New Axiom Products: EP800 Subwoofer, T2 In-Walls, Mini 5.1 System

EP800 Subwoofer - King of the Hill

Just when you thought Axiom was content with their EP600 refrigerator-sized subwoofer, they upped the ante by unveiling a more powerful EP800 sub to claim the throne. While the physical size is identical to the EP600, the EP800 is a sealed design. Replacing the port is another one of their 12” long throw aluminum drivers.

Since both drivers are wired in parallel, the rated amplifier output jumps up from 600 watts to 1000 watts making me wonder why they just don’t call it an EP1000. The EP800 has several advantages over the EP600. - since it doesn’t have a port, it can play lower without having to contend with port noise. In fact, they set the roll off to 12Hz (as indicated in the left graph below) as opposed to 20Hz tuning of the EP600. While there is no musical content down in that region, it is still pretty cool to have a sub that plays down that low. According to Ian, the goal of the EP800 is to have the widest bandwidth linearity and output in a subwoofer in its price class. As you can see in the SPL vs frequency graphs (below right pic), they certainly make a compelling argument.

Ep600 vs EP800 Bass Extension Comparison SPL vs Frequency Graph of EP800 (1 meter, 4pi)

Once the EP800 is playing at around 110 dB at 1 meter in 4pi space, the -3dB point moves up to 22Hz. Above those levels, we see additional compression at both frequency ends caused by the DSP purposely limiting the output to keep distortion low and thermal compression down to a minimum. In comparison, most subs that don’t employ a form of limiting will simply exponentially increase distortion output and mechanical noise when tasked to play at their limits. Instead, the EP800 will simply play lower to avoid such sonic nasties. Another advantage of the dual driver approach of the EP800 over the single driver ported EP600 is the former can play louder at certain frequencies with about ½ the distortion since each driver will move only ½ as much to do the same work.

I’d really like to see Axiom employ a selectable HPF (or subsonic filter) to allow for a user adjustable low end roll off they prefer in their systems. In my opinion, it would be a better use of power and also prevent unwanted driver excursions for turntable users. To take it one step further, it would be an added bonus to also be able to select the rate of roll off like Velodyne allows in their DD series of subs. This is a great tool for installers to better blend multiple subs in a system, especially if they are not all the same brand or design types (ie. vented vs sealed).

Here is a graph of the EP800 showing the adjustable LPF intended to be used for subwoofer / satellite systems.

T2 In-wall Speakers

Axiom unveiled a new in-wall speaker system with built in back box enclosure that is a snap to install. Unlike their W-series in-wall/on-wall type speakers, there is no mounting bracket necessary to install into the drywall prior to installing this system. Instead, the T2 system has an efficient built-in clamping mechanism that anchors the speaker firmly to the wall or ceiling when the screws are tightened. Whether you choose to mount it in the wall or ceiling, it’s as simple as cutting the correct size hole into your drywall, installing and screwing down the clamping mechanism.

Like the Architectural series (ie. W2s), the T series include built in back boxes to provide the right enclosure volume for the system to work optimally while also better isolating it from internal wall resonances. Axiom claims most in-wall speakers recess into the wall which can result in degrading sound characteristics. Their product instead protrudes 5/8” off the wall to prevent these issues. It’s unclear as to the actual real world benefits of slightly protruding the front baffle from the wall but as I understand Dr. Floyd Toole’s most recent research, one of the main reasons people prefer identical box speakers over their in-wall counterparts is that the former have more numerous and louder lateral reflections due to cabinet diffraction. I respect Axiom’s effort to matching their in-wall speakers to the sonics of their box speakers as closely as possible so perhaps every little bit of tweaking can help in achieving this noteworthy goal.

The T2s are a two-way design in a sealed enclosure with an aluminum 5 ¼” woofer and 1” titanium tweeter. The frequency response is rated at 70Hz to 20khz +-3dB. Price of this system $446/pair, just like the W2s, and come in three standard finished (black, white, silver) or paintable MDF.

For more information on the T series in-wall speakers, visit: axiomaudio.com/t2.html

Mini 5.1 Audio System
More big news from Axiom came during my recent visit in a very small package. They are gearing up to put forth a 5.1 speaker package that occupies a similar footprint to the infamous “cubed” speaker systems popularized by the company that begins with the letter “B” that many Audioholics love to hate. Unlike the typical cube speaker system, the Axiom Mini is designed with performance in mind with its 3 ½” aluminum woofer and ½” titanium tweeter. The speakers are so small (2.3 x 6. x 6.5 d x w x h)) that they practically disappear into the room once installed. Considering the small driver and enclosure, usable bass extension is limited to around 150Hz. Thus if the best acoustical blend is desired, I highly recommend pairing these speakers with two subwoofers symmetrically placed in front of the room and crossed over at 150Hz or so. If your processor has stereo subwoofer outs, this is definitely a time to consider taking advantage of that feature.

For more information, visit: Multi Subwoofer Connection Guide

Mini bracket (left)              Mini satellite speaker (right)

Axiom came up with a slick way of installing these speakers too. The bracket actually directly connects to the speaker wire as shown in the above left picture. Once you mount the bracket on the wall you simply place the speaker over it to make the physical connection to your amplifier while also securing it to the wall (right pic). If you can’t hide the wire behind drywall, that’s not a problem. Axiom has a new paintable flatwire speaker cable that is 14AWG and the conductors are placed side by side to keep the capacitance and inductance low, essentially making it as transparent as possible. Pair this little system with a small but potent sub like an EP400 and you’ve got the receipt for what the Genie in Aladdin would consider to be “a whole lot of sound in an Itty-bitty living space!” Pricing and availability haven’t been set in stone yet but seeing how this speaker system is closely related to their computer Audiobytes, and I was looking at near production samples, I’d guess it won’t be too far off.

Closing Thoughts

Once again, my visit to Axiom has been a memorable one. The 70 degree cool lake water reminded my body of how much it appreciates Florida, while the beautiful scenery and secluded wilderness made me savor the simplicity of life which can easily be dismissed when constantly surrounded by all this home theater techy stuff. The duration of my three day sabbatical in Dwight Ontario, consisted of mass quantity consumption of Canadian beef, fresh veggies, and wine. Apparently the senior folks at Axiom have jumped into a strict low carb regimen which I didn’t at all mind as long as they were offering fresh cuts of semi mooing slabs of meat. The diversity of veggies kept my brain focused as we had some of the most thoughtful and pleasant conversations on all topics ranging from government, science, religion and politics and the slim distinction between the two which seems to continually get slimmer each election cycle.

We discussed our predictions of future trends in the A/V world wondering what the next big format or technological breakthrough would be. Some pondered more surround channels, others higher definition video (ie 2160p). I on the other hand, wished someone like Bill Gates would come in and standardize an operational protocol to make all HDMI components talk to each other and auto configure the associated hardware so I’d stop getting phone calls in the middle of the night from my parents who could never figure out how to get their Denon receiver on the DVD input when they play a DVD.

It’s been over a year now that I’ve been waiting on a review sample of the A1400-8 power amplifier and I asked Ian what the deal was on this. Apparently Tom just hasn’t gotten around to getting my review unit built up and tested yet. When they are spending all their time and manpower filling orders, I guess I can understand. As I polished off a few glasses of wine and beer while baking in the Canadian sun, I was ready to run down to the lab and help him build mine… or better yet, just pull beside him on the hammock and take a little snooze.

Spend a few days with the folks at Axiom and not only will you want to integrate their products into your home theater systems, but you’ll want to take a piece of their pride of workmanship and comradeship home with you.  Great products and services from a cool company that although maybe isolated up in the hills in Dwight, Ontario, aren’t out of touch with their customer base or market trends. No matter how cold it gets in Canada, I suspect the folks at Axiom always find a way to keep warm.

Axiom Audio Head Office
Highway 60
Dwight, Ontario Canada P0A 1H0
Toll Free (North America): 866-244-8796
Worldwide: 705-635-3090