Aperion, Axiom, other affordable bookshelf/2.1 options?

bodhidog · « **on:** 3 May 2006, 08:40 pm »

I need advice on affordable bookshelf speakers. I have:

Yamaha 8" sub YST SW215
Pioneer Elite VSX 43TX amp
Technics CD player

I would like to start with a simple 2.1 system, and bookshelf spkrs seemed like the logical choice. I would like to eventually upgrade to a 5.1 system, and then the bookshelf spkrs could be used as surrounds. I primarily listen to jazz, rock, world, and some electronic music. Will be moving into studio/1 BR apt.

Aperion 532s seemed like a good choice, or the Axiom M3 v2, but I have found nothing on this site about users' experience with Aperions. I liked their 30-day no hassle refund policy, free shipping, and the reviews I've seen on other websites. I need to keep this under $500. Help!

Thanks!

smk5r · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 May 2006, 09:01 pm »

I'd recommend checking the new x-ls line from AV123 ($199 for a pair of bookshelves and $199 for the X-Sub). You can read a review of it from the May issue of Affordable Audio.

http://www.affordableaudio.org/

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=82.1

Having owned both Aperion and AV123 speakers, I would highly recommend that you look into the x-ls line or even consider the rockets if you're willing to spend a bit more.

You can also pursue the question at the AV123 Forum where you'll undobutedly find people who have owned, aside from Onix, both Aperion and Axiom.

Good luck!

Woodsea · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 May 2006, 12:42 am »

Ascend Acoustics

zybar · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 May 2006, 12:51 am »

Quote from: smk5r

I'd recommend checking the new x-ls line from AV123 ($199 for a pair of bookshelves and $199 for the X-Sub). You can read a review of it from the May issue of Affordable Audio.

http://www.affordableaudio.org/

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=82.1

Having owned both Aperion and AV123 speakers, I would highly recommend that you look into the x-ls line or even consider the rockets if you're willing to spend a bit more.

You can also pursue the question at the AV1 ...

Only problem is that they are out of stock until July.

George

jon_010101 · « **Reply #4 on:** 4 May 2006, 01:27 am »

Having owned the Axiom M3's, I can say they are very good but best with tubes. The aluminum tweeter was always a bit much with an all solid-state rig. Based on experiences with the GR Research speakers, I would seriously recommend the new AV123 x-ls even though I have not heard it. Reviews have been very positive.

woodsyi · « **Reply #5 on:** 4 May 2006, 02:15 am »

Hello bodhidog,

I use Aperion monitors for my HT surrounds. I believe they changed the crossover scheme since I bought mine more than 2 years ago. The version I have are good value for the money but they are a little bright by themselves with SS amp (outlaw) that I use. A pair of ProAc Tablette Reference that I am harboring for an AC outlaw are better. Aperion's sub, however, blends quite well with the monitors and present a good full range playback. A 2.1 would be worth a try. I will also say that customer service from Aperion is excellent. It wouldn't hurt to give them a try with their 30 day trial period.

JLM · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 May 2006, 12:29 pm »

Another vote for the Ascend Acoustics.

Very high content value, wonderfully balanced sound, good detail, and incredible imaging. Money did not go into the stock finish, but makes for a good choice in dorms, recreation rooms, and/or frequent movers.

I bought the original CBM-170's with a Hsu VTF-2 sub. Plenty good enough for any sane person (audiophiles with system budgets over $2000 excluded). They've ended up in my HT system and are overkill based on my priorities. Will be adding 3 CBM-200's and a Panny 55 receiver soon to round out a 5.1 system.

bodhidog · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 May 2006, 07:08 am »

Thanks for all the input, everybody! The Affordable Audio link was very helpful; it's a great resource for the budget-minded newbie.

Chuck · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 May 2006, 11:15 am »

I am selling a nearly new pair of Paradigm Mini Monitors. I have an ad with pictures on the Trading Post.

There are plenty of online reviews.

These would be ideal for a second system in a small room or a starter system augmented with a sub.

As the system evolves they could be moved to rear surrounds.

bodhidog · « **Reply #9 on:** 8 May 2006, 07:35 pm »

Okay, we're looking at:

Aperion 532
Axiom M3 v2
AV123 xLS (or for another $100, the Onix Ref 0.5 Monitors)
Ascend CBM 170-SE

And I know, I know: it's all about what sounds best to me. Aperion is the only company that pays shipping both ways, and I can't afford to audition all of these and pay all the shipping on the ones that I don't like, so here's one more thought:

Do the tech specs on these help the decision at all? I've no idea what things like "sensitivity 88dB" or "anechoic" or "frequency response x dB - y db" mean. How do the materials used affect sound quality (i.e., polygel woofer cone vs. paper woofer cone, ferrofluid cooled voice coil, etc. (how much of this is gobbledygook to impress folks like me, and how much actually matters?) Lastly, what's all this "crossover" stuff about? Ascend makes a really big deal over their crossover technology, but I don't even know what it means. I understand this is probably not the right forum for this, but if you could point me to a link that explains all this jargon, I would surely appreciate it!

thanks!

smk5r · « **Reply #10 on:** 8 May 2006, 07:50 pm »

bodhidog,

I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the following:

http://www.av123forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13775

I don't envy your decision...

Good luck, none the less.

EDIT:

http://www.av123forum.com/showthread.php?s=f1be116dade4937c9a4f7b03f9524368&threadid=13793

tex-amp · « **Reply #11 on:** 26 May 2006, 03:41 am »

Quote from: bodhidog

Okay, we're looking at:

Aperion 532
Axiom M3 v2
AV123 xLS (or for another $100, the Onix Ref 0.5 Monitors)
Ascend CBM 170-SE

The Ascend's are the best sounding of that group.

Rick Craig · « **Reply #12 on:** 26 May 2006, 04:31 am »

Quote from: tex-amp

Quote from: bodhidog
Okay, we're looking at:

Aperion 532
Axiom M3 v2
AV123 xLS (or for another $100, the Onix Ref 0.5 Monitors)
Ascend CBM 170-SE

The Ascend's are the best sounding of that group.

If the x-ls had a different crossover I think it could be more competitive with the Ascend.

bodhidog · « **Reply #13 on:** 18 Jun 2006, 07:34 pm »

Thanks for all the input, gang. I ended up buying the Aperions and the Onix x-ls pair to audition. I don't have the wherewithal to talk about soundstage, imaging, etc. but my bottom line is this: the Onix spkrs are bigger, sound GREAT, and are over $100 less. The Aperions sound impressively good for how small they are (relative to the Onixes), but they just don't fill the room like the Onixes do. This is esp important since I am now subwooferless.

A BIG thankyou for telling me about the Onix speakers, as I never would have found them on my own.

Danny Richie · « **Reply #14 on:** 25 Jun 2006, 06:12 pm »

Quote

If the x-ls had a different crossover I think it could be more competitive with the Ascend.

That was really funny. Yea only if they didn't have those poly caps and had some electrolytic caps like the ones used in the Ascend.

The complete opposite couldn't be more true.

Quote

A BIG thankyou for telling me about the Onix speakers, as I never would have found them on my own.

I hope you enjoy them for many years.

TONEPUB · « **Reply #15 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 04:06 pm »

Actually, there is a new crossover kit out for that speaker that promises to
be very good.

Keep your eye on TONE-Audio Online (www.tonepublications.com)
We are getting the crossover upgrades any day, so we should have
a review in about 60 days.

Sounds like this takes a great pair of budget speakers to a whole new
level! We'll keep you posted!

Rick Craig · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 04:14 pm »

Quote from: TONEPUB on 16 Jan 2007, 04:06 pm

Actually, there is a new crossover kit out for that speaker that promises to
be very good.

Keep your eye on TONE-Audio Online (www.tonepublications.com)
We are getting the crossover upgrades any day, so we should have
a review in about 60 days.

Sounds like this takes a great pair of budget speakers to a whole new
level! We'll keep you posted!

The Aperion crossover needs some work - check out the measurements at SoundStage. Maybe Danny can do a kit for those?

tex-amp · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 Jan 2007, 05:11 am »

Quote from: TONEPUB on 16 Jan 2007, 04:06 pm

Actually, there is a new crossover kit out for that speaker that promises to
be very good.

Keep your eye on TONE-Audio Online (www.tonepublications.com)
We are getting the crossover upgrades any day, so we should have
a review in about 60 days.

Sounds like this takes a great pair of budget speakers to a whole new
level! We'll keep you posted!

Which speakers?

TONEPUB · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 Jan 2007, 04:54 pm »

There is a new crossover kit for the Onix x-ls speakers
coming our way.

tex-amp · « **Reply #19 on:** 17 Jan 2007, 04:55 pm »

Quote from: TONEPUB on 17 Jan 2007, 04:54 pm

There is a new crossover kit for the Onix x-ls speakers
coming our way.

How about doing an Ascend Acoustics 170SE review?