I've read plenty of positive comments about the M50s (in particular, vis-a-vis the M22), and the characterization of them by the Axiom people makes them sound just right, a compromise between the M40 and M60. Nevertheless, of the handful of reports posted by customers who've actually heard the M50 next to the M40 or M60, I haven't seen any that favor the M50. So that's the source of my hesitation. Given that confusion, it would make more sense to go for the M40s based on their price and my worries about listening distance.

David