Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Bass response difference in tower models

I am wondering how much difference there is in the bass response between the m50's, 60's and 80's. Particularly betweent the M60 and M80. I read a review that claimed there was a pronounced difference. Its hard to imagine that 2 inches in height can add that much to a speaker. Especially when the driver compliment is the same. I'd like to get the M80's for the bass response, but I am concerned that the midrange and tweeter output on that model may be overpowering in a smaller room.
The last time I purchased stereo equipment in the early 1980's designers were still using 12" woofers for top of the line speakers. Now it seems 6.5" drivers are the norm. But then everyone says you need a subwoofer. Hmmmm.

The 80s and the 60s sound very similar - and the 80s would not sound as good in a small room, since they are quite tough to position. This is what I've read on here.

I'd spend the extra $300 on a HSU sub with the 60s instead of on the speaker - that'd make a huge difference in bass, opposed to the 80s without a sub.

I would point out that the M80s are not only 2 inches taller, they are 2 inches deeper--This adds a whole lot of volume (in the sense like length and area). I'd say that could account for more bass. Similarly, the 60s are 2x2 larger than the 50s and also have an extra port.

Looking at the specifications It looks like the M80's would give you a tad more (34-22K) than the M60's @ 37- 22K. From personal experience, you will find the M80's to be extremely tight when it comes to bass, I’m almost positive the M60's would yield the same performance. Most people here recommend subwoofers because they have home theaters or different listening tastes.
I have a separate listening room and it does not incorporate a subwoofer. I have pair of Energy loudspeakers that is similar to the M60's. MOST loudspeakers don't do very well below the given specifications anyway, that is another reason why people incorporate subs in their systems.

I know what your saying when it comes to the 80’s speaker’s that had 12” drivers. I had a set of JBL’s that where almost 7 feet tall and was considered to be the flagship model for the time. They had one side that was slanted. This was before Harmon International purchased JBL. They delivered punch but not below 30 Hz. The big driver at the bottom was mainly an air mover.

In this case I don’t think size matters. The smaller drivers are far more accurate than the larger ones, unless you want to spend a fortune on JM Labs.

Tom

This will explain it better than I can.
http://www.axiomaudio.com/archives/freqresp.html

what is an "HSU" sub?

Hsu Research

One of the most recommended subwoofer manufacturers around here. The other two being SVS and Axiom. Well, OK, there's also some others, but most people go with SVS or Hsu. Poke around. It's kind of fun.

www.hsuresearch.com

Kcarlile,ya beat me to it.

I seem to be doing that lately, eh, BigJohn?