A clip from a Soundstage review of some Athena speakers to help you in your search:
---------------------------
I can't think of any speaker that can rightfully be compared to the Athena Audition AS-B1 in terms of both performance and cost, but the Axiom M3Ti SE is a favorite among many SoundStage! reviewers and is considered to be quite a bargain at $275 per pair . Even so, that's nearly twice the cost of the Athenas! The Axioms do offer a more balanced sound from top to bottom, with better low-level resolution and a deeper soundstage, but they should given their higher price. For instance, vocals such as those of Holly Cole on Baby, It?s Cold Outside exhibit more body, smoother, rounder edges to the images, and more air. The Athenas in comparison sounded more up front, and the imaging, although very precise, was more "cut out" and stark when compared to that of the Axioms.
The one area where the Athenas really excelled and kept pace with the Axioms was in the bass, which is a considerable feat because the Axioms are quite accomplished in that area. The Athenas were at least the equal of the Axioms when it came to bass extension and accuracy, and overall they could even play slightly louder without strain. Unlike with a lot of budget bookshelf speakers, the AS-B1?s bass always remained composed, and it rolled off very smoothly and did not over extend itself into boominess.
Although the Athenas may lack a little treble and midrange refinement when compared to the Axioms, the differences in sound quality were relatively minor and seemed almost inconsequential when considering the nearly 100% difference in price between the two speakers. To put things into perspective, I use three pairs of M3Ti SEs at a retail price of $825 in a home-theater system and would not part with them because I love their sound for both multichannel surround and stereo use. However, a system comprised of three pairs of AS-B1s would be priced at only $447, and although they would not sound quite as good, they would generally be similar in performance. The difference in price alone would be enough of an incentive for many people to opt for the Athenas.
------------------------------------
When you read between the lines and around the fluff, which you often have to do with these audio reviews otherwise almost every review looks extraordinarily positive, you can tell the Axioms kick the snot outta the Athenas (for lack of more articulate words). Granted they are not the same models you are comparing for purchase but i still think it is a good indication of the general sound differences you might find. I think the best positive for the Athenas is that they are cheaper, but sometimes you do actually do get what you pay for.
Last edited by chesseroo; 08/20/02 04:01 PM.
