Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Need help selecting the right size speaker.

Hello to all, I currently have POLK speakers for my HT. I would like to replace my mains with the M80TI or M60TI. My wife like to listen to low volume level. But when she is at work and me left alone in the house, I always want to listen to almost reference level... Well, I can hear distortion coming from the RTI-55 and I almost immediately (disappointed) have to turn the music down.

My listening room (living Room) is approximately 22' X 15' and it's open to the kitchen. From the front of my RPTV to the couch, I have approximately 8' not a very big listening room. Will the M80TI be too much of a speaker for this size room. Do you guys think the M60TI would be sufficient enough for my listening purposes. Does the M80 and the M60 have the same mid range qualities.

Will I see a night and day difference between my POLK RTI-55 and the AXIOM M80 or M60? This question is for the WAF. So it will be easier to explain when she signs for the speakers from the FedEx or UPS. LOL.. Thanks for all the info. I'm sorry if my questions are too novice. I really don't know what to ask... Again thanks in advance for all the info.

Hey BigJohn! Here's a fellow Texan!

I am not technically oriented, so don't take my statements to the bank. But, I tend to think of the amplifier as the more likely source of distortion than the speakers, though I can't imagine you'd be pushing the 755 to it's limits. I bring this up just to remind you to be sure of the source of the distortion. I'd hate to have you replace your speakers and still hear distortion.

Here's the poop on the M80s and M60s. They both sound very similar (same midrange qualities). But, the 80s have a slightly lower frequency response (34Hz) than the 60s (37Hz), and will play louder. The 80s are 4 ohm speakers and the M60s are 8 ohm speakers which should be a little easier load for your amplifier (though I doubt the 755 would have trouble driving the 80s). Some have had trouble achieving proper placement with the 80s, describing them as "finicky"; some have NOT had this problem (OK,wid?).

I do not think the 80s would be overkill in a room that size. But, at a distance of only 8' from your TV, the 60s would be able to comb you hair, and would, I think, be "sufficient enough for your listening purposes." However, if you listen to music at reference level for any length of time, I'd look up the number of a good audiologist.

I've never heard the RTI-55s, so I'm unable to compare them to the Axioms. But, the Axioms can be positively described as "accurate," and "detailed." It's possible you'll hear things in your favorite CDs and DVDs that you've never heard before. They WILL expose a badly mixed or mastered CD. They are NOT referred to as "laid back."

Others will, I'm sure, comment and correct any misinformation I've stated.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your decision.

Jack...I resemble that remark!

rambilt,

I have M60's in a 13 X 18 foot room which opens onto a kitchen and they more than fill the room (including both rooms to either side of the walls).

Being 8 feet back, M80's would (in my opinion) be too much.

BTW, where are you in Texas?

My .02,

WhatFurrer

Ajax, thanks a lot for your response... I couldn't really tell if it's my speaKers or the amplifier creating the distortion that I was hearing. I just replaced my speaker cables with the Cobalt "Ultimate speaker cables" and I'm not sure if the cable helped at all. I can still hear the highs as if it was distorted.

Hey WhatFurrer, have you any thoughts of "you've wished you bought the 80s instead? I just don't want to be in that situation.

BTW, I'm from Temple, TX. and thanks for your response.

Sorry "What" (may I call you "What"? ) I had forgotten you were another Texan. You may have to carry the flag awhile since John is a new papa, and is busy carrying diapers.

Rambilt, I have the M60s in a 12x18 room, that opens into a 10x10 dining area and a 4x6 foyer, and my distance from TV and speakers is about 8'. I have NEVER had the "what if," or "if only I had....." bug bite me.

BTW, John is in San Angelo, and "What" is in Austin, I believe.

Jack...

"What" is fine...or to go JohnK's route, Steve will also serve as it is my first name.

rambilt,

No "What If's..." for me as of yet (if / when we move into a bigger place, maybe...BIG maybe)...my room size is similar to Ajax and I have more than plenty, even with the wimpy old Sony DB940 A/V receiver I have.

If you would be willing to make the drive down, I'd be more than happy to let you hear my meager setup...

Live from Austin, Texas...

WhatFurrer

Steve it is! . I did check your profile, but your name isn't listed there. I much prefer using real names. It just seems more friendly and courteous.

If you are going to sit only 8 feet away from the speakers, I would have to say the M60's would be a better choice than the 80's.If there is a way to sit 12 feet back or more then the 80's could fit the bill.I have the 80's and I sit about 13 feet away.They also need to be away from the back and side walls to sound there best.Your room is about the same as mine and the 80's sound great, these speakers will play LOUD,and clean.Your Outlaw amp should have no problem with the 4 ohm load either.Just remember they do need some room.

(Hey jack I did see that)

Only time I ever think I should have gotten the M80s instead of the M60s is when I'm cranking it up real, real, real loud. Also when snooty friends come over the extra drivers would certainly have an impressive look.