I own a pair of M3tis, and while they have good bass output for bookshelves, they still only have the bass output of bookshelves, and I want more.

Since the bass output of the EP175 and the M80ti is essentially the same, I have two options - one, buy the EP175, and two, buy the M80ti. I'd rather not spend the money on the M80ti (I've been saving up to complete the Epic Master HT system), but if there is a significant jump in sound quality between the M3ti + EP175 combination and the M80ti, I'd buy the M80tis in an instant.

My question: Is there a signifcant jump in sound quality between the M3ti + EP175 combination and the M80ti?

Some pertinent info: I use the NAD C370 integrated amp, primarily listen to music (jazz, then classical), and watch the occasional DVD.

Any thoughts?

Oh, I forgot to mention I have a relatively small sized room (approximately 15' long, 10' feet wide, and 9' high).

«watches the tumbleweed roll by»

Hi Jazzman

My stereo system consists of the Antique Sound Labs MG S1 15 DT integrated tube amplifier, a pair of M3s, and a Velodyne 8" sub sourced by an Ah! Njoe Tjoeb CD player. I love the M3s! They are even better once relieved of some of the bass load by this modest subwoofer. (I really like the speed of the 8" Velodyne - I have a 10 incher in my HT system, but the 8 incher is faster).

I listen to mostly jazz and set my sub volume at just a tick above off. That is enough to fill in the low frequency weakness of the M3s. I kick back and love what I'm hearing with this system. The M3s are simply wonderful speakers. I've never heard the M80s, I'm sure they're terrific. I have heard the M22s, and at least in my systems, I'm surprised to report that I think the M3s sound better. I also have a pair of M50s in my HT system, and they are wonderful, better than the M3s, for HT, but they sure are bigger. For listening to jazz, I'd say the M3s + a nice quick sub is about as good as it gets.

Good luck, Jazzman!

BTW, I found that with the M3s, you have to get them up on some stands and set them out from the wall at least 3' for them to sound their best.

Thanks for the reply, 2x6spds. I value feedback from consumers as much as, if not more than, reviews in magazine's and articles (as I trust most of the people here on this forum do as well).

My biggest complaint about the M3's bass is actually with music, not HT use. To pick out an isolated case, I have a few James Carter CD's (the best saxophonist around today - check him out!) where he really blows on the baritone and bass saxophones. I can't imagine the sound of the soprano, alto, and the mid-upper ranges of the tenor saxophones sounding that much better, but I always get the feeling I'm missing something when I hear him blast those low As on the baritone and bass. Do you think the subwoofer will make all the difference, or is the problem in the lower part of the M3s midrange? (This website lists the range of the tenor saxophone from 110-630 Hz, the baritone from 70-450 Hz, and the bass from 55-315 Hz, if it helps at all.)

Yes, Jazzman. To my ear, the Velodyne fills in everything that's missing down low. I think the combination of a fast sub with the fast M3s is ideal.

If your room isn't big, I'd go with a modestly sized sub because a larger putting out long frequency sound waves won't really get going until it finds its way into your neighbor's living room.