Have two friends interested in some Axioms. Not for HT, just for listening to music. What they currently own (electronics, too) is ancient; no point discussing. Condo dwellers, so no floor standers, no subs either.

I've made some receiver sugg's (yours are encouraged), but have heard only M3's. I have no problem at all recommending them (insisting, even), but never heard 2's or 22's.

Thoughts? Muchas Gracias, Senors.

Without a sub? sounds like M3s might be the way to go.

For lower listening levels without a sub, I'd recommend the M3's also.

I would still recommend the M22's over the M3's if they like a stronger or is it neutral midrange, since the M22's are linear and the M3's are not quite. Vocals are more prominent on the M22's over the M3's as well, at least in the past and to my ears. If you want more bass out of the M22's just adjust the bass level on the receiver a couple db more to simulate the bass hump/mid range drop the M3's have

Thanks for the thoughtful responses, Brian and Adrian. Now I'll just have to wait for someone to weigh-in who's opinions can be trusted.



Kidding aside, thanks for the advice. They're both ready to do it (the M3's) yesterday, but I wanted to see what some o' you's guyses had to say.

Concerning the M22's I was also weighing in the fact of needing a smaller enclosure. "No towers". M22's on stands do take up quite a bit of real-estate, whereas M3's on a shelf or tv-stand or whatever takes up much less space.

My son as a pair of M3's on a tv stand and he's satisfied with how these sound. The M22's would be way too big.

The M22's are actually narrower and not as deep as the M3s so as long as you can fit their height where you want them to go, shelf TV stand, they actually take up less of a footprint albeit marginally.

Bob, for bookshelves and no sub I'd suggest the M22s. The bass extension is actually slightly lower than the M3s and I found that it was adequate for most music(not pipe organ)without a sub. Before I got my EP500 and had a much less impressive sub with the M22s, I'd often listen to music without the sub and got good in-room response to about 50Hz and much weaker, but still usable response to about 40Hz.

I think the M3's look good. I think the M22's look goofy.

I don't really care about looks but I care about sound

M22's....

The linear/neutral response of the M22's make them a better candidate for future redeployment in a larger system, or with a subwoofer.

Thanks John and Chris for contributing your thoughts. I've got 3 worthy votes for M3's and one heavier vote for M 22's. Voting is open until midnight tonight. Thanks again.

I say M80's, simply because I wanted to take the seriousness out of your thread . A serious thread is incongruous with the Bob I know !

Unless we're talking seriously demented....

I've always prided myself on being seriously mented.

M22's , bigger is better!

Ohhhhhhhh, very true, Mark .

Sounds to me like your friends will appreciate either set, so you can't really go wrong with either. Only the avid listeners will be able to detect a more neutral sound of the 22's. The M3's sound pretty darn good to me, as well as the M22's. I find the M3's better than the M22's without a sub. I gave a set of M3's to a friend and he loves them. In both cases, don't let their size fool you. Both fill a moderate sized room very well.

Thanks for your input, Michael. Much appreciated.

Got 3 votes for M3 and 2 for M22's. I'm waiting til midnight. But, I agree that they CAN't really make a mistake with those choices.

I would go for two EP500s for a really, really warm sound. To me, anything over 100Hz could potentially make them sound bright.

If the M22's are going to be put on stands, one could always make a case for some towers...virtually the same footprint...no future upgraditis, that is until they release the M100's that I'm currently testing....

Yaaah, M80's for sides!

My vote is +1 for M22s and -1 for M3s.

Years ago I decided to upgrade up from some Atlantic technology speakers. I ordered M3s based on reviews, but when they arrived found I didn't like their muddy(my opinion) sound. Turns out my Atlantic Tech sounded more clear and accurate to me. Because of the Axiom return policy I decided to exchange and try M22s; and I am so glad I did. I still use the M22s as fronts (with a good sub) in a very large room.

The non linearity of the M3s might not bother many; but it really did bother me.

Bill

I like my M3s, but I do think I prefer the flatness of the M22. I've never run a pair of M22s. I only have a single one as a center, so it's not the most direct comparison. When I was testing out my M3s, one weird thing is that I liked the sound more when I had my head directly between the two speakers, so the drivers were behind my ears. Ha ha.

Many thanks to everyone for their thoughts on M22 vs. M3. Including a couple of pm's I rec'd., the M3's won by a small margin.

Very interesting to see differing opinions with such equally thoughtful and valid reasons.

Just shows to go ya that ears have more in common with tongues than one would think.

So. It's decided then. M80's it is.

Tastes for sound is as unique as taste for wines/foods, that is a given.

Yes, but it shouldn't be. It'd be a helluva lot easier if everyone just did exactly what I suggest. Even if I'm not telling the truth.

Especially!

So they did opt for M22's.

No. M80's in high gloss rosewood.

NICE! Mel has competition

I own them both and always loved the M3. Bought the M22's and WOW!. I do however use a sub and did with both. Now use the M3's as surrounds. Happy Happy.