My room is 12W X 20L X 9H. I will be using the speakers almost exclusively for theater use. I am in a townhouse so I don't really play my movies too loud, about -10 (at most on average) on my Denon 2307 CI. A lot of times we just watch tv usually in stereo unless we are watching HD channels, so the volume levels are usually lower when watching sat.

Saving a few bucks is a major concern, but I don't want to sacrafice audio quality\detail just to save some cash. I have read a lot of the M80 vs M60 comparison questions and it seems unanimous that if you listen to a lot of 2 channel music, the M80s are the way to. Almost all of my music has been converted to mp3 and I listen to it on my mac through desktop speakers on the upper level of my town house.

Perhaps with these new lossless audio formats in movies, the M80s would be better.

So...my final question is, would M80s be overkill for home theater use in a 2160 sq ft room at moderate volume levels and at times lower levels (when the wife falls asleep on the couch next to me and I don't want to wake her)? Again, I don't expect to listen to 2 channel music on these speakers.

I also want to add that I have a sub (with the x-over set at 80 hz on the receiver), so i'm not concerned about how low the speakers can go.

thanks

i have the same size room 13x19x10 and went with the M60's. My purchase was also driven by the fact I have a Sony ES5300 and isn't recommened by Axiom for the M80's since they're 4ohm. I'm blown away by my speakers...incredible clarity, very neutral, just absolutely love them. I'm sure some will say that the M80's are better (sure they are). But paired with my HSU 3.3 sub I'm more than covered for the bass. Couldn't be happier with my purchase.

Go for the 80's and avoid upgradeitis Seriously both speakers are great. I traded up from the 60's to the 80's and am very happy with my decision, the M60's sound great, the M80's give you a little more of everything.

HomeDad, are you using your speakers solely for HT use? or are you playing a lot of 2 channel music?

My room is twice the size of yours and I have the 60's. They do a great job with movies and music.

Bill3508

I use mine for both, Imho 2 channel music sounds better with the 80's but like I said they both sound great, also my space is very large.

I owned both in a almost a 8,000 cu ft room, and they are both great for music AND ht. In fact all Axiom speakers are good for both applications. Don't listen to us, do what works for your budget and room situation.

Also remember that the trade-up program might still exist down the road if you feel the need to "upgrade".

If they are 'exclusively' for home theater, the M60 is the way to go considering money is a concern. I went from the M22s to the M60s, and for home theater, I did not notice any difference (2 channel music is another story). So I bet that there would not be a noticeable difference between the M602 and M80s.

The problem is though, once you have the M60s, you will want to listen to more music, and then upgraditis will set in and you will want the M80s!

My M80s are in a listening area that is only 12x16 and I sent back the M60s because the M80s are slightly more clear/detailed at lower volumes, more like the M22s I had become accustomed to only with alot more lower midrange and bass. The M60s sound nearly identical to the M80s to me, once the you get close to reference SPL's, but the M80s sound the same (detail is always there, vocals are always more present) at all listening levels.

An opportunity is presenting itself.... 3 yr old M80's at a pretty reasonable price. Are they V2's if they are 3 yrs old?

The 60's will be fine. You'll never "miss" anything unless you compare them side-by-side with the 80's. Plus, keep in mind how DEEP both of these speakers are. There used to be some concern about room placement with the 80's, but nobody mentions that any more.

Unlikely, but it's not a big deal.