Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Highs of the M80ti's

Hi all,

Just wanted to see if anyone here has the answer to something I came across. I auditioned the M80ti's which were paired the HK AVR-525. Overall I was really impressed with these speakers. However, at times it seemed the treble was a bit on the bright side. This could be due to the receiver's speaker setting, which was set for "FAR". My understanding is that this setting is really used for large rooms or when your listening position is at a good distance (I was only about 5-6 feet from the speakers).

Can anyone please clarify this as I am considering purchasing these speakers. I'm currently comparing them with Monitor Audio's Silver Series (a lot like the Axiom's - detailed, dynamic and forward sounding) and KEF's Q-Series (more laid back).

The M80s can be modified with resistors from Axiom that reduce some of that brightness. You also might want to consider the M60s.

The AVR-525 owners here will jump in to explain what the heck the FAR setting does to the sound.

But I would immediately say that 5-6 ft is awefully too close to appreciate the real tonal balance of the M80's.

Would the M80's be brighter than the M60's simply because it has an extra tweeter? The owner had a friend over that was very familiar with HK's line. They explained that it could have been the "FAR" setting and how close I was to the speakers with this setting. I do hope that this was the case because if I do decide to go with Axiom's, I would rather go big now than regret buying the M60's later.

The owner will do a special set-up for me which will closely resemble my listening area now. I just have to try and give him advanced notice. I will try to get him to pair the M80's with Pioneer's Elite line which he has on the floor (another receiver I'm considering besides Rotel and Denon).

Aero, first I agree that 5-6 feet is too close for M80s. Next, the near/far setting on the 525 is for setting up a pseudo-surround effect when only the two front speakers are being used. Whether you like it or not, it shouldn't be used when you're trying to judge the basic tonal qualities of a speaker. V-Max should be left off in such a case.

I don't think anyone here has ever bought the M60's and regretted it. Am I wrong?

According to Ian's own explanation that has been cited numerous times in the forum, the M80 is sonically very similar to the M60, except that it plays louder. The two tweeters and midrange drivers help to achieve higher power handling and lower distortion at high sound levels. They do not make the M80 brighter.

Re: regretting the M60's- not I, that's for sure. The 80's would be overkill for me, which was very apparent as soon as I hooked up the 60's to my system. The 80's need a big room to play in.

Can you guys please tell me roughly what size your rooms are where you are using the M60's? Is there anyone here using the M80's in a room where the M60's would be enough for the task?

I have my 60's in a 13 X 23 room. They are approximately 10' away.