I just refinished my basement, and we all know what that means: more room for audio components. I'm looking for a music only setup. I currently have 3 HT's (Genesis, Paradigm, and Cambridge) throughout the house, so I really just want a setup that will satisfy my music taste at a reasonable price.

I don't really want to spend more than $500, though I will if it means a significant upgrde in performance. I'm looking for towers because I'm not planning on adding a sub, so I want something that will provide at least decent bass. I have heard alot of great things about Axiom speakers, and I guess the logical choice would be either the M40 or M50. I see that the M40 is discounted at the Axiom warehouse. Is the M50 that much better than the M50 to warrant the almost $250 price difference?

FYI, I'll be driving the speakers with a monster from the past: the Sansui 9090DB. For those of you not familiar with the Sansui, it puts out 125 watts per channel of real power, and weighs in at close to 70Lbs. It will have no problem driving ANY pair of speakers.

I would get the M60's if I were you. They are my favorite Axiom tower. If not, go with the best model you can afford. My favorite bookshelf is the M22.

Rye,you're right, the logical choice in a tower for your budget would be the M40 from factory outlet. The M50 wouldn't be enough of an improvement, I believe. The M60 would be, but you may not want to go that high.

Let me suggest what might be a better alternative. Cherry M2s are now available at an attractive $204. Pair these with the EP350 sub Marc at Audioshop is offering for about $420 US plus shipping. This should give you better sound if you're willing to go with bookshelves plus a sub.

Thats an interesting idea JohnK. What about M3's? That's the Axion bookshelf I here the most about. Also, I don't know if you can answer this, but how do you think the Axiom subs compare to the likes of the HSU VTF-2 and SVS 25-31PCi?

No, I don't have enough experience with the 3 subs to make a personal comparison, but I can't imagine being unhappy with either the EP350, HSU VTF-2,or SVS 25-31PCi. All have excellent reports.

As to an Axiom bookshelf to use with a good sub, I suggested the M2 because of the price now($204) at factory outlet and the more accurate midrange than the M3s(essentially identical to my M22s; see the SoundStage review with NRC measurements at ecoustics.com). If used without a sub, the M3 would give an impression of "fuller" bass because of its upper bass emphasis, but that isn't what I'd want.

I've heard great reviews on the HSU VTF-2 and VTF-3. The SVS also, but I think they are quite a bit more expensive. I've also heard great things about the Aperion Audio S-12 http://www.aperionaudio.com/products/pr_ss_s12.html in one face off it compares directly with the VTF-2.

JohnK gave an excellent advice!

I am quite happy with my M2s and a Hsu VTF-3. The sound of the M2s is clear (certainly clearer than my previous Atoms and superzeros), soundstage is wide and deep. They do not sound thin with the VTF-3 sub. It is important to adjust the sub carefully for proper balance with the M2s. Once adjusted correctly, the system can produce crystal clear highs & midrange, and bass that is tight and deep.

That's great to hear imind, that's the exact setup I was considering for my own HT/Music setup. Although, I might check out the Velodyne CHT-15. I wonder if anyone has any experience with this subwoofer?

Hi,

I applaud JohnK's advice on the M2i's with a sub, but I should caution that while the little M2i's are a wonderfully neutral little speaker, they are not the equal of the M22ti's and the latter (with a sub) would be more suitable for larger rooms. Room size and taste in listening levels is a factor.

The M3ti has a rather pleasant but somewhat recessed and less detailed midrange than either the M22ti or M2i.

Regards,