Hi:

Given the efficiency listing of your speakers, it seems that they would be candidates for low power SET Amps. Is this correct? Have you tested your speakers with SET's? What is the verdict?

Thanks.

That is an excellent question. I would guess that by the fact the Axiom line is very efficient, they would mate nicely to an SET amp. By nature, SET does not remotely qualify for a the tag "muscle amp", but seeing that it is virtually a Class A+ amp (all the design functionality of Class A, plus being a single amplifying device) by design, it should work nicely.

Ian, do you have one lying around to test with?

Regards,

BBIBH

I have heard of good success with these amplifiers and our speakers. I wish I did have one lying around to test. Might have to get one and give it a try. I will let you know if we do.

Ian Colquhoun
President & Chief Engineer

Well, I'll let everyone know how they sound in about a week. That is when I will be able to match up the M22ti with a 300B integrated I just purchased for my new 2nd (bedroom) system.

Those are pretty serious amps for a bedroom system! What else is in the system? What is in your main systems?

Regards,

BBIBH

Actually, it probably is not as impressive as it might apper.

My main system is :

1) Newform Research R645 speakers
2) AES SE-1 SET Amp with Separate external tube regulated Power Supply (currently using 300B's)
3) AES-3 DJH Preamp
4) Ah Tjoeb 400 tube CD Player

My soon to be 2nd (bedroom system) is:

1) M22Ti speakers
2) Cambridge CD-500SE CD Player
3) Consonance integrated 300B

My 2nd system I was able to put together for $1700 by buying from factory outlets (Axiom), Audiogon (Consonance Amp) and Demo's .

Well your systems are decent to say the least. Some of the products you have are DIY, did you build them?
The 300B is used in all price ranges, from entry level to serious dollar gear.

If I remember the 645's are quite a sight!

Regards,

BBIBH

No, all my stuff came fully built. I would love it if I had the soldering skill to build the stuff - would save lots of $.

I have been presently suprised by the AES stuff. You can buy it direct off the net and it is made by the same group that makes Cary gear. However, it is 1/2 the price and I think the sound quality is very similar. I think the price is a function of selling direct and avoiding dealer mark-ups!

The R645's are the prize of my set-up. While they have a pretty low Wife Acceptance Factor (they look like 2 large stoves!), the sound is glorious. I did have them heavily modified (Theta Cap, Black hole 5, Changed X-over) by Soniccraft in Texas.

While the Newforms work great in a large room, I trust that the 300B/Axiom set-up will work well in my much smaller bedroom. Will post a review soon.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the setup!

I also had some concerns from the wife (girlfriend at that time....) about some electrostatics, and a couple of mono block amps. But when we managed to buy our second house, I made sure that there was enough space for my lab, and listening room. Close the doors, and PRESTO....outta site, outta mind. But NEVER outta earshot! ;)

Regards,

BBIBH

Well, my 300B integrated came in and the Axiom's have no problem handling the lite (9W) load. The sound is wonderful and the volume is more than enough for moderate listening levels. No hesitation on my part in recommending this speaker for 300B set up.