any comments on these two? These are my main contenders right now. Perhaps a studio 60 as well.

90p's have 3 self powered 8" subs built in.


we listen to pop, rock, top 40 stuff. I want good bass, clean sharp highs, and a mid range that's subtle and doesn't sound like i'm listening to speakers inside of a garbage can. Think a EQ with the "w" shape" or in other words, bass up on full, treble on full, mids flat.

If it helps, the closest to M60/M80 in the Paradigm line is often considered to be the Studio 100s. I have NOT heard 100s myself so this is just "what I have read"...

Sorry if this should be obvious, but is the EQ with the "W" shape what you "do" want or what you "don't" want ?

In reply to:

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Think a EQ with the "w" shape" or in other words, bass up on full, treble on full, mids flat.

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So you want a "U" shaped "W"? Sorry, couldn't resist!

everyone's a kidder

Older eq's were known for the w shape because they had the seperate buttons for left and right speakers. So the U becomes a W on those. Newer eq's would indeed be a U.

Anyways...

If the W is what you want, IMO you will need to leave some budget free for a good (big) subwoofer. Hopefully you will be surprised by how deep and smooth the bass is on this generation of speakers and won't need as much bass boost as you're used to... but the one downside to new speakers (even with 8" mini-subs) is that they are not going to handle cranking up the bass boost the way your 15s did.

Again, they probably won't NEED as much bass boost but if you do end up wanting that much bass boost you're going to wanting a big subwoofer (or 2) not a small, accurate woofer.

I still see M80s and a good (big) sub in your future. I think you would be extremely happy with that combination. Do you have any sense for what SPL you like to play at ? That seems to be the biggest variable between people on the board, and will certainly be one of the biggest factors in choosing your speakers.

I think Dennis (Tharkun) is probably the current champion in the Decibel Hog wars, "comfortably north of 100dB". He has M80s and 2 EP600s... and actually USES all that power.

Just a couple comments related to my experience with some guests that have come to my house with similar listening tastes as you. One is the quality of the recordings. My 80’s reproduce everything with incredible detail. Garbage in, garbage out, and the 80’s will definitely play garbage very well, painfully so in fact. However, if the recording is good, folks are simply amazed at “how different” songs sound. I have a couple friends who bring CD’s of their own over just to listen to them on what they call a “kick ass sound system”. I guess what I’m trying to get across is that you MAY be disappointed with Axioms with your Pop recordings. I don’t listen to pop, but the cd’s that I’ve heard so far, just don’t seam to be recorded all that great. I tend to listen to Alt Rock more than anything else. So far, I am very happy with everything I’ve played (even satellite). The only exception to this would be Breaking Benjamin. I can’t quite put my finger on exactly why, but I can’t play their CD’s loud without feeling discomfort. Everything else sounds great.
As far as bass goes, I agree with previous posts in regards to the subwoofer. If you like to “feel” the bass, you should put a sub on your shopping list. At high volume level levels, my 80’s will most definitely make you “feel” the bass, but when playing at lower sound levels (less than 80 db’s or so), the sub just seems to fill the room in a little better. I’ve tried playing music for my “pop music listening friends” with the sub off and on. They all prefer it on. I went with the Outlaw because it is a down firing sub and they tend to be easier to place in a room that a front firing sub. But I would have bought the 500 or 600 if they would have been available when I bought the Outlaw.

Oh yah, one more thing. I’m one that thinks the 80’s sound like the Studio 100’s. I think they blow away the monitor series, no comparison in my opinion.

It occurred to me today that the M50s might be the best choice of all unless you want to play really loudly. They have the same woofer complement as the M80 (although the cabinet is smaller) but don't have the extra midrange and treble drivers. They are the highest model in the Axiom line with the "slightly less forward" sound (a bit less midrange than treble & bass) that you prefer. The 50s are also more forgiving with harsh recordings...

If you're going to get a sub anyways...

M50's and a big ass sub was what I suggested in his original post. I think it would be his best bet. (based on what he says he likes)

D'oh !!

That's right. There was another thread on this.

Guess I agree with you then