I have decided on Axiom's, but want to get some final advice before ordering. I have decided on V150/QS4, but not sure about the fronts. The room will be a dedicated HT about 80%HT/20%Music (although I am guessing with the new system I will be listening to even more music!)
The room is about 15x17 with 8' ceiling and 2 rows of seating - first row seating about 10' back. I just purchased a Denon 3803 and am starting to break the bank on the budget. I've had people tell me bookshelves should be fine, but don't want to wonder if I should have just bought the M60's. The other comment I received was that if I wall mount the bookshelves it could give a better "theater feel" since it matches better the direction of the sound when at a theater?? (especially since my second row of seating will be raised)
If I got the M22's I was going to spend $600 on an SVS, but if I go with the M60's will probably go with the STF-2 and save a little that way.
Any advice on which might be best option based on the size of the room?
Thanks

i am not an expert by any means, but the scenario you are explaining sounds like the M60's would be the best bet. i think the size of the room might be on the outer limits of what the M22's can fill(i could be wrong), plus with 2 rows of seating, you will need a little more 'oomph' that the M60's can give to get the sound to the back row. and the M60's paired with the STF-2 should not leave you wanting for anything.

and if you were going to wall mount the M22's, that is not the best recommended option to optimize the speakers ability.

IMO, i think the 22's would do the job.. but i think the 60's would do the job a WHOLE lot better. call or email axiom and tell them your dimensions and options, and they will know for sure if the 22's are enough for you. they wont upsell you just cause, they will give you the best solution, period.

bigjohn

I'd go with the 60's and the STF-2. It's a couple hundred dollars more, but I think you would be much happier in the long term.

Yep...that size room would handle the M60's great.


Ooooh...I just noticed you say it's a dedicated HT room. You lucky dog! If that's the case, I'd still stick with M60ti's as mains, but I'd seriously consider saving up some real cash for a really kick butt subwoofer. Something to the scale of the STF-3 or even the 1220-HO.

When/If I ever get a dedicated room for HT, that's my plan.

Yep - I'm with tom & spiff. with the trip you have made thus far in your (ahem) dedicated (lucky SOB!!) HT room, you don't want to almost cross the finish line. The M60/STF-2 combo would be excellent in that size room.

Once Ajax wakes up and has his prunes, I am sure he will weigh in with his trip from M22s to M60s and what a very nice difference it made for him.

BTW, if you have any money left after we help you out here, let us know. There are several other really expensive suggestions we could make.

I have the m22s and experienced a similar situation. After about 4 months the midrange prowess of them began to bother me. I even tried the resistor solution. Problem fixed or so I thought. Within a few hours I found that the soundstage I liked was gone. Out came the resistors and the good was back. I've also listened to other brands, such as B&W, paradigm and psb. I have the Axioms because I like them better than these others and there is always the price consideration. I haven't heard the m80s, but I would think that dual mids and tweeters might be more than a bit much. Since the m50s don't have a dedicated midrange, that would pretty much fix that. Of course, I haven't heard them either. With my m22s, the fatigue issue has faded. I now like them more than I did initially. I believe my ears have given up and decided to accept what I won't allow them to change.

What do you think of the 22s as fronts compared to the 80s?

as u can see from my signature - i have the m22s and an svs pc+ subwoofer... i can tell u from my experience - it is awesome! great speakers!

now - will they fill your room? im sure they can fill it and get quite loud - not sure if they can reach reference levels for ht though - u may want to call axiom regarding that.

i can vouch for the svs sub - great sub, great price.

I was in the same shoe. I decided to get M60 since I may move to bigger room (currently, my room is 12x14). I pair M60 with STF-2 and they are awesome. WHen I listen to music, I disable the sub and M60 is fantastic for music.

In reply to:

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I was in the same shoe.

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That's a new one to me.

I think it's a combination of "We're all in the same boat." and "put yourself in someone else's shoes" =)

I believe you mixed up two colloquialisms:
"I was in the same boat as you." (meaning: In the same situation as you)

and

"If I were in your shoes..." (meaning: If I was in your situation.)

Keep trying. What is your native language, audiofan?

I BELIEVE the correct quote is "Don't walk a mile in my boat if you have a stone for two birds in the bush with shoes."

i knew someone would be able to come in here and make sense of all this.

ray, you are the voice of clarity!!

bigjohn