Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Sep 2013
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Good points, Murph - so allow me to clarify.
Bass (for all speakers) is a placement-sensitive issue; imaging is the same. However, the best location for one is rarely the best for the other. I've placed my M80s for superior imaging. In that location, and in my room, yes, they are "bass shy." This isn't the fault of the speakers. I could easily find a "compromise position" where both imaging and bass would be 90%, but that's not good enough for me.
Therefore, I use the subwoofer to make up for the bass that I lose by locating the speakers far out from the walls.
I've also, lately, had the good fortune to acquire some Audio Research tube electronics (D90 amp and LS2B MKII preamp). The M80s have quite a different sound with these than with my usual solid-state electronics. The midrange is lusher, the treble a bit softer, but the mid-bass is far more solid. The effect on male voices is to make them more "present" in the room. The effect on orchestral music is to bring out the cellos, basses, and tympani.
So will I keep the tubes or go back to solid state? Time will tell...
My opinion is worth exactly what you're paying for it!
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Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Aug 2004
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Yep, amen to that. I got lucky and finally found a spot where bass and imaging were both pretty good, but I had to rip out a bunch of living room furniture and lean Roxul panels up against half the windows to get there -- and even with all that imaging is not as good as it was in some of the previous locations.
Your experience with the tube electronics are interesting... I'm still toying with the idea of trying a tube pre-amp to see what difference it makes.
M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39 M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1 LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
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Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Sep 2013
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Hi bridgman - May I recommend the Yaqin CD3 tube buffer? It's inexpensive, and gives 90% of the best tube sound I've ever heard without the sloppiness. It really is a fine product, particularly for its price.
Last edited by Boomzilla; 09/17/14 09:11 AM.
My opinion is worth exactly what you're paying for it!
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Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Sep 2011
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connoisseur
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I looked long & hard at the buffer; however, I snagged from ebay an almost new Yaquin MC-100B integrated tube amp for about double the price of the buffer.
I expected a huge difference in sound from my SS gear, but it really didn't happen for me. I really like it though, especially its appearance because tubz are cool...
TAM - in Flagstaff & heading for the Grand Canyon trying to outrun Odine.
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Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Sep 2013
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Hi exlabdriver -
Today's tube equipment is deliberately designed to have less "tube sound" than did products of old. Therefore, differences ARE more subtle - typically a bit more soundstage width/depth and a touch of "lushness" in the midrange. I like the sound of my tube buffer, and the majority of friends who have heard it agree.
My opinion is worth exactly what you're paying for it!
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Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7
axiomite
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axiomite
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Thanks Boomzilla. Was about to try the CD3 tube buffer, but made the mistake of staring at my system for a while trying to figure out what upgrades I would probably want to do in the future. I decided that supporting some kind of digital sources would probably be the next step, so instead of the CD3 I ordered a TubeDac 11 from Grant Fidelity (basically a DAC/pre-amp with tube buffer on the output). Figured that would also let me use a digital connect for the CD carousel, which I remember sounding just a tiny bit better than the analog (with levels at least casually matched). I guess the obvious configuration options are : - as a DAC, connect DAC out to receiver AUX in, continue using receiver pre-outs to drive power amp - as a pre-amp, connect receiver tape-out to TubeDAC aux in for phono & tuner, connect CD carousel to optical in, connect tube out to power amp At least one of those should work EDIT - oh yeah, the other planned upgrade is an acrylic platter for the turntable, since some idiot purchased a moving coil cartridge (Denon DL-110) before remembering that the Debut Carbon had a steel platter.
Last edited by bridgman; 10/14/14 06:21 PM.
M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39 M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1 LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
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Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Aug 2004
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Actually the configurations get more complicated if I want to be able to flip back and forth to see the difference made by (a) tube buffer and (b) CD going through external DAC rather than built-in DAC.
Reviews suggest it comes with a bunch of cables, looks like I'll probably be using them all.
M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39 M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1 LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
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Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Sep 2013
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Well, I've found a way of positioning my M80s that provides an entirely new perspective on their sound! By moving my speakers closer together and then slightly toeing them out (rather than in, toward the listening position), I get more reflected sound from the room and less direct sound. The effect is VERY interesting. Has anyone else tried this?
My opinion is worth exactly what you're paying for it!
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Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Oct 2012
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connoisseur
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Re: So NOW I'm a real Axiom owner...
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Joined: Dec 2012
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hobbyist
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ahhh I own m80's but an older design, They handle being positioned wrong well hahaha. they handle being abused ie low wattage high volume, they handle being cranked way way past the limit, they will give you true transparent music:::::::: that is where they differ from other high end speakers, the good you hear every aspect of the recording, The bad for Audiophiles: you hear everything wrong with the recording but that's good you hear everything you need to hear. I don't want muffled crap that masks the real deal.
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