Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Not sure if I want to keep them...

Make sure all your speakers are set to small and and your subwoofer crossover is set to the right frequency (70-100 hz). You may have a frequency gap between your main speakers and your sub.

If that is all set up properly, and you still don't like what you hear, then you just don't like the sound of the m2's. At that point you should send them back and get bigger speakers like the m50. If you can't afford m50's, return the qs4s put that money toward the m50's. Use your advents for surrounds until you can afford to replace them with qs4s.


Good luck!

paulu,
You should note, if someone is using a receiver for their crossover (ie. speakers set to small), the subwoofer crossover should be turned up all the way so that its internal crossover does not conflict with the receiver's.

In reply to:

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If you can't afford m50's, return the qs4s put that money toward the m50's. Use your advents for surrounds until you can afford to replace them with qs4s.

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That's a good idea, paulu.

Jason

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have done comparisons using the Direct Stereo mode on the Yamaha 1400. The Axioms are precise and thin, while the Advents sound much more rich and almost "three dimentional". I know that the Advents can produce bass much better on their own, but even the Axiom + Sub combo in 2 channel stereo mode doesn't seem to be much of an improvement. Do I need a better sub to really let the Axioms shine? If so, I am going to have to either move up to Axiom towers or wait until I can afford a better sub and bookshelves.

Most of my comparisons have been with 5.1 or ProLogic sources because I use the setup for 95% TV/DVD watching. I am very limited as to positioning of the speakers and both bookshelves must be mounted (the left on the left side wall and the right on the back wall) due to our odd shaped basement. The crossover is set at 100 for the Axioms (per Axiom's suggestion) and all the speakers are set to small.

tivo,
Although your sub is not exactly a renowned model, changing it out for a beefier one may not solve your problems or answer your questions. It might be worthwhile heading down to a local big box vendor and picking up something a little better in build than your AR sub just so you have something else for comparison. You can always return the sub after you are done the listening comparisons, assuming they have a decent return policy.

That being said, the Axiom speakers do not produce a rich or heavy midrange or bass. I noticed this as well when i first heard them but their precise and accurate clarity won me over. It is very possible that the Axiom sound is just not what you are looking for. You might want to take a look at an opinion review i posted recently about my thoughts on a variety of speakers we went to audition about a month ago. Do not remorse if you haven't found the sound you prefer. It can take awhile. I thought i had found it myself twice now and yet i've hear more brands that i think i like even better and we have spent nearly $6000 on our HT audio setup (video excluded).

did anyone ever think that his previous speakers might be good enough to not be blown away by the axioms? lol

the M2 isint one of axioms more impressive speakers IMHO. although ive never heard it. If you dont feel the M2 are good enough then return em! thats what the 30 day trial is for. Now that you know what the axioms can sound like you might decide to move up to one of the models that will probbly give you much more change.

Just my opinion.

You may want to the try the M3ti. The M3ti is one of Axiom's more laid back speaker, owing to the 6.5" driver. You'll probably consider them richer sounding than the M2ti. I have a pair of the M3ti's with a Acoustic Research Sub (with the same stats as your, it is the ARS108PSB) and I think it sounds very good. Also, your speakers may just need time to break in. Hope this helps!

The other variable here is your receiver. I almost bought a yamaha receiver, but ended up buying a marantz because had smoother more laid back sound. Axioms might not be a good match for your receiver. You could try the speakers with another amp and see if that makes a difference.

I am keeping the receiver. It was one of my new purchases and I love it. I know that Yammys have been known for a "bright" sound, but it does everything else that I was looking for and I can't return it.

I thought of trying the M3i instead. Should I return the M2is and get the M3is for another 30 days to try out? Or should I just order a pair of M3is so I can do a direct comparison?

tivo,
If you really want to change to a new type of sound, change your speakers or your room. Switching a Yamaha a/v receiver for another good name brand won't do squat.

If you pick up the M3s to compare against the M2s, post your thoughts. If you decide to return them, the shipping costs are usually quite minimal. Sending back M22s to Axiom with $400 insurance via regular parcel post cost me a whopping $24Cdn.