Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Computer Speaker Advice

Hello

My name is Jim and this is my first time posting on the Axiom Forum. I have been thinking about purchasing some computer speakers. The one's that Axiom have look really nice. Is there any one out there who has purchased them, that could give me some advice as to how much they are enjoying there's. There does not seem to be very many reviews at all on them other than the Axiom website. They are a little bit on the high side as far as the prices on them. I would appreciate any one's observations of them. Thank You In Advance!

Jim

I have the ones below in burled walnut with a cheap Sony sub for my office and I absolutely love their appearance and sound. Clean, nice imaging, wide and spacious soundstage. The advantage of going with M1 vs. M2 or M3 is that the M1 has reduced bass response and hence is easier to place. This is an advantage because it gives you a greater chance to be bass boom-free.

https://www.axiomaudio.com/bst-46

Axiom prices tend to be higher than other brands, but what you're getting is neutrality. You can be confident that they didn't intentionally insert a lifted top end, mid-bass warmth, or exaggerated midrange. Those effects are pleasing and sells speakers on the showroom floor, but are fatiguing colorations.

I have the M5HP, and in comparison with my Kanto Yumi and Angstrom Omega II 200, I consider it to be the most neutral of three very good loudspeakers. I haven't heard the other Axiom bookshelves, but I'm confident you won't be second guessing your decision. I'd factor in the cost of a compact subwoofer in whatever you choose to get.

I can vouch for the M3. It’s no slouch at all. It’s quite spectacular. I’m very impressed with their performance so far in my master bedroom playing from a modest receiver. I also have a pair of m60ti in a larger space and really like those too.

Having listened to M3 now for a few sessions I’m already scheming how to incorporate a pair of m2 into my office space and a pair of m3/m5 on walls in my garage.

Short version: I love the clarity of axiom speakers and detailed sound. I’ll bet a pair of m1 or m2 powered computer speakers with a small sub ( if desired ) would be very good.

I do see a few posts on here from people who have had issues with their computer speakers. In fact there seems to be more negative reviews than positive ones, as far as the computer speakers are concerned. There are a few more things that can go wrong with a computer speaker, as opposed to just a regular passive speaker.

jrhooper1, there are some things to watch out for with powered loudspeakers.

Edifier doesn't have subwoofer out on most of their speakers. Sonos do not have Bluetooth, and only their sound bars offer optical input. Kanto, PSB, and Paradigm tends to lift their treble (though you can fix that with basic tone controls). Audio Engine applies limiting and compression artifacts at high volumes. Nothing from Klipsch or B&W is neutral and is tuned for seniors with hearing loss, by seniors with hearing loss. Most of these models don't offer USB inputs, though some offer TOSLINK/RCA/3.5mm/phono/Apple AirPlay.

My Kanto Yumi has worked fine for the last 7 years, but it's probably too big to use on most desktops.

All very good points Hambrabi. I guess you have to make sure the computer speaker / powered speaker you are purchasing has the connections and features needed for your intended application. My comments above are purely about the sound quality and neutrality of the passives.

There are of course tons of desktop amps and dacs that could do the job versus a powered speaker too. Depends on space on the table top and prices vs features too. Lots to consider.

I purchased a pair of M2 powered speakers for a family member and he used them for 6 years or so. He upgraded his computer setup to a TV monitor with full Axiom surround package and gave them back to me. They have a self protect, so if abused you need to power cycle them to reset the amp.

6 years later I regifted them to my nephew at Christmas for his bedroom. The boys have a dance party everyday now and I think he will always have good speakers. Upgraded from Songe Bob radio. Can you spot the budding audiophile? Surviving fine with kid abuse. A-ok. Loves them and music!

[quote=TrevorM]They have a self protect, so if abused you need to power cycle them to reset the amp.[quote]

Interesting. I have the M1 Audiobytes from 2008. Their linear power supply amp has self-resetting protection similar to the ADA amp design.

At the risk of being a thread crapper, I've never seen the point of going with powered speakers versus getting the equivalent non-powered and a small desktop amp. Well, I can see a few points, it's mildly easier to set-up, the M1 is a smaller footprint, and as Trevor alluded to, in the case of small kids - less to handle. On the flip side, speakers last for 20-30+ years and electronics far less. So all things considered I'd rather be able to swap out an inexpensive amp as opposed to trying to fix a bad powered speaker.