Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Just Put M80 V2s Back in System

Well, I got rid of the Marten Django Ls, they were represented as 'demos' but actually they had been repaired twice and I was the second owner. After a little back and forth, they gave me back my $6,000 and took the beautiful Martens back. I would never have been able to sell them for what I paid once I knew their history. It's good to be a lawyer.

I put a pair of Klipsch Fortes with the Bob Crites upgraded crossovers and titanium tweeter diaphragms into service. They sounded great. They were on Craigslist for one day. I sold them for $1,200, didn't get killed and met a very nice audio guy who had just moved to southern California.

I dragged my M80 V2s into the main 2 channel system. Boy, Doug Schneider was right in his Soundstage review of the V2s. They sound very good. Of course, they are driven by a pair of Balanced Audio Technology VK56 monoblocks (110 wpc), a VK33 preamp, an Audio Research PH9 phono stage, Dr. Feikert Woodpecker turntable, Koetsu cartridge ... they should sound good. A very decent sounding speaker!

I have them up for sale as well, along with the Audio Research phonostage. Got to fill the kitty for a new pair of Wilson Sabrina Xs in black diamond finish. They'll be here in 6 weeks. Someone is going to be very happy with this pair of Boston Cherry M80 v2s.

Ian sure knows how to design an excellent speaker. I am very impressed. I know the new ones sound much better, but they stand on the shoulders of their mature and excellent forbearers.

OK, no one else is interested. I don't care, I'm comfortable talking to myself.

So, tonight my friend Alex came over to return my EAR88pb phonostage I lent to him. I retubed them with Matsushita National 6DJ8s, a great upgrade from the tired JJs that were in it. He also brought over a $9,000 pair of Transparent Audio RCA cables. Go ahead laugh, they're not mine.

So, we listened to the Axiom M80 v2s with about $20,000 of amps and preamp, $6,000 phono stage, about $11,000 table, cartridge and 12" arm and about $12,000 in cabling. These M80 v2s are not likely to sound better than they do in this system.

How did they sound? REALLY GOOD. They sparkle, the mids are rich and accurate, the bass is good. Sounds like they go down to the mid 30s. These are accurate, excellent speakers. They are smooth, there is no noticeable discontinuity between the tweeter and drivers, they reproduce the timbre of instruments very accurately. These would be credible, entry level audiophile speakers that compete well with many expensive towers.

Listened to the Analog Productions 45 LP, Dream with Dean, one of the best recorded albums ever. All the songs on this album share pretty much the same pace and style. Dean's voice was rich, and sounded excellent. Then we listened to the Analog Productions 45 LP, Time Out, The Dave Brubeck Quartet. We were both very impressed. He has a pair of Marten Django XLs, and has a very high end system. Nevertheless, the Axioms sounded excellent and did not embarrass by the comparison. The timbre is right, they were accurate, and presented significant air around the instruments. The soundstage was excellent, instruments were where they belonged and did not move around! Finally, we listened to the Analog Productions of Rimsky Korsakoff's Scheherazade, Fritz Reiner conducting, and although this symphony was not a great test (lots of airy highs, mids, not a lot of orchestral bass excitement) The M80s sounded pretty darn good.

Did they sound as good as the Marten Django Ls ($10,000), no, they don't go as deep, the mids are not as rich, the highs not quite at that level, and they lack the bass slam, but for 15 year old, modestly priced towers, they sound very, very good!

Compared to the Wharfedale Elysian 4s ($10,000), the M80 v2s are a credible alternative! The Wharfedales do go a bit lower, have an AMT tweeter, are drop-dead gorgeous, but the M80s sound very similar. So much for the detractors of the titanium tweeter 2.0. I've never listened to the Wharfedales in my home, but have spent quite a bit of time with them driven by the glorious Luxman KT88 power amp and high-end Luxman preamp.

Anyway, this is a good reason to call Ian tomorrow and chat. Nice job Ian!

You guys living in California ever consider hiring Grimani or Mellor to look at your rooms? Someone in your club must have a pro built room?

Would be curious if those super systems could be pushed further.

When I see dollar figures like that I start equating to room build budgets. I guess you would need to decide if you want your Sabrinas to be your last setup or not. Something tells me what’s around the corner is part of the excitement for you in the hobby. And thats cool too.

But a purpose built room. Now were talking. Depends what your goals are.

Hi Trevor

Quick answer. No. Alex's system is in a pretty small room which is over treated. All that expensive equipment sounds pretty dull. My living room (2 channel system) just has the twin towers. Framed roxul covered by acoustically transparent material 7' x 4'. Seems to have tamed things pretty well. The best sounding room is a friend's sunroom, a nice sized screened in venue, totally untreated,which sounds great.

My other 2 channel room is a pretty small bedroom with a peaked ceiling, home to the Harbeth 30.2 A system, sounds pretty good. Totally untreated.

Real estate is crazy expensive here in Southern California. Most of us make do with using the space we have.

When the HT was just exposed safe and sound on 4 walls and ceiling a friend commented on how great the room sounded "this is what you want in an HT to sound like" . He said it with such authority that I didn't correct him. I think he just liked how quiet it was ... I'm sure he would have been disappointed once the music started playing ...

My M80 V2's are still rockin the PorterPlex all these years and still sound jaw-dropping.

I still have my M80 TI's rocking the place..... Love them. They are getting a bit of love this winter with some Walnut veneer.

You're sending those abominations back for a new outfit? Isn't it cheaper to just trade up to v4? You get real wood now.

No, I am veneering them myself. And I have a set of M80 V4's too. I like the TI version equally.

Ouch. My m60ti heard you say that. They’re depressed now. And they’re wearing old clothes too.

I wish I had wood-working skills. Bushcraft doesn't count. Do you have to rip off the vinyl?

No. Just sand it a bit. I use contact adhesive. I did the same thing to an EP600 several years ago.

Kicked back last night, in the old Eames chair, after filing a brief, and listened to some music, Soundstage on Cox cable. Don't know why, but the cable music in my place sounds really good. Much more convenient than streaming and certainly much more convenient than vinyl.

Big BAT tube monoblocks' tubes giving off their dull red glow, taking the chill out of the room. Tubes, man! You must try them someday.

So impressed by the M80 V2s! Last night they sounded just great! They could use that last octave of bass, but, their bass is pretty pure for as low as they go. They are great speakers.

These are in a Boston Cherry vinyl finish, still flawless after all these years. Piano music is a real test for speakers. These old girls passed with flying colors! The key strikes are so pure! Very impressive. Strings? Oh my yes, they do those very well too. Cellos are rich, mids are really excellent! Horns are respectably blatty. Jiminy Cricket but these speakers are really good!

You know what it all boils down to? Music that moves you, that touches your soul. These speakers work. They bridge the mundane and the transcendent.

Still waiting for the Wilsons. I will report once I get those into my system.

I love posting here! It's just like talking to yourself. No bothers you.

Whoa whoa! I did a thumbs up to your comment!

I think it’s awesome that you’re in love with m80v2!

There’s a few out there that still love their v2 and ti (gasp!)

I have a feeling your tube mono blocks are part that equation. I’ve never heard a tube before.

I agree on the Boston cherry vinyl. It looks really good. I still love the look of m60ti. The Boston cherry has always been the finish I lusted after.

Hang on to those m80s!

Edit: Agree on needed I bit more low end. I do appreciate how they roll off though and doesn’t try to pretend it can do more than they can. Keeps it clean.

Kodiak, you can hear tubes below.

https://youtu.be/Ra_Yn2tKSgM

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=RDLloT_zc0_Hw&playnext=1

Thanks! Playing it now.

After reading 2x6 post I’ve been reading about tubes and using them as a pre amp in front of a solid state class ab.

Man , so many options out there.

Hi Kodiak

I agree with you. There is an honesty to the M80s. They are designed to produce accurate bass as low as they go, and are not amped up to produce bloated or flabby bass just to go lower.

These M80s probably sound as good as they possibly can thanks to the BAT amps and preamp.

What preamp are you using?

No preamp. I’m still using my old Yamaha receiver. Does an ok job. In my old space ( I just moved ) I’m now realizing it was really good there as it was a much smaller space.

I’m considering my options now with a new large “great room”.

I really enjoy my m60ti. Has an Honest Sound as you put it.

It’s great to know that putting some high quality source and front end makes the axioms sing.

Which Wilson’s are you waiting on? ( I wanna check em out online…!)

Edit: re read the post. You’re waiting on Sabrinas.

Hi Mojo

I listened to the YouTube recording on my computer speakers. Sure didn't sound like music produced by a tube amp.

Mr. Kodiak

Steve Guttenberg reviewed the Reisong Boyuu A10, an integrated tube amp which can be had from China Audio for under $300 about $500 from Amazon. He raves about it. I sent one to Ian, from Amazon USA, but it arrived damaged. I don't know if he ever got it working properly. Might be worth a shot.

Line Magnetics has a + $3,000 KT-88 integrated tube amp which sounds great!! If that's in your budget, you could not go wrong with that one!

I'm waiting for a pair of the new Sabrina X's in black diamond. I've heard them with the BATs and they are silly good.

The so-called magic of tubes is partly a result of how they drive speakers. Tube amps have a high output impedance by 1000 times or more compared to solid state. They therefore won't dampen an electrodynamic loudspeaker the way a solid state amp does. Bass will sound more full at certain frequencies but it will be less detailed almost like the box needs more stuffing. Upper mids/low highs will have greater presence. These may be perceived as better by some.

So you will lose that magic with a solid state pre-amp.

I don't think they make the speakers sound like the box needs more stuffing. My advice, listen to a good tube amp and some good speakers. I think that may be more instructive than looking at curves on charts.

Any of you are welcome to come over to my place. I'll cook for you and you can listen to the incredible magic of tube preamplification and amplification driving some incredible speakers.

I would describe the sound as more 'live,' more present, more pleasing. The combination of tubes and vinyl played on a good rig is ... well, magic x n, where n is a whole number >1 and "magic" is undefinable, but wonderful.

Interesting stuff. Might be a consideration. It’s really neat that the sound can be manipulated and filtered through the gear in so many ways. Very subjective as to taste as well when you get right down to it. And then add the fact that different tubes produce different quality’s as well….it’s al most infinite the combos you could have.

That’s why it’s so hard to choose gear!

Agree 2x6, just listening would be the best way. Seems I might need to build up a few different rigs over the coming years.

The more the better Mr. Kodiak!!

2x6, I’m thinking maybe a tube powered system for my bedroom now……the Reisong actually gets great reviews as you said. Maybe match the reisong up with some m2v4?

I can see many systems happening in this house, so many places to have music going.

The M2s are great, so are the M3s pair either with a little 8" sub and you will be very happy!

I totally agree on that. The amount I’ve heard Mojo raving about the M2’s disappearing act ive just gotta try it out.

He should get a commission for indirect sales! I love the enthusiasm.

Kodiak, for that application, I recommend M3s over M2s. The M3s will sound better with a tube amp. For relaxing, they are "better" than the M2s. Some say they are also more full range because they go lower but frankly, that depends on your room.

The bass in my living room for example, sounded much better out of M2 bookshelves and OW than M3 bookshelves. I had a hell of a time controlling the M3 bass. In the basement, the bass was sublime over the M3s compared to the M2s but with a sub, the M2s won. I'd have to say though, even if the sub was taken away, I'd prefer to live with the M2s over the M3s for my basement usage.

For chilling, the M50v4 and M3v4 are terrific. I can listen to them all day long. Some have upgraded to M5 or M60 because they want more detailed mids and I can understand that. But that in no way makes them bad. It is just a different listening experience.

I tried the M2's because of Mojo (having a pair of M22's also helped with the decision). I'm a fan especially if mixed with an EP500. The M2/EP500 combo is now the main speaker setup in the family room (mainly because the wife likes the size better). The M22's are now in the master bedroom. Both are awesome.

The M2s sound similarly good with 125s, 600s, 800s, KEF subs, Sony subs, Yammie subs, SVS subs, Mirage subs.

Ha ha ha! Nice. Touché salesman, touché!

Ok, how about m5 hp in a tube set up with no sub instead of m2 with sub? For bedroom setup….

Once again, dragging the thread off topic….. but just feeling inspired by 2x6 review of his v2 m80.

The M5 needs a ton of power. It has a very low impedance down low. A tube amp won't make it shine. If it was me, M3 and I'd never look back.

M2 a bit more accurate then M3, M3 goes a bit lower … the M2 needs a sub (IMO), The M3 would benefit from one but can stand alone.

As far as subs go … I’m sure anything in the axiom line up would work …
I’ve only tried them with a 500 and an old (1990?) Mirage Sub.
The 500 is a killer with the M2’s …
the Mirage sub although passable … just didn’t compare with the 500 combo.
Your results may vary …

Oh good point Mojo. Right. 4 ohms. And lots of juice.

Any feedback on m22 vs m2? That extra mid woofer is for high spl no? So probably of no real advantage in a small room.

For subs I’d probably keep it cheap and just buy a small Polk or Klipsch sub for this small of a room.

There’s an ep175 v2 in the refurb store right now….

I didn't say the above very well so Rich, rightly, pounced on me with his last post.

I did not mean to say all those subs or systems sound similarly good. I meant to say the M2s integrate similarly good with any of those subs.

Don't get the 175v2. Just...don't. You are better off getting a 125v4. I have two. I very much like them. I even like them very much. They sound better in my living room than one or two 500s.

I only heard an M22ti and didn't like it. One member traded an M22(v2?) for a v4 and punted the v4 back to Axiom. Was it broken in? I don't know. If the v4 mid-woofers are integrated properly, and if the cabinet doesn't contribute too much parasitic noise, then the M22 should be nothing but cleaner when louder compared to the M2.

Those are big ifs though. What makes the M2 great is its simplicity. Small, tight cabinet that doesn't get in the way of imaging or add audibly parasitic noises, and a simple, two-driver topology. And unlike the M3, it doesn't try to do what it can't. And that's why it doesn't boom and integrates well with subs. It is an elegant product.

Gotcha. I get what you mean Mojo. M2 would integrate a bit easier with a sub or 2 subs versus the m3 which would maybe do ok on its own within reason. I’m thinking a turntable in the bedroom too to complete the “ retroish” setup. Fun stuff!

Bringing the thread back to it’s OP, 2x6 , have you tried any other axioms in the v4 or lfr ? You love your m80v2, I wonder what a pair of m5hp or m100 or lfr series would sound like connected to all your nice equipment?

Maybe worth a try ?, but you seem pretty committed to the Wilson’s. Zero criticism at all, truly, just wondering. Im sure you’ve done your research, you seem to be an experienced listener and audio guy. Or maybe you have another axiom setup already that I dont know about. Just making conversation here.

I'd like to suggest that you do one thing and one thing only in your bedroom. Sleep.

That other thing you are thinking about, you can do it anywhere else you want.

Ha ha ha!!! Nice. That gave me good chuckle!!

Joking aside, my wife and I are working on making our largish master bedroom into a bit of an escape / sanctuary from the rest of the “ little people “ that live here.

So low to medium volumes of relaxing music.

But I get what you’re saying, the bedroom is for “sleep.”

I’ve considered building a dedicated room into the basement too, for audio of course!!!…… get your head out of the gutter. Ha ha!

Hi again Kodiak

I have a pair of LFR1100 Actives, 2xEP600 subs, 2xEP500 subs, 1 VP180, 1 VP160, 8 M2OWs, 2 x M22Ti's, 2xQS8s (somewhere, haven't seen them for a while), 6 gorgeous Michaura M55s (Love them!!!) 2 Michaura M66s and of course, 2 x M80V2s. I may have missed a few.

For some reason, the M22s aren't a great match with low power tube amps, they work fine with more powerful amps.

I agree with Mojo, the M5HPs would not be an ideal match with a tube amp. I tried them with a 60 wpc Conrad Johnson MV60se (uprgraded by CJ) and a Jadis preamp. They weren't bad.

I think for a bedroom, the M3s or M2s with a little sub and a tube amp would be ideal. I used to drive a pair of M3Tis with a 5 watt per channel Single End Triode KT88/12ax7 integrated tube amp and a little Velodyne 8" DSP sub. It was an incredibly great sounding system. In that room, it achieved the "wall of sound," and not just any sound, GREAT sound.

I had a pair of M100s in my main system. I think I was using the Conrad Johnson/Jadis amp/preamp. Just wasn't a good match for my room with those electronics. They sure were pretty in Rosewood high gloss.

Well sheet 2x6! Then never mind my last comment!!

Ok. Well I guess then I can’t wait to hear the comparison of the actives to the Wilson’s!!

What type of room size are the Wilson’s going into?

Im guessing your Actives are in a big space?

Please point me to an old thread if you’re not into regaling all the same info again!

Thanks eh!

Edit: I have a vague memory of a post about Michaura’s in a thread about “ post your systems “ or something.

The M2s would likely make your wife irritable. The M3s would put her in the mood. You know...for sleep.

Michauras were built by you-know-who for a company which launched just before the economic melt down in 2000. They used the aluminum black-eyed-pea 5.25" and 6.5" drivers. They had an incredible faux glossy rosewood finish which fooled just about everyone into thinking they were veneered.

The Michauras used a unique hex shape cabinet which are incredibly rigid. The M55s had 2 x 5.25" drivers and the 0.75" titanium tweeter which was also used in some Axiom speakers. The sound quality is really superb! The highs are as good as many ultra-high-buck speakers. The mids, sweet and the bass was accurate for as low as they went. They blended easily with a fast subwoofer.

The M66s are large hex shaped stand mounts, using 2 x 6.5" drivers and the 0.75" titanium tweeter. I stood mine on a pair of Dahlquist 15" subwoofers, on the shorter wall pointing down the long axis into a breakfast area. I used the Antique Sound Labs MG Si 15dt 5 watt per channel integrated tube amp with Shuguang Black Treasure KT88 tubes and a pair of NOS Telefunken 12ax7s (more expensive than what the amp cost me). Some Mapleshade Audio Golden Double Helix + speaker wire (all the charm of a coat hanger, ready to put your eye out, but sound really good) and a Sony DVP 9000es SACD player. My friends, this was one of the best sounding systems I've ever had.

I bought a pair of $7000 Emerald Physics 2.8 open baffle speakers from Mark Schifter. He flew in to set them up with their DSP and digital tri-amp rig. I played the Michaura M66 system for him and told him if the EP 2.8s sound better than the Michauras, I'll keep them. Although the EP2.8s sounded fantastic at T.H.E Show, in Irvine, the ones he delivered had the 'upgraded' tweeters and drivers. I kept the Michauras, the EP2.8s went back.

The Michaura M665 are towers, also hex shaped had the same kit as our M60s, but instead of the 1" titanium tweeter, it uses the 0.75" Ti tweeter. I gave one pair to my Rabbi and the other to a friend who needed a present. Both use their M665s with a little hybrid tube amp (25 wpc) from Monoprice, and both sound silly good.

I have suggested on several occasions that Ian build a hex shaped speaker line, or an elongated hex, some kind of 6 sided rhomboid ... maybe even with a curved back, that should really eliminate standing waves ... maybe someday.

Good luck to you Kodiak. Fill that large master bedroom with beautiful music.

kinky

That other thing Rich, was listening to music, dude. Of course if you listen in a lime mankini, in front of your bow window...yeah...kinky.

Kodiak, I was thinking about my previous post. I played the M100s with the Conrad Johnson amp. I ended up getting rid of it as it did not do what I hoped an amp with such an exalted reputation would do.

I think the M100s with the BATs would be terrific. After all, the BATs make the M80s sound great. I figure the M100s would sound substantially better.

Hey 2x6, thanks for the deep memory recall!

I looked up the BAT Amps. Very nice products. Wow.

Man you must have fun mixing and matching things and trying different configurations and rooms. Fun!

Good logic, the v4’s undoubtedly would sound great with the BATS.

Tell you what Kodiak, listening to some jazz, Ray Blue, "Amsterdam After Dark," and these M80v2s are sounding really good. Drums are tight, high hats sparkle, horns blat. Silly good.

Miles Davis, Sketches of Spain, "Will O' The Wisp," trumpets are true.

Right on man. I’ve got to find a quiet evening to play some jazz. M80’s are legendary.

I had good fun listening to Tracy Chapman today. From her greatest hits album.

Check out the drum fills and percussion in Open Arms. The whole song is fabulous but the simple drum fills and down beats after the chorus are stand out.

I’m gonna check out your jazz suggestions tomorrow.

M80’s……legendary.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6eWoTqIpKPFhgVHDK1uVrf?si=00qxeynCQ56cTwhodSZBXQ&dl_branch=1

Yup, legendary. I'm going to listen to Tracy Chapman this evening.

Hey 2x6,

I got the song wrong. While Open Arms is a great sound and one of my favourites it’s the next track after “ Open Arms” on the greatest hits albums that has the drums I talked about., Sub City. Just re listening to it now.

The drum set is just awesome in this song and especially near the end when the drum set repeats that successive down beat. I bet the BATS light that section up!

https://open.spotify.com/track/7vHtxkGQDBrW3QvYKi9h2z?si=c8DrBQwYT6W1TNotLus4QQ&dl_branch=1

I first started following Axiom because I really liked their design philosophy, direct to consumer pricing, and because I believed what was being said on this board. It all made sense to me ... Back then the V2 was in its hey day and the people here were raving over them as being high-end speakers without the high-end price.

Roll the clock forward to V4 and for a while one would think that the V2 was terrible from the way some on the board bashed them comparing them to the new V4s. Granted I'm sure the V4 was a big improvement (from what has been said a lot of the improvements has to do with better imaging and dynamics) but how bad could they be ... I mean a few years earlier they were the greatest thing since talking pictures, sliced cheese, and Elvis ...

Anyway ... It make sense that the V2 is still a very good speaker and I'm glad that people still love them.


P.S. I'm sure if V5s came out someone would start trashing the old V4s ... but knowing these speakers the improvements are going to be subtle ... at least till a new format comes out to blow away two channel music.

2 channel, tubes, vinyl, reel to reel, the music will never die!

I think I may be the only one who bashes v2 when compared to v4. The v2 woke me up from my Bose 601 stupor. As I gained listening experience, I quickly realized what was missing with v2. V4 filled that gap nicely. V4 can't be made to sound any better nor should it. The Millenia dream is finally complete. Time for the next product family.

2x, gotta change with the times … sell the buggy whips and move into the new century …
Today it’s … multi channel, transistors, and SSD storage

in another 100 years or so (besides having to find another planet to live on) …

you’ll have upgraded to the new chip in the head sound system.
Once installed you’ll be able to see without seeing, hear without hearing, smell without smelling, touch without touching, and yes feel without feeling! You’ll be there just by thinking about it …

2 channel, tubes, vinyl, reel to reel, … humbug

Yeah, but it's not analog! New fangled digital can sound pretty good, but you'd have spend a good 6 figures to get a digital system that would sound almost as good as a well put together $35,000-50,000 tube/vinyl or tape system.

I'm sure Google, Facebook or Twitter would love to develop and install a nice wetware/chip. Of course. The music would still have an interior soundstage, and dreaming could result in some unintended high dollar Amazon purchases. You could even vote that way, of course schizophrenics should be allowed multiple votes.

Oh, I found a picture of the Michaura M66 speakers. Do those drivers look familiar? Twin 6.5" drivers, and a 0.75" titanium tweeter used in some earlier Axioms and their Merak sub-brand.

Yes, all that analog goodness but you gotta make sure it came off the original “digital” master … to be any good

Yup, Mr. Rrlev, that's true. Many LPS are cut from digital. The best recordings are cut from masters.

Mr. Mojo, Bose 601s? I auditioned them many years ago. Beautiful in piano black, they were a truly terrible speaker! Ended up grabbing a pair of Infinity Composition Overture IIIs. A really good sounding speaker. I kept reading about the Axiom M3Tis. So I took a chance and bought a pair back when they cost $275. Paired them with a 5 watt per channel SET tube amp and a little sub. I was shocked by the sound quality! Sold the Infinities, and, thanks to Axiom and tubes, fell down the audio rabbit hole!

Thanks Axiom for years of real music enjoyment!

PS, BTW Mr. Mojo, what exactly did you realize was missing from the M80v2s?

"2x, gotta change with the times … sell the buggy whips and move into the new century … Today it’s … multi channel, transistors, and SSD storage"
- - rrlev



My fairway woods and driver are made of persimmon wood, my irons are Titleist Tour Blades, my preferred transmission is a manual (Honda's are best), I use charcoal instead of a gas grill, my steaks, medium rare, and as to audio, tubes.

Remember "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear."

Good thing you don't collect cars ... you'd have to put a garage door in every room ...

Ha! True! There are a few I'd like to have. 1970 Chevelle SS 454, 1970 American Motors AMX 390 go pak 4 speed, 1966 Marlin 327 4 speed, 1965 Buick Riviera, 1965 Oldsmobile Toronado ...

So you discovered Axiom after they stopped selling in stores, which was a great experience being able to listen to the products alongside the competitors. My first Axiom purchase in 1989ish was from a store.

Pandemic aside, I do miss going into an audio store (not a box store) and comparing equipment.

I had a beat up LS6 1970 Chevelle 454, 4bl carb, 4 speed "Rock Crusher" trans, posi rear gears....engine/trans were perfect...only car I have ever owned that when you dumped the clutch in first gear that the front tires would come off the ground as it accelerated....