Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners M2 vs M3 computer speakers

Hello all.

I bought a pair of M60s for my home stereo about 4 years ago, and I could not be happier with them. I'm currently trying to move on from some pretty basic computer speakers, and I do not want another 2.1 system.

I'm very interested in the M2 or M3 speakers for computer use. I see the M3 has the 6.5" woofer that the M60s have, and the M2 has the 5.25" mid speaker also from the M60s.

These are physically big speakers for my desk, so I'm trying to avoid the M3s if I can, but many people on the forums say the (bookshelf) M3s are superior to the M2s.

Anyone have any experience in this area? I'm worried the M2s wont have enough low end, and the M3s might have too much. I may just demo them both and send back the pair I dont want, but thoughts an opinions are appreciated.

It's a crap shoot. You may find you like the M3 sound or you might not. I have the Audiobytes paired with a cheap sub and I love them!

I personally would rather have more linear bass at the expense of reaching lower and going louder and improved midrange. If that sounds like you, ask Axiom if the M2 beats the M3 for linearity.

Hi, I have first hand experience with the computer M2s. They are nice speakers for moderate volume. Bass response will depend on your desk setup. I purchased the M2s knowing they would be placed inside a writing desk. The boundary effect produces lots of perceived bass. Enough to make the desk vibrate at louder volumes. If you are looking at a more wide open scenario M3s might get the nod.

So, what is your setup like? Thats how I would recommend deciding. I wouldnt get hung up on how they load a room. You are sitting close, and honestly, any computer EQ will allow you to make them sound how you like, within reason.

I appreciate the responses.

My computer setup is all one big desk, as in, everything other than wires is on the desk surface. So the Axioms would just be to the left & right of my monitor. To that end, I'm not sure I would turn the speakers up all that loud. With my current setup, I have the speakers set to about 30% of max when I'm sitting at my desk (but that's with a speaker system that claims its 200w, so they are super loud).

I think Mojo makes a good point, I'm not really looking to get the deepest lows possible (or I would just get a sub).

While I am looking for great audio performance from games and computer audio, there is one other thing I should mention:

I play bass, and I learn just about everything by ear. I use my computer as my playback source. Many times I'll struggle to hear the bass line from my current speakers, but then put on my Grados and poof - there's the bass line. But headphones make it hard to hear myself playing, so I'm hoping these speakers will help bring out more bass separation, but not to the point where it booms.

Thanks!

The lowest note on the bass guitar is 28Hz. Neither the M2 nor the M3 will get down that low and remain linear. In fact, very few speakers will.

You are best off to go with the M1 and buy yourself a sub that can hit 28Hz cleanly. That's what I did with my audiobytes and as I said, they sound great! It doesn't have to be an expensive sub. Mine was $150. You might be able to find a good used one.

Hey Mojo,
You are incorrect there. The lowest note on a standard electric bass or a stand-up bass is 40 Hz, well within the range of the M3 or, with a little bass boost added, the M2.

The 28 Hz you cite is the lowest note on a standard concert grand piano.

Alan

Mojo has lost his Jomo lately, lol

I'm sorry I didn't explain myself correctly.

I'm not trying to match the actual bass frequencies, I'm just trying to hear the bass player. I need separation more than matching bass tones. On my computer speakers, there are many songs where no clear bass comes through the 2.5" main speakers, and the same with the sub, except for really low frequencies. The same song on headphones or my stereo with the M60s, the bass line is quite clear.

This issue does not happen with every song of course, I'm just hoping to improve the situation.

Alan, when I did my research to answer this question a couple of years ago, I discovered it is 28Hz for 6-string bass. I wanted to know because I didn't want to pay for deeper bass than I needed for my 2.1-channel room.

Randy, I am not the one blowing gear up, dude...LOL!

P.S. I can no longer find the reference that told me 28Hz. This reference says 31Hz for six-string bass...and 28Hz for piano and keyboards.

https://www.studybass.com/gear/bass-tone-and-eq/bass-frequency-range/

spark, pop, pop