Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners M2 vs M3 for Surrounds

The M2, M3, & M5 differences seems to be a topic discussed quite a bit here. Since I’m ripping everything apart to try the HT on the short wall ... I’ll try and do a quick Listen and see if I can come up with a few comments or perhaps some very unscientific impressions Between the three.

Also Mojo, You always seem a bit conflicted on the M3...like you want to both praise it and diss it at the same time. Like I’ve said before I like the M3 and think as a stand alone bookshelf it’s a great way to go. As surrounds I think they are a Big Bang for the buck (Especially if you can get them on sale). I imagine that the M5s are better And on your recommendation (need for decent bass for surrounds) I’m using them in my bed surrounds. All my heights and tops are M3s.

Wait... you went full atmos?

Either the M2 or M3 are ok choices for ceiling channels. I would not go for an M5 due to the highly variable response on its vertical axis. Depending on how you mount them, the seat to seat consistency may be tough to manage.

The best speakers for ceiling use are in-ceiling speakers. The on walls should be used on walls -because of the vertical axis variability. Ceiling channels should have the tweeter and driver tilted toward the mlp.

I think the most important factor in ceiling and surround channels is output before distortion as Mojo mentioned. I think rrlev is bang on with his build choice. The bass should be passed off to the subs below 80hz. Not practical to send full range to ceiling speakers for many reasons -mostly enclosure size/weight.

Even high end designs pass off bass to a local sub and not the discrete channel. Just not practical.

"Also Mojo, You always seem a bit conflicted on the M3...like you want to both praise it and diss it at the same time."

Regarding the M3, as I have said on its product review page, it offers similar soundstage and imaging as all the other Axioms that have a dedicated mid-range woofer albeit at reduced resolution. The big difference is the lack of that mid-woofer. The 5% of the musical energy that lives in the mid-range band on the majority of songs simply is not as detailed on the M3 as mid-woofer-imbued Axioms.

That lack of detailed mid-range really does conflict me. It conflicts me because there are times when I really like it less detailed. And there are times when I want more detail. It's like I'd love to have a switch on the mid-woofer-imbued Axioms to dial in this mood on a whim.

Rich, I urge you not to line up your M3 and M5 for a listen. You may become as conflicted as I am.

Ok so everyone agrees on rear channels then! M2 on walls are the better choice or equally as so the M3 bookshelves? lol

Right! M2, M3 and M5 on-walls and bookshelves.

Seriously though, the M2 on walls for my small space should work? Here is a pic on my ceilings. I'm thinking they will blend in my beams for ATMOS plus mid on walls.

M2s hanging off the rafters and facing your listening area will sound great. You'll need to cut them off at 80 Hz.

Swanky slippers those are.

I love the OW M3's for Atmos surrounds and backs. I also love the round M3 ceiling speakers for overhead duty. Now - when I praise these speakers, I am being specific for their installed and purposeful deployment - ATMOS.

I built some boxes to house the ceiling speakers, then mounted them to my ceiling. You might be able to do something similar in your room. The vaulted ceiling will make overhead speaker placement a challenge - regardless of what you do.

What slippers?

The slippers on the feet attached to the legs below the panties. You gotta click on Rebulx's photo, Michael. Unless you are kidding of course.

Curious if your OW M3s are wall-mounted or hanging off FMBs from your ceiling.

Oh.... I only got as far as the panties. Had trouble getting further.

My OW M3s are mounted directly to the walls. The room is small, and folks need to squeeze between one of the M3s and the seats. I need to fix that, cause the grill gets knocked off every time I use the HT. I'm too lazy to post pictures at the moment. Maybe later....