Well folks, for those of you that are interested (in one man's opinion), in a comparison "review", I currently have a pair of M50s and M60s sitting side by side in my living room HT/stereo setup. I promised to write my impressions of them and I am still comparing the two - but not for long - as one pair HAS to go back. (sorry Ian)

For the skeptics: Both sets were the Factory Outlet models. Both arrived when they were supposed to via Fedex – and in perfect condition (all the way out to Hawaii) and the appearance of the 60s is virtually flawless! (and only 3 very minor blemishes on the 50s) So NO complaints from me about looks.

Just for reference, they are connected to a Sony STR-DE915 (100w x 5) DD Receiver (built prior to DTS), a Sony DVP-S360 DVD/CD player, and a Technics SLQ2 DD turntable w/Audio Technica AT15S cartridge. (OK - so its not all brand new, but I am putting 2 kids thru college!) My "other" speakers were Sony APM-55 (3-ways) that have the square, flat, drivers and a honeycomb aluminum surface for the woofers. They were pretty good moderate priced speakers 20 years ago. (OK - yes, I used to work for Sony many years ago!!!) Now that is out of the way, here are my impressions:

First off, I was surprised at how dis-similar the speakers sound. I guess I expected them to be closer than they are, but the overall timbre character seems to be pretty similar. In my listening environment, the bottom end response is pretty much identical (and very good) but the 60 do go a bit lower. Both are tight, controlled and not boomy at all. But on some music, at times, it almost seems that the 50s give a little more punch (at the same volume) than the 60s do. I have a theory as to why, and I suspect it could be because of the midrange crossover point.

The upper midrange is where the difference between these 2 models really presents itself. As I had suspected, the mid driver in the 60s really does make a difference. For my ears, vocals really come to life in the 60s. Very clear and very clean (did I mention very clear?) Strings are smooth and sweet- you can almost count the hairs on the bow, and the brass has that initial bite I love so much. In direct comparison the 50s are "softer" less distinct - or not a sharp - as if the singer was behind a screen (sorta muffled – but that is a really bad description of the effect) At times I enjoy this more mellow characteristic, but even so, the musical detail doesn’t altogether disappear, it’s just less pronounced. On some songs/recordings the upper mids of the M60s (like from an electric guitar solo or an alto sax) almost seem a tad “bright” (could it be my DVD player?). They are so intense/clear that they seem as if they are almost piercing (like - have you ever experienced listening fatigue from a horn loaded midrange/tweeter?) This is a similar effect, but not nearly as bad. But I have to say that overall I much prefer it to the ever so slight softer sound of the 50s.

On the very high end both the 50s and 60s tend to sparkle but to me the 60s are (again) slightly more clear, more distinct, and “crisper”. Percussion sounds are much more real - the ting of the cymbals, the ring and resonance of a bell, the snap of the snare drum -more vibrant, alive. It's the leading edge of the "attack" that I really hear the difference - plus I think the reproduction of the transients are better - and this also adds to the realism. Again, the 50s do it pretty similar- but just not with the same definition as the 60s

Last but not least is the imaging. I was really surprised here – and I guess the dispersion characteristics (of the mid driver?) are the cause of it. The 60s are way superior! The soundstage really tightens up and the instruments are more precisely located. They provide a truly enjoyable experience for me.

Overall, I find the differences to be pretty much the same whether in low to moderate volume levels (such that you could still carry on a normal conversation) or pretty loud - when I am conducting along with Herbert von Karajan, or playing air guitar with Ottmar Liebert.

And as if you probably couldn’t tell – the 60s are staying here with me. I am so glad I didn’t “settle” for the 50s and took a chance on the 60s. Even though it will cost me to send the 50s back – I am doing the old Ren & Stempy “Happy Happy Joy Joy” dance!!!

So that's my impression of the two. Personally I think that most people would be happy with either speaker - 1. Because they are both pretty darn good, 2. Few will have the chance to listen to them side by side to make a direct comparison, and 3. The human tendency to accept (or learn to enjoy) the sound that we have. Have you ever tried to do a direct comparison of 3 or more speakers at once? Its pretty hard to do!

Well, I hope I have done the speakers justice with my mini review - and that this has helped some of you that may have been "on the fence” on trying to decide which to buy. Personally, I think the difference in $ is well worth it!
My sincere thanks to Ian and the whole Axiom crew. Fantastic speakers – at exceptional prices, and with superior customer service!

If anyone has specific questions concerning my comments/experience, I would be happy to answer them

Randyman