Greetings,

I am planning for a new Home Theatre and I am considering the following items:

Speakers Axiom Grand Master 350 package $1876.00
Receiver Outlaw 990 and 7125 package $2000.00-ish
DVD Denon 2910 $700.00-ish
CD Denon 280 $199.00-ish
Projector InFocus 4805 $1100.00-ish
Screen Carada Criterion 80" 1:1.85 $577.38

Total about $7,000 (33% speaker, 30% Receiver, 14% source, and 25% video)

For a projected 12X18X9 room, is this overkill? I am assuming a basement setup with no windows and with complete control of light. Viewing distance would be about 10-12 feet. I have all cables I need from my current 5.1 Kenwood Home Theatre Setup (Except DVI). I like what I have, but I have toured the audio shops enough to know that it could be so much better.

I like the idea of the outlaw separates, but I don't know if it is total overkill with the Axiom setup. Would the Outlaw 1070 ($899) be ample?

- I will also post this on the Audioholics and Axiom boards, but I need an opinion from those who are familiar with the product in question.

I think the 990/7125 combo would be a good match to the Axioms, and the total budget/room combination seems fine. I certainly wouldn't call it overkill if you have the money to do it. You could consider saving a couple hundred bucks and leaving the Denon 280 out, since the 2910 would make a very good CD transport as well as a universal DVD player.

audioferret, if you're willing to wait a bit and don't mind refurb w/ good warranty... you can save a few hundred on the projector.

www.woot.com sometimes carries the projectors.

Have you listened to the Axioms? They seem a bit light on the bass (at least on paper) for my tastes, but I've never auditioned them. Also, while the mains seem relatively flat from 100hz to about 15khz, things seem to get a bit "squirrelly" from 15khz-20khz. But if they sound decent, that's not a bad price for a complete 5.1 speaker setup.

I agree with Gonk that you really don't need the extra CD player. The 2910 is an excellent CD transport in addition to being a great DVD player. 125WPC should be more than enough for small listening area like that.

Cheers,

I have not heard the axioms yet, but they seem to fit what I am trying to do without breaking the bank. I have read just about every review I can google on them and it sounds like a good system. before buying, I will audition.

The axiom site lists auditioners for the axioms in the denver area, but I have had no luck connecting yet. I will keep trying.

A set of Ascend 340s with risers, 340 center and 170 surrounds with an Outlaw LFM1 will run a little less and sound a lot better: much better drivers all around and a more accurate sound. The LFM1 has much greater output and will go lower with more authority than the Axiom 350.

Check out the Ascends here:

www.ascendacoustics.com

I have seen the reviews on the ascend speakers, but the finish options available in Axiom gets me past the WAF. The Ascends are too limited in that way.

We all have our compromises to make. Good luck in your choice. I would seriously consider the LFM-1 sub, though. Far superior to the Axiom.

I'm envious of all your gear you've listed. What a way to kick off a great home theater.

Have you listened to the onix rockets yet? Right now they are having a sale on the 550 package #3 for $1,649. Lovely appearance. Great sound. They are located in Louisville, Colorado. Just a stones throw away from you. Check em out. It wouldn't hurt to ask them for a demo at AV123hq's. Then you could see and hear them in person.

If you do indeed choose the axioms I would pass on the ep350 and go with the competitively priced outlaw, hsu, or svs sub. The only axiom subs I would consider, based on the feedback from the axiom forum would be the new ep500 and ep600. But that might be a bit of a stretch for your budget.

Anyway just something else to consider.
Good luck in whatever you choose.

Regards,
Michael

I had no idea that they were in my backyard! The web site shows their location in Broomfield, which is about 15 miles away.

I will check that out, I wonder if they have a showroom or just office space. I have friday afternoon pretty open, I'll let you know.