Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Audiobyte vs M3 for computer speakers

I am looking for a new pair of bookshelf speakers to replace a couple that just blew out for my computer. I have a Yamaha receiver and a 10" Polk sub; I'm just looking for the speakers. What is the sound quality difference between the Audiobyte and M3?

Thanks,
Ron

The M3s are much bigger and can therefore play much louder (and cleaner out loud levels) and lower. You could get away with not using a sub with them.

The Audiobytes must be used in conjunction with the included digital amplifier. They are not available separately. They are amazing performers for their size and can play quite loudly. You really do need to use them with a sub, but your Polk sub will work with the digital amp.

If I were in your shoes and had the desk space, I'd go with the M3s.

Well, I have never heard either but it seems logical that the M3 will play louder and are intended to fill a larger space compared to PC speakers that are designed to mostly be heard a few feet from your head. The Audio bytes also come with their own 55 watt amp so you could re-use the Yammie.

Reviews say both are excellent at what they do. For well rounded music and deep bass in gaming, you might want to add the optional subwoofer with the audiobytes. The M3's will go deeper on thier own and you might not feel the need for a subwoofer for just a PC setup.

Short version, if you are trying to fill a room with music for both you and your guests, the M3s are probably the best bet and maybe even more economical considering you would want to add the subwoofer to the Audiobyte package for that. If you just want quality sound while you sit at your PC on your own, The Audiobytes seem to be a nice package.

Edit:
Noticed from reading Peter's that I missed that you already have a small sub. Add that into the equation I presented above.

Thanks for your replies. I was curious if the speakers were similar sizes. The integrated amp was somewhat appealing to me since I wouldn't have to use one of my own amps, but I rather the have bigger speakers and better quality. Honestly, I've never heard a pair of computer speakers that appealed to me. I had bought the Klipsch ProMedia computer speaker set when they first came out and absolutely hated them. I replaced them with a couple of ceramic norh 4.0s and a real sub. They sounded great. The norh woofers just blew out so I'm looking for replacements around the $300 range. From what I've researched, the M3s look like the perfect replacements.

The M3s are pretty enormous for computer speakers, but like the other say, if you have the space... I'd say that the M3s are easily twice as big in every dimension as the Audiobytes.

I know I already recommended the M3s, but I'd be very surprised if the Audiobytes did not impress you. They wow me every I use them.

Again, gotta agree with Peter on that. I love mine.

I think I prefer the sound of the audiobytes when compared to M3's, just going by memory though.

I've ordered the M3s, I'm looking forward to listening to them. Temporarily I've hooked up an old pair of 8" Yamaha NS-625s. Not the best thing for music, but they sure play loud, not to mention taking up half my desk. I'm hoping the music quality on the M3s will be much better

Ron

Congrats Ron. You are gonna love the M3's. I've enjoyed mine for over a year now. Be sure to let us know what you think after you give them a good run through. They will play plenty loud and clean. Enjoy.