Paired with an existing HSU VTF-2 subwoofer, should I opt for the M22ti bookshelf speakers over the M40ti floorstanding model? (I'll also be buying the VP150 and QS8s). I'm wondering if this will provide me with greater range, since the sub should be able to handle the bass.

Most of my usage will be home theater, in a medium-sized room.

Thanks,
js

JS, in my view the M22s would be the better choice when used with the VTF-2. The M40s have significantly stronger deep bass, but as you say, the Hsu will handle that. The M22s have the clearer midrange typical of Axioms which use the 5 1/4" midrange driver.

And tonight, we shall see if JohnK's right! Muah ha ha ha!

OK, I'm excited...

In any case, a couple other of the board members and I will be comparing his M22s to my M50s, with one impartial observer. I've never heard the M40s, but word is that they're more similar to the M50s, but somewhat inferior. There was a comparison article between the M40s, 50s, and 80s awhile back, which can be found here.

Pet peeve: see how nice that link is, and it doesn't blow up the window to 4 billion pixels wide? Read the FAQ, people...

OK - I'm looking forward to the results. Please - spare us any details involving cone toughing, port abuse or dressing your speakers in diaphonous material. I just find the whole subject.... disturbing.

It will be very hard to resist, Ray. The M50s have twice as many ports as my M22s. All told, there will be three ports on each side of the room!

And about those diaphanous fabrics, I was thinking a nice soft pink chiffon would contrast perfectly with the stark utilitarian look of the aluminum cones.

You guys are some pieces of work, lemme tell you. Maybe when my M60s arrive, I will understand... :-)

Frequency Response Plot for M40Ti from Soundstage Network



Top curve: on-axis response
Middle curve: 15 degrees off-axis response
Bottom curve: 30 degrees off-axis response
Sensitivity: 85.5dB

Frequency Response Plot for M22Ti:



Sensitivity: 87.5dB

And just for shts and giggles, the M3Ti



Sensitivity: 86.0dB

I have the feeling that the M45-ST with a 5.25" added and a supertweeter would be the ticket! Of course it would be a 3 way, and would have a more complex cross-over network, but hey, our Northern friends need projects for those long, dark, and cold winters!