Setting up the Axiom Audio Loudspeakers

System Set-Up
In setting up the Axiom speakers in my dedicated Home Theater room (19 x 25 x 9), I wanted to try several different configurations for evaluation. The 5.1 system setup included the Axiom M80ti front right and left placed 12 feet apart and about 18 inches away from the front wall.

The M80ti’s sound too directional with more than a slight amount of toe-in. I think this may be due to the use of dual tweeters. I suggest you keep the toe-in to a maximum of 3-5 degrees unless the speakers are spaced very far apart. The VP-150 center channel was placed horizontally on a 24-inch stand and aligned with the M80ti speakers. The two (yes, two) EP-600 subwoofers were placed on the front wall directly next to the M80ti speakers.

The QS-8s were installed on the side walls approximately 12 inches back from the null of the listening position and 18 inches above the seated ear level. This type of installation is typical for many living room home theaters.

For this evaluation I used the Yamaha RX-V2500 receiver in conjunction with the Aragon 2002 amplifier augmenting the front right and left M80ti speakers. All Axiom speakers are relatively efficient representing an easy load to drive but they all have a lower impedance value of 4- to 6-ohms.

This was the reason for the use of an external power amp. I set all speakers to Small and set the crossover to 80Hz for the M80ti front speakers, the VP-150 center speaker, and the QS-8 surround speakers. I then selected By-Pass on the EP-600 to prevent crossover cascading and selected the Flat boost setting.

I know many of you are thinking why set a front main speaker that has an effective cutoff of 35Hz to small 80Hz? There are many good reasons for this and these articles will help you understand why this is important:

By Ray Adkins