I am currently in the market for a new speaker system and I am starting on the front speakers. I am on a fairly tight budget. The room is quite small coming in at about 180 sq ft or so with an 8 ft ceiling. I have heard a lot of good things about Axiom speakers and I am in the need of some advice. I was looking most closely at the M22 or the floorstanding M40 for my fronts. I am currently using a pioneer VSX-811S reciever that supplies 100W per channel. I mostly use speakers for DVD's of the action variety, but I enjoy the occasional CD. I would like to know what the trade offs are between these two types of speakers. I realize that the M40's can produce lower frequencies but I plan on picking up a sub in the near future anyway. Would the M40's paired with a sub (cheapest Axiom 385 I think) in a room my size be overkill? Or would the M22 with a sub be more balanced. Please keep in mind that the room is small but I do enjoy listening at pretty high volumes and watch mostly intense, dynamic, action movies like Lord of the Rings, Gladiator etc. I do however, want clear, balanced, quality sound in addition to some oomph. So right now my decision is pretty much between floorstanding and bookshelfs and I would really like to know if these specific floorstanding (M40) speakers would possibly eliminate the need for a sub in Movie applications. I have a feeling that it won't but any and all input, advice, or ridicule is greatly appreciated

If you want deep bass from movies like LOTR a dedicated sub is the only answer. So for what it's worth I'd recommend you go the M22/sub route.

I can't imagine you being disappointed.

The M22s with a sub is the way to go. I would also recommend stands for the 22s.

CAV104

With the application you have in mind, you cannot eliminate the sub. Even with the M80ti, you will have the woofer but you still need a sub woofer to take care of the effect you want from Lord of the Rings and similar movies.

thanks for the replies, I was leaning towards the M22, and I think I will give them a shot, are the axiom subs any good, I have heard from other users that the cheapest model doesn't go as low as one might want for movie application. Can any of you clear this up for me and/or recomend an axoim or other sub for around $350-450 maybe $500 if it is must have. Thanks for the replies, and I hope to hear from you soon

I haven't tried an Axiom sub yet, but I can say I am very happy with my JBL PB12. It works very well with my M60s. (You should be able to get the PB12 for about $270 from B&H Photo)

One of these days I should get my EP175 out of the box and try it.

Michael

King, i also have to agree with what everyone here is pointing you towards.
I had the opportunity to listen to the M22s and compare them to their 'bigger brothers' the M60s.
I found the sound to be quite identical in character except for the obvious difference in volume and 'expression' since we are comparing bookshelves vs. floorstanding.
For primarily home theatre, i certainly would have appreciated those M22s on a lesser budget coupled with a sub.
Many on these forums have discussed subwoofer alternatives for smaller home theatre budgets. Just do some more searching.

If you are interested in some reviews of the M40s, M60s and M22s, also do a search or have a look at some of my past posts and you will find some links to muiltple reviews posted by forum folk.

Upon more thinking I am still somewhat indecisive as I will not be able to hear these speakers until after I order them and I have been told that return shipping from my location (Washington) will be about $100. I spoke earlier today on the phone with someone from Axiom (Joe I think) he told me that the M22 with the EP175 sounds closely to the m60 towers (without sub I'm guessing). The total cost of the M22/sub would be about $900 US and the towers $800 US. Would I be better off going with the M60's and skimping on the sub...say a different brand/much cheaper (app $200 US)? What would the advantages and disadvantages of this be? I am also eyeing the M50 as it is cheaper. I guess this is where I am confused, how quality of a sub needs to be paired with the M22 in order for them to reach that level of near m60...and is the only great improvement in the Axiom line from the m22 sub combo up to an M60 sub/combo?...will a budget sub cause the quality of the m22/sub combo to suffer greatly enough to the point where it will be nowhere near a tower/sub combo?...I am unsure these question are even possible to answer I don't know. Sorry if I seem a bit indecisive/paranoid but I am trying to gather lots of opinion/info to elimate some of the doubts. I apologize for the length of the post, and any help/experience/opinions are appreciated. Thank you for your time and support.
Room=12x15
Receiver=Pioneer VSX 811-s, 100W channel(6)
Use=80%movies 30%music, mostly action intense explosive movies, all types of music


Jake

King,
You mention that your primary concern for these speakers is home theatre (80%) and for action intense movies.
In that case, i HIGHLY suggest you go the route that gets you a subwoofer. I own the M60s and although i love their tight bass and lower extension and sound fullness as compared to the smaller M22s, the real punch in movies comes from my EP350 sub.
The M60s left alone for music are fantastic but they would never rattle my concrete floor like that full size subwoofer does.

If you are looking for a monetary trade off, i would also highly recommend you take a look at the Axiom Factory Outlet models.
the factory outlet section
You may end up getting a small nick or blemish somewhere on the speaker but if my experience is anything like most others buying these 'blemished' versions, you will be MORE than happy about the savings.
link to my post on factory outlet as a deal, pics included

yeah l am going to keep my eye on the factory outlet. I am wondering when this one will update. I don't know maybe I just don't like the thought of spending more on the sub than on the fronts...is that common? Thanks for the help.

From my experience, i have found that its not expensive to create bass, but to create bass correctly, isint cheap. I have no doubt that a good sub wil bring more enjoyment than you think.

I was looking at the HSU subs and some of them have built in amps and then you can buy the same sub but with an external amp. What are the advantages to this, have any of you guys had experience with that sort of set up?