Will a pair of M22's offer a wider sound stage than the M3's

Hi Damien,

Having listened extensively to both models in double-blind tests--but never side-by-side--I'd give a slight edge to the M22s over the M3s in soundstage presentation. The M22s are a little more "linear" than the M3s, a flatter frequency response overall, and they have narrower cabinets, which tend to aid in producing slightly wider horizontal dispersion.

Keep in mind that "soundstage" is also a function of the engineering and miking of the original recording, especially with classical and acoustical recordings, so a speaker with good horizontal dispersion and smooth off-axis curves that mimic the shape of the on-axis response will enhance the illusion of a broad spacious soundstage.

Regards,
Alan

Alan,

I'm thinking about upgrading to the M22's please tell me I will notice an improvement in the sound. I love the M3's but I always wanted the M22's

Damien, do you have a subwoofer? The M22s really need the assistance of a subwoofer. I use an EP500 but the EP350 would be excellent as well.

It's difficult to advise you on switching from M3s to M22s. The M3s have that little bass boost between 80 Hz and 150 Hz, which makes them seem to have more bass without a subwoofer than the M22s. I do think the M22s are more detailed and combined with a good sub, it's a combo that's very tough to beat, at least in average-sized rooms (2000 to 2500 cu. ft.)

I'm the opposite. I have the M22s, but wished I had the M3s. The M22s are certainly detailed, but I found them a bit thin sounding...probably due to lack of thumpy bass that I prefer. I added a small subwoofer, but it doesn't completely mesh. With that being said, I still find it's a fantastic speaker. I just think the M3s would have matched my musical preferences better.

Yes I have the Boston Accostics XB6 It fits my needs. I live in a apartment. I'm not looking for louder sound. I'm looking for more detail in my music. I listen to classic rock and 80s hard rock.

Mary, what you're indicating as a preference is of course less accuracy in the upper bass range when viewed objectively. Music shouldn't sound "fuller" than what's actually on the recording. Be that as it may, if that's your preference you can partially duplicate the effect in question by boosting the bass, say 5-6dB, using the tone control in the receiver.

I agree, John. I don't mind trading off a bit of accuracy for thumping bass though. I usually listen to some sort of electronica. Considering Damien's musical tastes, I really think he'd be happiest with the M22s.