Mark(couldn't possibly be Donahue, could it?), if it was me I almost certainly would go with the M22s plus sub. The M22s have an extremely smooth treble, midrange and upper bass and their weakness in the low bass would be a moot point with a properly set up sub. However, from what you say I suspect that you'd be happier with the M60s. The somewhat better low bass performance wih a sub might not be all that important in your listening, and that's the only area where the combo might be said to be "markedly better". The midrange and highs should be essentially identical. Note that, if anything, floorstanders are slightly more sensitive and would actually demand less power from your 1603. Big speakers don't in general require big power and neither do they provide "big sound"; theoretically the broadest dispersion and biggest sound stage would be obtained with an almost infinitely small point source. So, if you like the looks and convenience, go with the M60s.
Last edited by JohnK; 07/07/03 01:52 AM.
