Hi everybody,
I'm generally a lurker, and for the last couple weeks I've been scouring the net for opinions on new loudspeakers. Basically I got restless with Paradigm Mini Monitors, partly because my $70 Grado SR60s sound so much better (through a Headroom Little headphone amp). I was looking to go a step up from the Mini Monitors, making the Paradigm Reference Studio 20's a perfect candidate. However, Axiom has been in the back of my mind for a while, and the M22 looked to be good competition for much less money.
So I finally decided to order the M22s with the SS16 speaker stands. Below is a list of my components:
Yamaha CDC-775 5 disc CD changer
Harman Kardon HK 3470 stereo receiver
Velodyne CT-120 subwoofer
Expectations
I was basically looking for a speaker that improves on my Mini Monitors in terms of detail, soundstaging, and overall performance. I expected less bass, which is good because the Paradigm's bass port is so low that it interferes with my subwoofer's bass. I also expected a somewhat similar, slightly bright, tonal balance, and the ability to handle large volumes.
SS16 stands
First, the SS16 stands. I like the look of these, and the base is plenty large for stability. However, when I began constructing them, I discovered that the outer edge of the top cap nut or "flange nut" does not actually fit into the bored-out part of the speaker platform. It's supposed to fit flush to leave a smooth surface for the speakers to rest on, but it just doesn't fit, even with some coaxing from a rubber mallet. So I carved out the circumference of the hole with my leatherman knife, and eventually got the flange to fit. For the 2nd speaker stand, I attempted to tighten the cap nut into place by constructing the stand and tightening from the bottom nut. Bad idea. Instead of pulling the nut into the flush position, it stripped the nice aluminum cap nut. So apparently you must carve out the large-diameter part of the hole before constructing. I created an interim solution after a trip to the hardware store.
Sound impressions
After first plugging in my speakers, I didn't expect them to blow me away before 20+ hours of break in time. However, I immediately recognized the clarity of the midrange and the detailed soundstage. I was unable to do a real listening test at first; with my neighbor at home I couldn't crank up the volume. Nevertheless, even when watching TV at low volumes, the clarity & resolution of the M22s was quickly apparent. In the opening music to a movie, I could clearly hear the reverberant sound from the recording location. Not only are the M22s more electrically sensitive than my Mini Monitors, but much more importantly they transmit more detail, even at low levels. I attribute much of this to the midrange.
Well today I got home and I got my chance to crank it up. First CD: Tom Petty / Wildflowers. I was stunned. Tom Petty's voice has always sounded intimate on this recording, but now he is in my room! The utterly awesome midrange transparency and resolution made me wonder if these speakers could actually improve after break in. While I was initially surprised that the M22s seem to be less bright overall than the Mini Monitors, I did determine fairly quickly that the treble often sounded harsh. Some tracks sounded fine, whereas others really highlighted the upper frequencies and I had to turn down the volume. I expect the treble to smooth out with break in, especially at higher volumes. Still, there is clearly a lot of resolution and a sort of clarity up there, but it's over the top.
Time to kick it up a notch: Queen / Greatest Hits disc 1. Also excellent. My subwoofer blends better with the M22s than the Mini Monitors, though I started to notice that the upper bass is pretty weak. This I also attribute to lack of break in: some bass notes above the subwoofer (~70Hz on my xover setting) are audible but don't have any weight. Then I kick it up another notch with some high-intensity, highly-compressed pop/techno songs. I cranked my receiver to a ridiculous volume, and the Axioms handled it with less sweat than my Paradigms, though the treble harshness was even more apparent.
I started to write this review when I cued up Radiohead / OK Computer. I was so mesmorized that I actually stopped writing, and decided I had to give this my undivided attention. Turned off the computer monitor & all the lights, dimmed the receiver & CD player, sat down in my sweet spot. And listened. I knew this was a good recording, but the intimacy afforded by the Axiom M22 was so tangible that it was almost spooky. And I mean that literally. Tom Yorke's vocals filled the room with a large, seemless soundstage. I was pleased to notice that the vertical dispersion of these speakers is excellent: moving my head up and down several inches, I could barely hear any difference, if at all. Same goes for horizontal dispersion: when walking around the room, the soundstage is much more consistent than with the Mini Monitors. Even sitting 45 degrees off axis, the treble seemed quite coherent.
Summary
Alright well I am extremely impressed with these speakers. Even with no break in, they are clearly a step above my Mini Monitors in almost every way. I can definitely see these being on par with the Reference Studio 40, which I believe is more than double the price, but I have not personally heard those speakers. However, I hope the treble will lose its edginess after break in. I am confident the bass will fill in as well. Oh, and I should mention that Joe from Axiom responded to my problem with SS16 stands within 1 business day, and said he would send me a replacement cap nut for no charge. When I get that part, I will be happy with the stands, though no buyer should have to use a knife to get a piece to fit. I don't know if anyone else has had the same problem.
-Cooper Blake
