Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo The perfect speaker? Mini-M80?

What might make you feel better about "invading someone's home" is knowing that they will get a gift cert from Axiom if you end up buying the speakers. Most people don't really see that as an imposition.

Like John said, other factors play into the bass levels of a speaker; namely cabinet volume. I think you should give the M60s (or maybe the M50s if you're looking for something a little more laid back) a shot.

Let's not forget the M80s can be driven by a fair number of receivers out there, whether they are rated for 4ohm or not. Another option would be to use an older receiver and a video switcher as most receivers have lots of audio hookup, just lack the multitude of video.

I for one enjoy meeting people through auditions and it gives me a chance to let the system shine. I really recommend the audition route.

If you are ever in Calgary drop by, I have a fair number of the Axiom line up. M80s, M22s, QS8s, VP100 and the VP150.

How many does your TV have? My Samsung sports more than I'll ever use -- component, HDMI, even FireWire!

I own a pair of M60s, so take what you read next with a grain of salt.

I don't find them bass heavy, at any volume. Even if I did, I could always trim the bass response using the EQ on my receiver.

That said, if the goal is to put together a top notch home theater over time, then the M60s are a really great place to start. Here's why: You can buy them now without the need to pick up a sub. The M60s bass extension is quite good. In fact, I often listen to my M60s on "pure direct" (no digital effects or in receiver cross-over muddling) and find the bass punchy and direct - no muddines - and the treble to sparkle quite nicely.

Then, later, you can pick up your sub, your center and your surrounds as funds become available.

If, on the other hand, you think you'll be content with the M22s (and perhaps want to save a little money in the long run on the whole HT), then pick up a set of M22s. Augment them with a sub (or not) as your budget dictates. Many on the boards have found (and this sentiment is echoed above) that the M22 + subwoofer is a pair that is hard to beat.

Remember, there's the risk free in home trial to fall back on. I have complete confidence that you'll be satisfied any route you choose.

EK, not sure why you think the 60's are bass heavy? This is not the case, besides, the 80's are the same if not a little more in that category. The 60's and 80's are very close in performance.

There are a couple of major fallacies in this discussion.

First, that reading other people's opinions about how speakers sound will correlate closely with your experience in your room.

Second, that dissecting the driver compliment and rearranging components is something Axiom hasn't thought of, or that it would necessarily result in a sound extrapolated by user experience.

Axiom is an R&D company. I don't think it is reasonable to suggest that Ian and Co. somehow continually overlook some magic combination that would sound better than the current offerings.

That being said, I started with M60's and remain completely happy with them, even without a sub for lots of music. I added a sub, and it made a huge difference for HT, and a meaningful difference for some music. JohnK's observation about useful bass from the M22's is astute as usual.

I started with the M22+sub model and LOVED it. I then heard the M60's and was wowed again. The M60's had the same signature sound as the M22s, but just more of it. (I don't mean volume alone). I don't think you'd go wrong with the M60's at all.

Second note...I LOVE having people over to demo my gear, as it's one of the only times I really get to give my undivided attention it deserves. I've often had people over for a hour or two listening to all sorts of cds, and dvds. It's a blast. It's also a great way to hear new music, as most guest bring a selection of their favs with them!

That is exactly what I found. When playing with my receiver to figure it out, I was switching back and forth between 2 channel and PLII and in most cased noticed no difference between just the M80s and M80+ sub.

The differences showed up for music with stuff that had either keyboards with deep bass, or pipe organ.

I also agree with your comment about other peoples opinions. Go forth and audition!

You won't be invading someone's home as people request to be put on the audition list and get compensated by Axiom if the audition leads to a sale (and is kept past the 30 days).

Also own m60s and I would also question any view that they are bass heavy at any volume. They have very good bass extension but the mids and highs are equally apparent.

If you take a look at the frequency charts Axiom provides, I think you will see they differ very little from the M80s in that they throw an impressively flat curve and are balanced all round.

In the end, buy what makes you feel good but audition if you can. If they have already signed up in the audition list, then I think they would enjoy accommodating you for a listen.