Axiom Audio QS8v2 Surround Speakers
Looking for surround speakers but just aren't sure what fits your needs and budget? Well Axiom Audio has just what
you need with their QS8 v2 model surround speakers. These speakers use a distinct Quadpolar design which utilize twin titanium tweeters
and dual woofers. So the Axiom QS8 v2s have a unique design, but will it handle my power from my killer receiver?
Most definitely. The QS8v2s are rated at 400watts max power and can be used with 6ohm receivers (8ohm will also work).
When looking at the design, you might wonder how these speakers do when they are pointing directly at you. This was my concern with the QS8 v2s
when I was looking at purchasing them. However with my owners reassuring me that there is no issues with the design, I made my purchase. After
getting them setup on the stands, I connected the QS8v2s to my Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS receiver. I performed a sound calibration
along with using an SPL meter to make sure all speakers were outputting the same decible level.
Test tones are great for calibration, but my ears would rather listen to movies instead. So I had a couple
perfect movies to test with. First off was Silent Hill on Blu-ray. While being a visual masterpiece, this movie is a feast
for the ears (if thats possible). The movie contains a 5.1 channel Uncompressed PCM audio track. First thing I
immediately noticed from the Axiom QS8v2 is that they reproduce surround sound very well. Sounds that appear to come directly
at your sound very distinct and put my earlier concerns to rest. The other exciting feature is that with the unique
quadpolar design, audio that does not appear to come directly at the listener is reflect equally well. Not to mention that
low level voices were not audible before suddenly became much more distinct. I couldn't believe how much I was missing before now.
My 2nd test was using Tears of the Sun on Blu-ray. TotS also contains a 5.1 channel Uncompressed PCM track. After the Silent Hill test, I
eagerly anticipated testing the Axiom Audio QS8v2 surround speakers with this title. I immediately skipped to the final shootout which is
great to give any home theater system a work out. I was very happy to hear bullets actually buzzing by as if they were moving from one end of the room to the other. With
my previous speakers, the bullets just made a quick passing sound just to let you know they went by. The QS8v2 definitely live up to the hype.
The QS8 v2 sell for $540/pair which includes wall brackets and are available in many different color/wood combinations. You can also purchase ceiling mounts and floor standing mounts depending on your needs. You can also purchase from
their outlet and save an additional $10% off the price. These outlet speakers usually have "minor" bleminishes, but in my experience I haven't been able to find these blemishes. They also have a lower
end surround speaker with the same design for $428/pair. However the specs are not even close. For an extra $112/pair (or cheaper via their outlet), you can step up a bit.
If you would like to continue the discussion on the the Axiom Audio QS v2 surround speakers, please do so over at the Metalsaber Blog.
* Photos courtesy of Axiom Audio
