Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners M60s w/no sub vs. W22s & EP500

Due to room layout restrictions, it’s difficult for me to have floorstanding mains (or bookshelves on stands) and a subwoofer at the same time. So, I find myself contrasting two systems: a pair of M60s with no sub vs. a pair of wall mounted W22s (mounted on either side of a wall-mounted plasma) with an EP500. In either case, I will be using a VP150 and a pair QS8s to complete my 5.1 system. Receiver is a middle-of-the-road Yamaha.

Now, I know the answer is obvious for movies – get the W22s with the EP500. However, I care much more about 2 channel music than I do about movie sound, which is why I’m attracted to the M60s. I really want superb sound for my music, and will likely upgrade the electronics over the long term, so I view the speakers as an investment – I like to buy things I think I will keep for a while.

So, my question is, strictly from a music standpoint, will the M60s deliver better SQ than the W22/EP500 combo? I’m not a bass-addict, a point proved by the fact that I’ve been listening to the same pair of TDL bookshelves for the past 15 years. I’d rather have an impeccable mid-range and high end, even if it means giving up some deep bass. Is this the basic tradeoff I’m facing between these two systems?

BYW, the room is 14x16x9, with one wall opening up into a kitchen and/or a vaulted entry way.

TIA,
George

That is, indeed, the basic trade-off you're making. The M22s and the M60s do have similar sound in the ranges they both produce. Naturally, the M60s go lower and can throw a bigger "image" at you. The M22s paired with an EP500 is a thing to behold, however. I just added an EP500 to my M22s recently, and I can tell you -- even if you're not a bass head, you will definitely realize a great improvement in your music. Bass can be subtle, and it can blow you away.

Your room is not too big, so the M22 + EP500 combo could fill it with very loud music (if you chose to).

Take my response with a grain of salt... I have not heard either M22s or M60s, or an EP500... but I'm ordering M60s plus and EP500 shortly (not to rub that in).

It sounds like you've already got a pretty solid grasp on the tradeoffs of either setup, and your personal preference for music perhaps goes a long way...

Everything I've read leads me to believe you would not be disappointed with the musical setup of the M22s + EP500. In fact, from everything I've read, it would be a great musical setup. Again, I'm only speaking after reading reviews, but the only knock on the M22s is that they lack bass... the EP500 clearly takes care of that.

Whether the M60s will help with "soundstage" or "depth"... I can't say. All I know is that it doesn't sound like you'd be disappointed with M22s and an EP500.

One factor that would tip it for me... the M22s and M60s are supposed to be "great" products. I've read a few reviews to make me believe the EP500 is an "astonishing" product. I'd go with the M22s + EP500, as you'd be getting your hands on what seems to be one of Axiom's most impressive products, the EP500.

However, if you go toward the M60s... Any chance you can fit a smaller sub in with the M60s? SVS' new "small" sub (SB12+) is intriguing... and I've read some great reviews on an even smaller, cheaper sub... the Onix Rocket ULW10 (12"x12"!, available for $400... see the review on Audioholics). Though certainly not an EP500, those subs could provide solid bass for HT.

Looking at non-outlet prices...
M22s + EP500 = $1660?
M60s = $960
M60s + SVS SB12-plus = 1660 (plus SVS shipping)
M60s + Onix ULW10 = 1360 (plus Onix shipping)

Anyway, my preference would be for a subwoofer. I don't think you'd be disappointed with the M22s + EP500.

Ooh... and another thing I just noticed. I've read that wall mounting M22s supposedly doesn't diminish the sound at all (and in fact may improve bass response?)... and if you have a wall mounted plasma, wall mounted m22s, and also wall mount the VP150, that would be a pretty cool setup.

Any specific reason you want to go with the W22s instead of wall mounted M22s?

Gah. I only just noticed that you said W22s, not M22s. Sorry about blabbering on about M22s.

M60s and a sub!! I know I know, I read your post, you can't have both.

M60s go low enough in stereo but adding a sub go even lower and "fuller". My sub is relatively small but very "musical"

do you jsut not have the floor space for a sub?

Like others have posted, the SVS SB12 or an SVS Cylinder sub have a very small foot print.