Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Very Confused...need advice on Speaker upgrade ($600)

While I never have heard stream speakers, I'll attest that they did completely rip off Infinity's design.

I heard the Alpha 50s in CC before, and I was very impressed with them. Not that I had much else to compare them to, but they were cool. The Beta 50s are more of the same, so if you want new Infinities, try and find Alpha 50s somewhere.

In general, I believe you are correct (though I haven't heard the M50s), but much depends on the listening environment. I have my M60s upstairs now and they sound positively warm and rich in that room (mated to some older Onkyo DACs).
All I ever listen to is the same Reggae for Kids disc right before bed time, but Hakuna Matata has never sounded better!
It's kind of like using a Ferrari to deliver pizzas, but I can't bring myself to sell them.

I haven't had the opportunity to hear "Hakuna Matata" on my new M50s yet-although I'm sure I will, relatively soon, especially after the kids get out of school for the summer. BUT! Tonight the kids wanted to watch "Finding Nemo" again.

Now, I must appologise for a comment I made a bit ago about the relative lack of "expected" bass I was hearing from the M50s.

The aquarium "Tap" is a whole different animal!! Same sub as before, same location. Only difference is the M50s vs. the M3s, and the drop of X-over from 80 to 60hz. The sound changed from basically a "Thud, thud, thud" to just about what one would think a loud rapping would sound like from within a tank, especially considering the excellent sound coupling of slightly polluted water. Must have picked-up a much stronger attack in the 60 to 80 range than what I would have supposed. (That, plus I have receintly re-set my reciever EQ to make the mains' bass flat down to just below 50-Even In My ROOM!!!) I had heard that the Tank Rap was near-violent, now I must agree! It IS!!!

As far as comparing your 60s to a Ferrari; nothing wrong with using something great for good use. Hey, if all pizza deliveries were made by Ferraris' we'd all end up with warmer pies delivered even faster!!

Rich.

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this is the impression I am getting from here: dont bother with the M40ti and go directly to the M50ti or better yet M60ti

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I"m presently recommending the M40s for my brother's HT.
He wants a full tower style but has little room to play with (an 11x15 room with a 50" tv coming). The M40s with a sub should be excellent choices along with QS4s and maybe the EP175 or EP350. He hasn't quite decided yet.

Guys, here is an update:

I did some more research over the weekend, and I have pretty much narrowed my choice down to 3 thus far: the B&W 603 S3, Axiom M50ti, and the Swan Diva 4.1.

I spoke to several local dealers and I cannot get anything below $475-$500 each (so you are looking at $950-$1000/pr) for the B&W 603. I love the sound on these puppies, but I must admit it is a little on the high side price wise.

I also spoke the the Swan 4.1 person, and chatted for a while...the 4.1 are actually better for music according to him, whereas, the 5.2 is a little more sensitive and has to be driven a little harder...thus, for my needs (50% music, 50% HT), I think the 4.1's are a good deal. Another thing that I really like about them, is that @ $500, they truly are a steal for what you get.

I am also leaning towards teh M50ti instead of the M40ti because of all you guys' comments. From all the forums I posted, I get teh impression that the Axioms are a little on the bright side, where as the B&W and Swan are more Neutral...I have a Yamaha DSP-A1 driving them, and they are usually also a little on the bright side, so I am not quite sure about the sound. One more thing I hope is not a big deal is the weight...the Axiom M50ti comes in at 36lbs, the Swan at 69lbs, and the BW at 55 lbs.

Still looking and confused, but for now it seems like the swans have a slight lead, followed closely by the Axioms...the BW are third solely on price...

Here is the chase thus far:

vs vs

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From all the forums I posted, I get teh impression that the Axioms are a little on the bright side, where as the B&W and Swan are more Neutral...

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It's more like the B&W's are a bit bloaty in the mid-bass. Axioms are very neutral.

Have you looked into the used market? Audiogon or Ebay?

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Have you looked into the used market? Audiogon or Ebay?

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yes, and the BW sold for like $800....tack on the shipping and we are looking almost at new costs for an older thing!

btw, is it me, or is ebay pretty much useless the last few years, because everything there is soooo overpriced now.

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is ebay pretty much useless

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i think it completely depends on what you are looking for.

when dealing with high-end stereo equip, i have found that the minimal savings most of the time isnt worth the risk to buy on ebay. often times, you can find better deals from reputable online dealers offering warrantys.

but, if you are looking for the right boot of your 1982 GI JOE Faukland Islands Commando Action Figure, then ebay is the place to look!

bigjohn

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It's more like the B&W's are a bit bloaty in the mid-bass. Axioms are very neutral.

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The folks at the audio store where I was checking out the Rotel gear had the RB 1080 connected to a set of B&W speakers and I thought they lacked some detail thoughout the mid-bass range, otherwise they did sound good. After peeking at some of the B&W prices I concentrated soley on the Rotel stuff.

I have my Axioms running through a Rotel RSP-1066 and powered by a Rotel RMB-1075. Very nice combo.