Well, after a lot of researching I decided on buying from axiom, but now i'm am trying to decide what configuration would be best. I have about $800 to spend on a receiver, 2 fronts, and a sub...not much I know :/

My question is, should I go with the m22s with a velodyne vx-10 budget sub($150) or m3s with a more powerful sub for somewhere around $300 (maybe a better velodyne or hsu)? I live in a fairly small dorm room and will probably use the system equally for HT and music (rock).

I'm going to match them either with a denon 1603, yamaha 439, or HK 125. Which brings me to my second question...which of the three would be the best match?

You may not really need a sub, even with the M22. They put out bass, it is just not really low bass. They still sounds fine with music and will be a little lacking with HT, but so will the M3's, maybe you should get the M22's now and spring for a nice sub later. Try not to ever buy things you know you are going to regret.

Don't get the M3ti, instead get the M2i with a nice sub. The M2i is more accurate than the M3ti (and thus more like the M22ti).


M3ti


M2i


The only advantage the M3ti has over the M2i is that without a sub, it is a better choice. With a subwoofer, though, it is obvious which one looks better. Even SoundStage!'s review states that the M3ti isn't as nice as the M2i (with the exception of bass).

With so many people recommending the M2 and M22 over the M3 is making me wish I didn't have them as my fronts. I have a STF-2 sub on the way but haven't had one in the past. I guess that's the reason the Axiom sales guys told me to get the M3. But seeing it inaccurate in the graphs is making me feel like I'm missing out on better sounding speakers. Should I replace them asap with the M2 or M22 instead?

Without a sub in a small room, most people would opt for the M3ti. But since you have a Hsu on the way, the M2i or M22ti may be the better option for you.

Its all a personal preference. Ignore all that crap from other people because if you like the sound of the M3 then it is fine. I had M22. I found the sound forward in your face and piercing to my ears. I sold them and went with M3 and enjoyed them more. It was more laid back and pleasing to my ears. You are not losing out ... it is more of a personal preference. I have posted somewhere else that there are lots of other top notch excellent speakers that do not have a flat responce (looking like the himalayas) and these speakers range from $5000-$40,000. And they have been rated as top notch speakers like the Axiom are in a price/performance ratio.