MontrousBoomDude. I had the pleasure of listening to various Axiom speaker setups at the factory before buying and here is what I found:
All of their speakers share the same detailed flat response. The difference between the M22 M60 and M80 are quite noticeable in the bass (we haven't had a bass post in a while
) range, but quite subtle in the mid range and treble.
In direct A/B comparisons, I found the mid range a little better in the M80 and noticed certain things like cymbals had a transparency not quite equaled by other Axiom speakers.
Without the direct comparison, I don't know that you would remember (notice) differences outside of the base.
All that said. If you are worried about space in a smaller home, the M22 + sub would be an excellent combination in that the M22 probably has more flexibility in placement. I'm pretty sure the M80 won't fit on a shelf.
FWIW, I sit 8-9 feet from my M80s in my 11 x 20 foot living room and they sound quite good to me.
