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Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
BlueJays1 #318416 08/13/10 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted By: Dr.House
What Totem Acoustic model are you comparing the M80's to? Totem and Axiom are much different speakers from a design perspective.

Agreed. I don't believe they are in the same price bracket if you are considering M80s vs anything above the "Hawks". Nevertheless, Totem makes some very nice speakers.


Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
kordeo #318419 08/13/10 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted By: kordeo
. . . I've read numerous things about the older models being harsh in the upper range (i understand room/ears/taste factor in this). Is the v3 toned down a bit? . . . . Is it overkill to buy something like a $700 Outlaw?


Hi Kordeo and welcome to Axiom Forums !

Brightness / Harshness of the Axiom speakers are an "Urban Legend". Before joining Axiom I was occasionally reading such negative comments. So when I joined Axiom I was eager to hear them and was prepared to hear hard, fatiguing and bright high notes. Was I ever shocked after auditioning them; absolutely nothing even close to brightness or harshness - I could not hear any foundations justifying such false comments. I found the Axiom speakers revealing, accurate with extended smooth high frequencies. I was surprised that Axiom was even offering parts to alter the tweeter response and I suggested stopping that practice. I'm glad that it was stopped. Doing so was only feeding that Urban Legend.

There were absolutely no reasons to tone down the v3; they did not need to be !

As it was mentioned to you so far, the source could be the issue; the room acoustic is also a major factor. Another important one is judgement from people not having heard revealing, neutral, accurate and linear audio speakers before in their room. I seriously doubt that is your case.

The higher the quality of your receiver will be the more rewarding will be the performance from your Axiom M80v3 speakers. Abundance of clean power is the key! Nothing can be “overkill” to power the Axiom M80v3 speakers; the Axiom A1400 amplifier has already proven it.


jc
Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
BlueJays1 #318420 08/13/10 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted By: Dr.House
What Totem Acoustic model are you comparing the M80's to? Totem and Axiom are much different speakers from a design perspective.



"Dr. House":

You are definitely right about the design difference, BUT, it should be noted that the Totems are also "considerably" more expensive. A Totem speaker in the general comparable performance range of the M60 and/or M80 will probably cost you "at least" three to four times as much money. Just as an example, I did some extensive listening to a Totem "Rainmaker" small center channel speaker which costs in the range of $900-1000 and after all was said and done, I didn't think it even sounded as good as my VP150. I have since moved to the VP180 which is, of course, in another league totally. Somewhat similar bookshelf speakers to the M22 will cost you in excess of $3000. In checking the specs., Totem small speakers don't seem to be able to handle high-power amps as well(125 watts max).

Having listened to a number of their speakers, I would admit Totems are well-made, sound good and have some interesting and unique designs in their floor-standing models, however, in my opinion, in no way does their price justify the performance you are getting in comparison to the Axiom line.

When it comes to the subjective assessment of speakers, however, I am sure there are Totem owners out there that might think differently.

Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
casey01 #318421 08/13/10 04:37 PM
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Yeah, pricing was another reason I was interested in what Totem Acoustic model he was comparing the M80 to.


I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.

-Max Payne
Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
Adrian #318423 08/13/10 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted By: Adrian
. . . Agreed. I don't believe they are in the same price bracket if you are considering M80s vs anything above the "Hawks". Nevertheless, Totem makes some very nice speakers.


Hi Adrian,

I agree Totem makes good speakers. However, the M80v3 can rival the best Totems has to offer. Never let the price or the brand name of a speaker interfere with your judgement. It has been proven time and time again with scientifically controlled double-blind listening tests that Axiom speakers are preferred over speakers costing much more.

At audio shows and in store showrooms, I have auditioned speakers costing 20 times, 30 times and even more than the Axiom M80 and in many ways they were inferior to the M80. They were models from Tannoy, Verity Audio, Kharma, Avalon and Wilson to name a few.

Always trust your ears; you will enjoy better sound and save tons of money!


jc
Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
Jc #318434 08/13/10 06:31 PM
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The Ti line were (are) less forgiving than the V3 line.

I have always felt the Ti was too forward, but never would I call them harsh. Harsh is a pretty tough word to use. It means irritating or scraping.

Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
Jc #318435 08/13/10 06:36 PM
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I agree, while Totem adds a little snake oil into their products (Totem beaks, break-in etc) the ones I have listened to are very nice and the build quality is top notch. You pay quite a bit of a premium on the build quality as well as dealer mark-up. The Axiom philosophy (multiple drivers) especially in that of the M80's is totally different compared to the Totem models. Application wise the M80 is more geared than the Totems for large/grand rooms, with huge power handling capabilities and dynamics.


I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.

-Max Payne
Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
Jc #318457 08/13/10 10:23 PM
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Quote:
At audio shows and in store showrooms, I have auditioned speakers costing 20 times, 30 times and even more than the Axiom M80

You are a brave man Jc. I'm afraid I would find something that really does sound significantly better than the M80 that I might lust after. I already have enough things to throw money at.

As far as the M80, I would suggest that in some rooms (very bare walls, not carpet...) they will sound a little bright because the highs are not rolled off at all.


Fred

-------
Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
fredk #318476 08/13/10 11:54 PM
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I have yet to find a set of speakers that sound as good/better than my M80s at the lower volumes I usually listen to, louder volumes I have found a few speakers in the $5000 and up range that I think sound better but I will never know if they are in fact better as they are in show rooms and not my own environment.


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
Re: m80 v3 harshness / Receiver
jakewash #318479 08/14/10 12:13 AM
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It would be quite interesting to experience a blind listening test showcasing the M80 V3 Vs. this totem "wind" tower. Note the price is almost $14,000. What do you get sonically for that additional cash?

http://hometheaterreview.com/totem-acoustic-wind-design-loudspeaker-reviewed/


FireGuy
M22V3/M3ti/M2V3/Omega Super 5/Aperion 5C/OutlawLFM1+Sub/Denon AVR1906/YamDVDC750/AS AMP110
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