Klipsch RF-82 vs Axiom M80

[bdpf]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to build my first home theater and I need some
opinions from you people that are more experienced than me.

I have been listening to some speakers (not many but some …)
from Infinity, Energy, Polk and Klipsch. I find myself liking more dynamic
speakers like Polk and Klipsch over Infinity and Energy. I auditioned the
Klipsch RF-82 and the Polk RTiA7 side by side. Both are nice speakers, but I
thought the RF-82 were slightly lacking of mid-range compared to the RTiA7 and
even the bass was not really there which really surprised me considering the 2
x 8’’ woofers so I think that it might have been something wrong with the setup
and will go back to listen again. On the other hand, I just loved the 82’s high
frequencies and the dynamics and soundstage that it creates. They envelop you
and make the music come to life. They are really amazing speakers.

Going back to my HT, I am trying to build a system under
$3000 that would be good for 2ch stereo listening as well as HT. I listen to
pretty much any type of music (Rap, RnB, Techno, Rock, Orchestra…) and would
probably use the speakers for 60% movies / 40% music. Right now I live in an
apartment but am moving to my new home in March. My room will then be 20’’x
11’’ with hardwood floor, no furniture except the couches and a coffee table.

The front towers that I like the most will determine which
system I will get. Here are the 2 systems that I am considering:

1) Klipsch: 2 x
RF-82, 1x RC-62, 2 x RS-52

2) Axiom: 2 x M80, 1 x VP150, 2 x QS8

For the subs, I was considering the RW-12D for Klipsch and
EP350 for Axiom, however I noticed that both Klipsch and Axiom owners like to
pair their system with other brand subs like HSU, SVS and AV123 as they say you get
more for the money. Any recommendation on a sub of $700 or less better that the
2 mentioned?

I also haven’t decided on the receiver. Any suggestions (the less expensive the better [])?

The M80s are 4 ohms vs 8 ohms for the 82s. Does that change
anything sound wise? Does it mean that I need less power to drive them or more?

Is it fair to compare the M80s to the RF-82s or should they
be more compared to the RF-63s (in terms of quality of sound, not looks)

I like much more the look of the Klipsch over the Axiom but
sound has nothing to do with looks. I have read nothing but good reviews on the
Axioms, that they have very good highs and lows and excellent mids. For the
Klipsch, the only negatives that I read are how they sound harsh and bright,
and how they lack a little bit of mids. Personally I like the way the horns
sound very much so I disagree with the first comment, but I kind of agree about
the mids (at least for the 82s).

Will the M80 provide the same dynamic feel and wide sound
stage as the 82 do?

Why do you think the RF-82s are better than the M80s?

The ultimate test will be for me to listen to the Axiom and
eventually I will. However it will be very hard, at least for me, to compare
them if they are not side by side. The 82s already sound good to me, what if
the Axiom also sound good to me, how can I remember which one sounds better
!?!? [:|]

Also, I only listened to the 82s in stereo, how will the
center and surrounds compare?

I know that this is a Klipsch forum and obviously lot of
people will favor Klipsch, but I am looking for honest and truthful opinions of
people that possibly owned or heard both and picked one over the other and why.

Thank you very much for your help.

Bruno

[Youthman]

Wow! Great first pos Bruno. Welcome to the forums. I am not familiar with Axiom so I cannot comment there. You are correct in that you do not have to have a Klipsch sub with Klipsch speakers. Subs do not have to be matched with the brand that you decide to purchase. Here are three sub manufacturers that will help you get the most bang for your buck and are highly recommended in the Klipsch forums.

Epik

Elemental Designs

SVS

In the end, your ears need to determine whether the RF-82's and the Axiom speakers sound best. We are all different and all hear differently and have different taste in what we think sounds good. Are the 82's and the axiom in the same price range?

[bdpf]

Youthman, Thanks for your reply.

I will definetly consider these manufacturers for the subs. I am also considering the MFW-15 from AV123.

http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,265/category_id,9/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

As far as the price goes, both the RF-82 and M80 are in the same range ($1300/$1400 a pair) but Axiom is an internet based reseller so cuts off the distributor's cut[], both setups mentioned above would end up close to $3000.

[tenntarheel]

hey Bruno-

I have a Klipsch rw10D sub coupled with Monitor Audio Silver R6 in the front and my old Klipsch KG3.2 as surrounds. The sub really is only there for ultra low & punch as the rs6 are really smooth & musical down to 40hz. I love the Rf82 but the RS6 is as musical a speaker as I have ever heard foir less than a grand. I made the purchase on a great deal and could not be happier. I am saving up for rfx surrounds now.

As for cheap but tasty pre/pro - amp - receiver gear you simply can't beat Outlaw for their price/performance. http://www.outlawaudio.com/ Not sure what you are looking for in feature set but they a great deal on their (soon to be discontinued) 990 pre/pro right now.

I have older 950 pre/pro & 750 amp. Again i could not be happier (I do not have a room for 7.1) for the $$.

IU have not heard them but their LCR speakers also have great reviews. although, you rally can't go wrong with the RF series either.