I watch a movie, I can't find anything I would want to change in the sound, so I allow reason to overide emotion.

The only way it would make sense it seems, would be to go higher up the auido chain, and in the Polk line that would be the LSi series. I have never heard the Axioms, and since I like what I hear with my Polks, I wouldn't want to risk the disappointment.

gregure

Before I knew better, I almost ditched my Polks for Axioms, too. I was caught up in the hype of all the ads and what not. Usually, when something is too good to be true, it isn't. The Axioms may be 4 ohm, but they're not really better than the Polks. Vinyl speakers? Internet only, no chance to audition? Mighty big risk. And, as others have said, when I did my research I kept coming across the same flaw: bright speakers. If you're looking to upgrade to 4 Ohms, I agree the Lsi would be a great upgrade. However, if you're looking for better music performance, you may want to consider a separate 2 channel system. Now that would be a valiant investment. I just got a chance to see some Krell gear today in San Francisco, and it was amazing. Apart from the new 8-piece, $90,000 Evolution two-channel system, there was the KAV400xi integrated amp-a truly marvelous piece. For only $2500, it's actually quite a steal. 200 w x 2 into 8 ohms, with balanced inputs, I can't think of anything even near its price that sounds that good. Now that is something that is too good to be true that lives up to its claim. $2500 may sound like a lot, but for Krell gear that's like $25.

aiden

Thank you folks for the imput. Like you said , if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! I was calibrating my system last weekend and I couldn't flatten out the RTi10's. That's what got me going with the upgrade itis. I was using the Avia Home Theater disk and saw a couple large db drops with my Ratshack meter. I helped flatten one of them by going from small to large setting on the speaker calibration setting on my Yamaha 240(used as a pre accross the front). Maybe I'm wrong, but the flatter the response of a speaker the better it should sound, or at least more true sounding?!
The Avia disk test sounds only goes from 200 to 20hz, is there something else to use to help flatten out the response? Or am I just playing too much with the toys. Thanks!

Frank Z

Your calibration effort should include addresing speaker/sub placement and the effect they have on the frequency response you're getting. Room accoustics will play a big part in the results you get as well.

Although the rat shack meter is a great tool, it's acurracy leaves something to be desired, espeacially when measuring lower frequencies. Do a Google search for Radio Shack SPL Meter Correction Values and employ the values given. You might even want to consider using a pc/software based sound analyzer in lieu of the Avia/SPL combo.

aiden

Thank you Frank Z for the ideas. I have the subwoofer in the corner of the room, about 6" out from the back and side walls. It is boxed in on the other two sides with the rack system and a video cabnet. They are about 8" away from the sub. I have the HSU VFT-2 set for low sound, not loud. I also have the left and right speakers biamped. The tweeter and mid to one amp and the bass to another amp, each amp is about 200 watts (anthem MCA 20-30). Is there any test sounds available that go higher than the 200 to 20 hz? In the mean time I'll serf for the Radio Shack SPL Meter Correction Values . :rolleyes:
Anthem MCA 20
Anthem MCA 30
Yamaha 2400
Monster 3500 power
RTi10's fronts
CSi5 center
RTi6's surrounds
RTi6's backs
HSU VFT-2 sub
Denon 2900

Joey_V

Your setup has the power to run a full LSi setup... if you wish to upgrade, I would suggest go the way of the LSi.

I've had Axioms before (M22ti) and I brought it to my local dealers to A/B against several speakers including the LSi9 and the RTi6. What I found was a massacre. I couldnt believe how boxy the Axioms sounded, though everyone on the Axiom board claim that these guys are giant killers at the twice the price. You had to be there... I was very disappointed in the Axioms and I ended up selling them.

I went to the stores to validate the Axiom claim to fame - that their speakers are comparable to brick/mortar offerings at twice the price since there is no middle-man to jack up the Axiom speaker price.... yet, I found the Axioms to be no better than the speakers at the same price at brick/mortar stores.

Oh.... and pathetic build quality too. The cabinet resonates and you can audibly hear it if you go near it.

Bring this up on the Axiom board and they will either flame you or say that you need new ears.

aiden

JoeyV I would like to go to a LSi setup, but I have so much in my RTi setup. Could I just replace the front speakers? Say with LSi15's left and right. Then do the center channel next. Leave the surrounds and backs alone?! Does the surrounds really have that much to add colo/timber wise?
Anthem MCA 20
Anthem MCA 30
Yamaha 2400
Monster 3500 power
RTi10's fronts
CSi5 center
RTi6's surrounds
RTi6's backs
HSU VFT-2 sub
Denon 2900

*

okiepolkie

Could I just replace the front speakers? Say with LSi15's left and right. Then do the center channel next.

Sounds like a good plan to me. I've always been of the mindset to do a little at a time when I can actually afford things(which is less and less now). That way I end up with a good system without going into debt too much at one time.

Joey_V

I'm sure you could do that... little by little..

Besides, I'm sure those RTi6 will be an easy sale once you do decide to sell them off.

audiobliss

I say go for it. Start replacing your speakers one by one. I can't testify to how great movies would sound with your current RTi speakers but with LSi15s for mains...but the end result would justify the means!

aiden

okiepolkie, I bet you'd sell me them too! Just kidding around! I'd have to sell the RTi10's first.You know the wife thing. They are funny that way.

aiden

JoeyV are the RTi6's more "sellable" than the Rti10's?

Joey_V

The RTi6 are more sellable because they are easier to ship. The 10s are floorstanders and are harder to ship.... may have to go through a local sale for those. However, all are still shippable.