2. speakers
  3. 1150954596

Has anyone comp. Epos and Axioms? Other suggestion

An older friend has asked me to help him upgrade his speakers. He has a 5 year old basic 100W Sony DD/DTS receiver, but uses it mostly to play LPs on a recent AudioTechnica turntable through his old RDI speakers. He is, however, interested in playing TV and DVD through this system too, where our current idea is to get a pair monitors or small floor standers, a matched center channel, and a sub.
I have so far come up with the ELS 3 Epos line or the Axiom M3ti/VP100 cominations, which would be complemented by a HSU sub. My question is which one (any other suggestions are welcome too), Epos or Axiom, would sound better GIVEN the crappy amplification? This is my greatest concern. There is an ad with a Triangle center and Zerius here on Audiogon that I would bid on in a heartbeat, but I fear those would be horrible (say bright!) with a basic receiver.
I might be able to persuade him to pick up a new Marantz entry level DTS receiver... (on sale localy), would that make any significant difference?
Comments, ideas?
Thanks.
arni

Showing 1 response by rar1

rar1's avatar
rar1
1,811 posts
 
Arni

I have tried the following combinations:

EPOS 11 with an Onkyo 434 HT receiver - very good match

EPOS ELS 3 with Onkyo 434 HT receiver, Harman Kardon 3370 receiver;
Marantz 2240 vintage receiver - good match

NHT SB2 with Outlaw RR2150 receiver; Marantz 2240 vintage receiver; and
NAD C320BEE amplifier - superb match

Wharfedale Diamond 9.2 with Outlaw RR2150 receiver - very good match

Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 with Onkyo 434 receiver and Marantz 2240 vintage
receiver - very good match

Omega Super 3 with NAD C320BEE; Outlaw RR2150 receiver; Marantz 2240
receiver - poor match

B&W 302 with Onkyo 434 HT receiver, Harman Kardon 3370 receiver; Marantz
2240 vintage receiver - poor match

I would look at the new NHT Classic 2 and Wharfedale Diamonds 9.1 or 9.2
for starters. They will grow with an improved amplifier/receiver ... even
tubes.

The NHT and Wharfedale lines offer a matched center channel.

If he wants to go with a new HT receiver, the Onkyo offerings are very solid
performers. Sensible Sound did a favorable review of several of them a few
months back. The Yamaha 657 also received excellent reviews.

Regards, Rich
More to discover