Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners About to pull the trigger on M80s

I was happy with the v3M80.
The trade in option and the available funds for the 3rd tower pushed me over the edge.
I am happier with the HP's.
I just got home, think I'll go enjoy them now.

Thanks, brwsaw - your post goes to the core of what I'm asking - Is there a difference at all volumes, and is it worth the cost. You think so, and Socketman says you've actually owned both, so your opinion is an informed one.

I'll may spring for the HPs based on your recommendation. As I understand it, should I order now, I also get the v4 tweeters? What do you think of those?

Thanks - Boomzilla (moniker NOT indicative of listening preferences)

Well, having priced things, the HP M80s are $2,530 with the footers, and the M100s are $2,930 with the same. For only $400 more, is the M100 a better option than the HP M80?

The main reason I was attracted to the M80 was its low cost. If I'm going to add 1/3 to the cost with HP woofers, I'm most of the way to the M100s instead. The cost difference of the HP woofers as a percentage of that M80 total investment is HUGE!

The original $1,500 cost of the M80s was within the WAF. The $2,530 to $3K may not be. The alternate is to go M60s with the sub - THAT cost is more doable.

On the other hand, I do plan to keep these for a long while, and I'm reluctant to be "penny-wise and pound-foolish." I could afford the $3K, but to do so, I need to liquidate lots of "closet gear" first, and the delay will put me beyond Axiom's sale price window. The even HIGHER prices after this window expires may put me out of the running entirely.

jump now for the (affordable) M80s sans HP or wait for the (far more expensive) options down the road?

I've heard the HP's with both tweeters and didn't notice big difference but this should be related to the narrow room.
The imaging I've seen/heard from the HP's make me wonder if it can get much better.

brwsaw - One last question - Have you listened to your M80s full range or do you use a sub? Crossed over where?

I had the M80 v3 and recently updated to the HP M80 V4. I also use a sub. The new HP M80 v4 is a different animal than the regular M80. The music is more focused, cleaner and more dynamic. I am not saying the M80v4 is a bad speaker just the HP M80v4 takes it to another level. The price increase would be consument with upgraded performance. I found a noticeable improvement at any volume level.

Thanks to all. Based on advice from Brent at Axiom (and on budget limitations), I ordered a new pair of base M80s today. I don't doubt that the HP versions are superior but for 50% more money, I just had to pass.

For what I spent, I'm expecting great things.

You will not be disappointed . I firmly believe that if you never hear the next model up you will never miss them. Its like a tv, better ones come out all the time but if you don't go look at them what you have will look just fine. You cant miss it if you never had it. Capisce !

Given the improvements in my room (room-treatments) and my electronics, i expect these Axioms to sound better than other (far more expensive) speakers that I've owned in the past. We'll see...

Well you now have my attention. I realize audio memory is short but I for one would like to know what speakers you have owned n the past and how they stack up against the M80 once your receive them.