Dahlquist or Axiom?

RobCole · 08-11-2003, 05:09 PM

Bleh. I just posted a very long topic, with tons of details, and it was not allowed because I can't post a URL to a picture of my living room. :|

Here's the synopsis, since I can't write up the whole thing again.

I'm upgrading my system:
Denon 3802, Velodyne CT-120, Acoustic Research 215PS rears, 225PS center, 318PS front towers.

Specs: 70% music, 30% HT. Listen to a lot of acoustic music (Martin Sexton is a good example) with a fairly large amount of range; also watch TV in PLII, and watch both documentaries and action films -- so range is important.

Upgrading the speakers -- had settled on Axiom M60ti's, VP150, and QS8's, but now (due to talking to Marc from Audioshop) am wondering if I should consider Dahlquist...and if so, what should I consider? I'm concerned about the apparent brightness of the M60's, as well as the fact that they have apparently raised prices significantly in the Canadian market (doesn't affect me, since I'm from Seattle).

Hope these details are enough -- my room is 15x12 right now; a picture can be seen at pichosting.pcthike.com/randomrob/P4120002. Hopefully that will work since it's not being parsed.

I'm mainly wondering about what I should consider in the Dahlquist line to be similar in quality to the Axiom's I was considering. I can't quite afford the QX10's, unfortunately.

thanks,
Rob

CurtisSC · 08-11-2003, 05:29 PM

hey Rob,

What speakers have you heard and liked?

I have heard the M60's. It is one hell of a speaker for $800/pr. I heard them in my home hooked up to my HK525, and at a friend's with Rotel seperates. Great clearity and detail. For me, the treble was a bit much, but others love it.

Sorry...I have not heard the newer Dalhquists.

RobCole · 08-11-2003, 05:45 PM

I've listened to Polks and Klipsch at my local CC, and liked the sound of both; I was considering returning to look for an open box special of sorts when I started doing research, and stumbled across both of these companies. I've sent a friend Marc's way (he ended up buying a set of Take 5's, which he has been happy with), and so I've gathered a bit of respect for him. I wish there were somewhere near Seattle I could hear the Axiom's, as I am a bit concerned with people's opinions of "too much clarity/brightness." I have an offer right now that could get me QS8's + M50's (for less brightness) + a VP150 for around $1300, which is a nice price, but I'm hemming a bit more now that I've heard Marc's revised opinion of them.

Rob

RobCole · 08-11-2003, 05:47 PM

Oops. Should add that I've listened to my uncle's system, which is Vienna Acoustics, and I really liked it. Not too bright, very clear, good bass, very accurate reproduction of sounds...that's where I first watched the Matrix.

This system (mine) won't be cranked much, until I can build myself a media room. Regardless, I'd like to purchase it with future upgradability in mind.

Rob

Chris Quinn · 08-11-2003, 05:53 PM

Have you gone to the Axiom forum to see if there is someone in your area that will let you listen? They have set up something along the lines of audio envy to let people listen first.

**HTF Ads**

CurtisSC · 08-11-2003, 05:59 PM

Rob,

The M50's supposedly do sound different than the M60's...and I do not see as many raving reviews for them.

Head over to Axiom's own board, and you will get some good help.

RobCole · 08-11-2003, 06:05 PM

No one in the Seattle area is demo'ing the Axioms. I've posted there, but wanted to see if I could get a little less pro-Axiom words, so I asked here as well.

Rob

CurtisSC · 08-11-2003, 06:40 PM

Hey...take a trip to LA...I can hook you up with M60's, M80's, and my Ascends!

Ron Reda · 08-12-2003, 12:13 AM

RobCole,

You're in luck as I own all Axioms (M50s, VP150, QS8s and M3s) and have heard the Dahlquist QX9s!

I originally bought my Axioms (all but the QS8s...I added those later) two years ago from Marc at Audioshop. This was at a time when Axioms were fairly new on the scene. They got some good reviews and the price was *definitely* right, so my interest was piqued. As it turns out, I ordered them sound unheard. When they arrived, I connected them to my Yamaha receiver and was quite pleased with their sound. While they were somewhat bright at first, they settled in quite nicely. Once broken in, I can describe their sound as clean and detailed without the harshness that can plague titanium tweeters. Some may say that they are a bit forward, but I like how they sound. However, they really started to sound their best when I upgraded to a Denon 3802. I'm not sure, but perhaps it had something to do with the Denon's warmth and/or it's power capabilities. Either way, I liked what I heard. I then bought a stereo amp to power the fronts. Again, the Axioms showed their stuff and seemed to revel in the extra power that they were getting from the separate amplification. They played louder and cleaner. Fast forward two years...while I have upgraded just about every piece in my system and have all of my gear in a dedicated HT, I still have the same Axioms and they still continue to perform well.

However...

Several months back, a buddy of mine began looking at speakers. Of course I suggested Axioms. He then asked me to look into some prices for him. I had always kept an eye on Axiom from a far and had noticed that since my purchase, Axioms had gone through roughly 3 price increases. While they were still a decent deal, they were no longer the killer deal I got on them a few years ago. Through word of mouth, I had also heard that Axiom's quality control was not what it once was, perhaps due to the demand. Enter Dahlquist. I had read a few really good reviews of them and the price was right on, so we decided to go with the QX9s with the understanding that they could be returned if not satisfied. Once they arrived, we hooked them up to my buddy's H/K 525. WOW, was I impressed! These things played loud and clean with bass that was deep, but tight. My only caveat is that I think the H/K is a bit too bright for these speakers. They are a bit more forward than the Axioms, so I feel that they need a warmer sounding receiver (such as a Denon or the like) to keep them from sounding too bright and fatiguing.

Hopefully, I've provided you with some additional information to make your decision. Send me a PM if you have any other questions! And, if you do decide to go with Dahlquist, buy from Marc at Audioshop...he's an honest, trustworthy guy who delivers great service!!! I've dealt with him many a time and he's always been a professional.

CurtisSC · 08-12-2003, 12:29 AM

Not to dis-credit Ron, but that is two firsts for me. I have never heard of Axiom quality control problems, and that is the first time I have read a post saying an H/K is bright.

On the flip side, it looks like you have your work cut out in choosing.