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Upgrade...M3 to M22...or M3 and better sub?
#204616 04/18/08 12:33 PM
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Ok...I've got the upgrade bug. As my prior posts have mentioned, I love the sound of my M3's. The addition of the inexpensive Parts Express/Dayton Audio 10" sub has added needed bottom end in my large listening room. Axiom's trade up policy is very tempting. I can't afford floorstanders, but have been thinking about trying a pair of M22's to match up with my Dayton sub. Would the M22's with a sub be a better match in a fairly large room? The reviews are great, but the references to a somewhat thin sound have me concerned. BTW, I'm powering my M3's with an Onkyo A-9555 integrated amp. The M3's are connected to the speaker "A" terminals, while the sub is connected to the speaker "B" terminals. Amp is then set to run with speakers A+B. I did this purposely so the M3's would run full range. The sub's crossover is set relatively low...so it fills in the bottom end, but does not overpower.

Anyway...I would appreciate feedback on recommendations for an upgrade. I'm thinking of either replacing the M3's with M22's, or replacing my $99 Dayton sub with either the entry level Velodyne (VX-10) or the HSU designed Parts Express 10" sub. Any thoughts?

M3/M22 Comparison
rob04 #204669 04/18/08 06:30 PM
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Has anyone owned both M3's and M22's (preferably with a sub)and can offer a comparison? Thanks.

Re: M3/M22 Comparison
rob04 #204675 04/18/08 07:24 PM
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Never owned both but have compared them as I do own the M22s. I wouldn't say the M22s have an advantage it is just a different sound. The M22s are much more forward than the M3s, the vocals and mids stand out from the bass more so than the M3s, making sound clearer or more detailed depending on how you want to describe it, adding a sub to the M22s just fills in the lower end they don't play. I have my M22s as a 2 channel setup and it sounds very good, not thin at all, but I do run the bass boosted by a couple of db and it does give them that warmer feel of the M3s with the extra clarity only the M22s have.

If you truly want better sound, I would save up for the M60 or even a little more for the M80s, both of which work much better for large rooms and have a fuller/richer sound that the M3/sub or M22/sub doesn't have, IMO.


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
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Re: M3/M22 Comparison
jakewash #204687 04/18/08 09:19 PM
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Take Jason's advice and save up for the M80s. I, like Jason, have heard both and find them to sound very detailed. Unlike Jason however, I find that even with a sub, the M22s sound thin.


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Re: M3/M22 Comparison
Mojo #204692 04/18/08 09:42 PM
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Well, if it isn't the M80 twins. Howdy boys... ;\)

I can't speak to the M3, but the M22 sub is a good combination. I would agree that the M80 is better, but its a close call between the M22 + sub and the M60 floorstander.

I did a/b comparisons between them at Axiom. They are different, but it was hard for me to decide which is better.

For the cost of one way shipping, it would probably be worth it to audition the M22 and send back which ever speaker you like less.

Me? I've been bitten by the M80 bug.


Fred

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Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
Re: M3/M22 Comparison
fredk #204696 04/18/08 10:24 PM
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\:D .

Once you've heard the 80s, it's tough to like the 60s or the 22s.

IMO, the stand-out Axiom products are the 80s, M3s, EP350v3, QS8s, and audiobytes. Keep in mind that I've listened to all of the above plus the 60s, 22s, EP400, EP600 and VP150.

Oh yeah...almost forgot. The M82s sounded great too \:\) .


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Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated
Re: M3/M22 Comparison
Mojo #204701 04/18/08 10:58 PM
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 Originally Posted By: Mojo
:D .

Once you've heard the 80s, it's tough to like the 60s or the 22s.

IMO, the stand-out Axiom products are the 80s, M3s, EP350v3, QS8s, and audiobytes. Keep in mind that I've listened to all of the above plus the 60s, 22s, EP400, EP600 and VP150.

Oh yeah...almost forgot. The M82s sounded great too \:\) .



Tex, you need to buy some M2s just to round out your resume.


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Re: M3/M22 Comparison
St_PatGuy #204702 04/18/08 11:00 PM
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Don't forget the M50s!


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Re: M3/M22 Comparison
Ken.C #204703 04/18/08 11:08 PM
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I would have to add the EP500 stands out a wee bit.


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Re: M3/M22 Comparison
HomeDad #204704 04/18/08 11:10 PM
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Wait, it's tough to even like them after hearing the M80s? Hyperbole much?


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