Axiom Epic 80-600 QS8 and EP600

The Axiom QS8 surround speaker is yet another unique design. It incorporates dual tweeters mounted on a trapezoid front baffle. The tweeters are wired in phase. The QS8 also has dual midranges, one mounted on top and one on the bottom that are wired in phase. This unique driver configuration produces two effects: it makes the speaker have a very wide dispersion area and it creates a very diffuse soundstage.

Looking around the back of the QS8 you will find 5-way gold plated binding posts, quick connect slide brackets, and a threaded insert for the optional swivel mount.

The QS8 allows for several different mounting configurations. Wall mounting can be accomplished using the supplied T bracket.

If you cannot flush mount the QS8 with the T bracket you can use the optional swivel mount.

The QS8 is very installation flexible. If you don't have a wall to mount them, installation can be accomplished using the optional floor stands. The floor stands are black powder coated, measure 38 x 10.5 x11 inches, and have an integrated cable management system.

Removing the top midrange revealed the inner workings of the QS8. The enclosure is a sealed-design cabinet constructed with 3/4 inch MDF. The photo shows the bottom midrange, dual tweeters, and in the upper left hand corner you can see part of the crossover. The enclosure was filled to capacity with polyfill.

Driver components used in the QS8 are the same type as used in the VP-150 and M80ti to ensure similar sonic characteristics.

And then there is this to say: the Axiom EP-600 differentiates itself from the norm. This is an understatement. This subwoofer walks among the giants, weighing in at 100 lbs and standing 46 inches tall. It truly is intimidating. The 12-inch aluminum woofer is mounted in the center of the front baffle: below that you will find the vortex port and the small rectangular Axiom badge.

The Axiom EP-600 truly does have an absolutely gorgeous backside. The plate amplifier is a site to behold; resembling fine Swiss watchmaking or something you would find in one of the shops on Rodeo Drive. This amplifier has every conceivable input and output that you would ever need and then some!

What more do we need to say - one look at the frequency response of the EP-600 and you can see that this is a very capable subwoofer. Look at how flat the response is between 20Hz and 100Hz. Also note the low-end extension to about 15Hz.

Note the USB port below the power button. This will be utilized for future software upgrades, accessories, or changes. The small silver Phillips head screw between the balanced input and output is a ground-lift screw just in case you have ground loop issues. Removing this screw will lift the ground.

Looking at the internal view of the amplifier you can notice the huge toroidal power supply and the large filter capacitors.

The woofer used in the Axiom EP-600 is a 12-inch long excursion heavy-duty dual three-inch voice coil driver.

Removing the very large and very heavy plate amp to get a look inside the enclosure, I found that the EP-600 was constructed with 3/4 MDF. This photo was taken from where the plate amplifier normally is installed and shows the internal makeup of the EP-600.

The black square object in the lower left hand corner is the backside of the vortex port. Directly above the port is the shelf brace. In the top left corner you can see part of the magnet of the subwoofer. Note the use of thick polyfill on the sides of the enclosure and the 12-gauge high strand count speaker wire.

The EP-600 had very good overall fit, finish, and construction, although the use of one more shelf brace in the upper section of the enclosure would have made it even better. The grill that covers the woofer is functional but a little better construction would have been appreciated. Given the driver and amplifier quality, these are minor issues in the overall quality of the subwoofer.