Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion What's New At Axiom Introducing the M5 and QS10

So I set up the M5HP, M22v4 and my Axiom m80 v4 to my Marantz 8802A pre/pro out to the D-Sonic M3-4000 amp. I used pure direct mode and turned off my sub on the pre/pro. I played 6-7 songs I use for sound quality testing. As far as sound signature I really cannot tell much of a difference which I am not surprised about. Keep in mind my M80 and M22 are v4 and not the older versions. When I upgraded from the m80ti and the M22v3 I did notice subtle differences to the v4 versions. The m22's are a lot more efficient than the other 2 and also lack the low bass of the others. For a bookshelf speaker the M5HP has nice impressive bass coming out of it. After making the adjustments to the receiver I am mostly getting enough output where I think I can get by without getting an external amp for the office but we'll see. The M5hp's will be staying in the office and the M22 re-purposed for something else. The m80's will be staying in the theater room. I am very pleased with these speakers.

Dang... and still no love for the on-wall orders...

-pd

Just something more to add as I am doing more testing, the extra bass I am getting on the M5HP over the M22 is making it a more complete speaker. I'm really digging these now! I think the receiver settings were for sure holding me back.

Would you trade the M80s for the M5HPs? Do the M5HPs give you a better experience than the M80s?

Mojo, I don't know about that one. One is a full tower speaker and the other a bookshelf. I definitely would not replace my m80 v4's for the M5HP's for my theater room in my situation. They sound very similar and I think the M80's probably have even more bass than the M5HP. The M5HP has one 6.5HP driver but the m80 has 2 standard 6.5 drivers. I think the surface area of the M80 will beat it here. Both are excellent but I do like the version 4 axiom speakers a little better than the previous models. I did not compare the v2 but I did the ti and v3 editions.

I have a feeling the M5HP is an upgrade over my M80v2 particularly since I am now taking full advantage of the family of curves (I am in a 4800 ft^3 reflective room in the far field). I use a sub (EP600v2) as well. Maybe I will never know.

I'd be curious to know after some extended listening to the M5HP if you find yourself wanting to swap out the M22 for M5HP in your other space. I listened to the M22ti and couldn't stand it. I know you have the M22v4.

Final compare from me regarding these. Last night I spent 2 hours or so and I was switching between the M22 and the M5HP in the office, only using receiver power. Take this only as my thoughts on this since I am no expert. The midrange imo is a tiny bit better than the M22 bookshelves. The bass is also better giving me more options with the sub integration. I had the M22's highpass set at 90hz with these I can go down to 70hz easily if needed. Is there a huge difference between both sets? No, but it's enough of a difference for me and they are staying in the office and I will not be pursuing external amps. I'm extremely happy with this set. Love them.

Thanks for the comparison thoughts Spiroh.

Spiroh, would you recommend folks spend the extra money to buy the M5HPs over the M22s?

Personally, yes I would if you have over 100w to give. This is not a knock on the M22's though since they are amazing and I've had v3 and v4 versions. I just think with the added bass the M5HP's are a little more complete.