Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Axiom vs PSB Synchrony

Hi again,

This is my last question. What can you tell be about M80 vs Synchrony One?

I am asking that because in my country the price will be almost the same. I really don't care about the finish, just the sound.

I haven't heard the PSB's in question but if you have a Paradigm dealer nearby, you might be able to answer your own question by listening to a set of Paradigm Studio 100s, the M80s sound very similar. Next listen to the PSB's and go with the set that you prefer.

Here are 3rd party measurements for each of these speakers.

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/measurements/speakers/psb_synchrony_one/

http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/axiom_m80v2/

Choose whichever speaker you feel sounds better...as Jay mentioned, listen to some Paradigm Studio 100's to get an idea of what the M80's sound like. All things being equal(soundwise): if you can get those Synchrony One's for the same price as M80's, I would seriously consider them.....

Hello nickba,

I have heard the PSB Synchrony One, at the CES in Las Vegas, and it's very good, but certainly no better than the Axiom M80 v2.

Yes, I work for Axiom, but for 20 years I edited audio/video magazines and did blind listening tests on all kinds of Canadian, US and British loudspeakers.

Like Axiom, PSB and Paradigm all worked very early with the NRC in CAnada, and the top of the line models from each are "similarly good". PSB and Paradigm have various quality levels, the Synchrony line being among PSB's most expensive. Paradigm and PSB have very costly distribution and advertising costs plus a high mark-up on the top-tier models.

I know it's difficult to believe that a $1300 pair of Axiom M80 towers can be as good--sometimes better--than some brands that sell for $2500 to $5000 a pair or more, because we are so conditioned to believe that price always correlates with quality, or sound quality in the case of loudspeakers. But it's just not true. As an editor, I have done double-blind listening comparisons of some Canadian speakers that bested models from the UK at $7000 a pair.

Regards,
Alan Lofft

Just for fun, open up both the links Jay posted, line up the response graphs and then flip back and forth between the two quickly. Its amazing how close the two are in both on and off axis response: within 1-2 db throughout the entire range.

Pretty cool when you consider how far apart they are in price.

You should consider getting a separate amplifier that can handle down 2-4 ohm loads if you choose either the M80 or the PSB sync one. The PSB synchrony one impedance graph dip very low and might be a little too much for some electronics. While I don't have any experience with this speaker you should ask your dealer if people do power these with receivers or if he gets any complaints of them shutting down any electronics. They are still pretty efficient which is a bonus and I imagine they are an excellent speaker.

I notice the low impedance of the Synchrony, but didn't think much of it. The local dealer that sells PSB carries mostly Denon receivers, so I bet they don't get any complaints. A good dealer will make sure he doesn't get himself in trouble by selling a cheap receiver with a good speaker.

Hello!
Thanks for all your comments!! Regarding listening to Paradigm. I have a Signature S8, so if it is similar, thats OK. I saw the soundstage measurements and I also found the measurements for the S8 on that site!! They are very similar!!!

I am planning to use the Yamaha RX-Z11 to drive the speakers, do you think it will be OK?

Nick. There is another member who owns both the M80s and Signature towers. He commented on how similar they sounded and how amazing the M80 was for the price.