Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Music Only

I have a new Denon 2808CI that I have set up a HT system with Warfdales and for movies it has a WOW factor perfect to my taste. However it is not perfect nor has a WOW for my music. Classic rock, blues old style and SRV, country. I want to add a wall mounted pair of bookshelves that I will run on a dedicated stereo channel with 2 matched Mirage subs (this is no problem with this amp as I will assign it to surr back) this will also allow me to have bass management. I have been looking at the Axiom M22 and the M3. I like the M3 for its size.
I want to be able to listen to the fine details of my CD recordings such as the sound of the strings on a fret change or the sound of the brush on a snare. Can I get that kind of WOW detail with either one of these choices? Or do I need to save some more and step up to a higher realm?
Thanks for your input
P.S. Is there anywhere in the DFW area I could go to listen to these speakers?

You'll want the M22s for that, and definitely with the subs. I think there might be someone around DFW, but your best bet is to email Axiom.

Thanks but why the M22 rather than the M3V2 as I will have bass management and 2 subs? As I am getting long of tooth I don't play my music that loud and if I was realy gonna crank it up I would probley kick in the mains as they do that well.

Wall mounted M80

I do not have that kinda room (Missus factor) the mains Floor standing towers 38" are already almost overpowering. I was going to mount these 10' apart just above the mains and just below her wall art:)

The M22s are more accurate than the M3s. The M3s have a slight hump in the bass which makes them preferable to many for use without subs. Both are stellar bookshelves, but I think as far as imaging and soundstage, I have to give the nod to the M22s. Note: I've never compared the two back to back.

I can't speak for the M22's but I can for the M3's. Calvin is absolutely correct in that they do have a slight bass hump which makes them (to me) slightly warmer, very smooth; still having a neutral presentation. As with the M22's the M3's are steller performers. I think you'll be happy with either one. It will be up to you. They also have a unique transparancy quality which is remakable for the price. I've had my M3ti's for about 2.5 years and remain astounded everytime I listen to them.

**runs away crying**

Ok let me ask this then. I listened to a pair of Usher S520 I liked how do these compare sonically to them? What I did not like about the Usher specs was the 86DB rating compared to the 92DB for the Axioms as I would like to plan on putting in a modest tube pre-amp sometime in the future and from the specs it looks like the Axioms will be eaiser to drive.

Both Axioms are easy to drive. Any modest or better AVR/pre amp will have no problem. I have not heard the Usher's but will admit they look very nice. Axiom does have custom finishes avail and some of the high gloss choices will rival the Ushers. Keep in mind though this does raise the cost but there is no difference sonically.

Looks are nice for the Missus factor but sound is the main thing. I am a DIYer so I can always do my own refinish if I am not happy.

I see a name change in your future...

Don't know the Ushers but for critical listening between the M3 and M22 (I own, and use, both), I'd go with M22s. They are a little more detailed and certainly more forward. I tend to use the M3s when doing other things (exercise, reading, working) and the M22s for dedicated listening.

Looks like that has already taken place Fred.

I don't feel so bad now!

I told you, ken. Put "" and no one will think your name is Calvin as it will look like a quote, like in the examples below:

"I try to make everyone's day a little more surreal."
--Calvin

"His name is Ken"
--Calvin

Eric. You are being most unhelpful in this name change thing.

So, you are a cocaine addict?

OK, we'll give this a shot.

That's much better, Calvin!
Now you have to wait for new forum members (can't trust the old ones with this)!

Hey Calvin,

Thanks for making my day a little more surreal.

BoB

I like the change Calvin

What a bunch of Calvinists.

Me too. Much more clear now.

Now, THAT'S Funny!

Hey, where did Ken go.

Ken who?

I own a pair of the Ushers, and they are indeed very smooth, although quite ruthless with inferior recordings. They also have nice bass extension for their size. I have a 50W NAD amp which can make them sound pretty darn loud. This is of course no help, as I haven't heard the M3 or M22s, and can't compare them.