I own 12 Axioms, all FO, with only difficult to find, if any, blemishes.

As for liking it loud, it isn't that the M22 plays louder, it also plays deeper, giving a "fuller" sound. The M2s are the only speaker I wouldn't buy again. They aren't "bad", by any stretch. They are very clear, very precise; much better than many other speakers I've been forced to listen to. It's just that they pale so much in comparison to the M22s, despite the fact that they have the same clarity and "sonic signature". If I couldn't swing the M22s then I would go for the M3s. They may have slightly different characteristics (some say less precise) but I like mine much more than my M2s ('though not as much as my M22s).

Doesn't the subwoofer in theory compensate for any lack of low-end on the M3s? Sorry if that is a naive question. I sense I am on a slippery slope here... M2->M3->M22.

Did you ever contact Axiom? If you aren't happy with the finish you should, how long have you had them?

OK, I just noticed that the Outlaw is only on sale (+free shipping) until tonight, after which it will cost ~$130 more to get it. I am tempted to pull the trigger and then build the following around it (after suggestions from you helpful folks):
2x M22s
1x VP100
2x QS4s

This seems like a lot more speaker than I had my eye on originally and my question is: is there any downside to buying up like this? I am worried that this set will overpower my little room and I will have to somehow run in an non-optimum mode to keep the volume down. (I will probably be listening at 15 to 20dB down from reference to keep the wife happy.) I know these are incredibly naive questions and I appreciate the help.

I use M80s in a room that's 19x20x8, 8 ft from the TV. You won't overpower the room with M22s.

Yes, and if you're not careful you will slide right into a pair of M80's!

I think you will be very happy with that set-up. Happier than you can imagine right now. And don't worry about low-level listening, Axiom speakers (from my experience anyway) play quiet EXCELLENTLY! They are crystal clear and intelligible down to the lowest number on the volume knob.

You're biggest problem will be the subwoofer moving the furniture around upstairs!

Whoa, yeah I would have contacted ASAP.

I actually run my M3s without a sub, but I run my M22s (and ran my M2s) with a 10" Paradigm. Even though running the sub does fill in the low end I still found the M22+sub superior to the M2+sub. I suppose the M22s have a better midrange.

Also we don't really think of it as M2->M3->M22. It's more M2->M22 with M3 off to the side. The M3 uses a 6.5" driver versus the 5.25" on the others, giving it a slightly different sound.



Of course, it wouldn't surprise me to find out I'm full of crap and fail in a blind test.

Thanks for the advice guys. I just pulled the trigger on the LFM-1 Plus. Couldn't resist -> counting the shipping it was about $150 off. Now I just need to buy a TV, a media player, a receiver, and my Axioms. Wish the new Samsung plasmas would drop.