Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo My First Axiom Bookshelves - M3 V2

Hello all, this is my first post on the Axiom Audio forums. Some quick info about me for those interested: I'm a computer engineer by trade and a former musician (nothing professional... just college =P).

I just received my M3 V2 bookshelves last week and Iv'e gotta say I'm very impressed with their sound. I bought them for my computer room and so far they are fantastic.

Compared with my other bookshelves which are imho the best speakers I have ever had, these speakers sound almost amazingly similar. The M3's ability to focus the center image is immaculate, very much comparable to my mains. However, I did notice that on some musical selections certain bass frequencies tend to sound more pronounced than others. Additionally, they exhibit a slightly colored sound to some percussion instruments (maybe even muffled sometimes). Lastly, though these speakers are very detailed, delineating certain instruments from some musical favorites is sometimes a muddy affair.

Having said this, I've gotta say that the perceived artifacts are very minor. I wholeheartedly agree with the professional reviews linked on the Axiom product pages. These speakers are an unbelievable steal. I would certainly buy them again if I needed a new pair.

This is not, however, my first Axiom Audio speaker purchase... I've purchased the QS8's previously and I am very pleased to have those also. I did notice that the quality between my QS8's and the M3 V2's are not exactly the same. Although both are sturdy and solid, the fit and finish of my new M3's are not up to par with my QS8's. There is noticeable glue along the edges of the unit, probably to hold down the simulated wood veneer to the mdf. The mid range drive units also have a copious amount of glue outlining the rubber surround which is rather clumpy and not very clean(my mid range drive units in the QS8's were much better). The housing for the rear banana plug terminals was also not flush with the back panel, (one of the screws actually penetrated too deep and dug into the housing a little too far). Lastly, the tweeters used in my QS8's and the M3's don't physically appear to be the same. The tweeters in my M3 V2's are somewhat shiny and appear to be coated with something while the tweeter's in my QS8's look dull and are not as reflective.

I'm nitpicking for sure because they sound amazing. I would have loved to have the same quality as my QS8's but at $330.00 US for the pair, I am still a satisfied customer.