Except the extra max amp power, the only other difference I can see between these two speakers is that the M22ti has an additional woofer ... but would this be necessary if there's going to be a subwoofer? Has anyone noticed any unquantifiable differences between these speakers?

You are right that the m22ti 'only' has one more driver than the m3ti but it is incorrect to assume that they differ only in bass response, though that is one difference. They are very different designs. Obviously the cabinet size and geometry differs and less obviously the M22ti has a crossover network and the m3ti does not. Though both sound great they don't sound the same! The M22ti is simply a bigger speaker and sounds like it. Some say it has more clarity. I'm sure others will add to this opinion.

I got the M22s. What helped me make up my mind, since I couldn't hear them, was the the reviews and NRC measurements by SoundStage( M3,12/2000; M22,11/2001)which probably can be found most easily at the ecoustics.com site.

If you examine the anechoic frequency curves you'll see that there's actually very little difference in bass extension between the two. In fact the M3 has a slightly elevated response in the upper bass from about 80-150hz which apparently gives an impression of greater"fullness" in the bass. I was more impressed with the flat response of the M22s in the upper bass, mid-range and treble, so I ordered them. I found that what the reviewer reported wasn't an exaggeration. The mid-range and treble are truly excellent and make the speakers a tremendous bargain. The bass is adequate for nearly all music( although perhaps not for movie crash/boom/bang). Using my test-tone CD, I found that the room reinforcement in my listening room resulted in strong bass at 50hz, much weaker but still usable response at 40hz and a just barely audible 32hz.

I don't believe that you can go wrong with the M22s.

Hello alm129,

I couldn't have said it better than JohnK's response, although you should remember that most of all male singing voices fall into the region of "upper bass"--from 100 Hz to 800 Hz or so--as do lower female vocals (altos, contralto, etc.).

This is a very important region and the M22ti's response through the upper bass is very smooth. Moreover, the M3ti has a noticeable dip in its on- and off-axis frequency response between 1 kHz and 2 kHz, which is audible, as is the M3's lesser output between 2 kHz and 5 kHz. This gives the M3ti a softer, more "laid-back" quality on a lot of instruments. The M22ti is very linear and smooth through these regions, which adds great detail and clarity, although pop CDs with aggressive treble will be mercilessly revealed. Even vocal mikes with sibilance peaks will be evident. But on smooth recordings, the M22ti's yield a fine presence and sense of realism.

Regards,

alm129d

I own both speakers and use both as mains, depending on what room I am in. The m3's are in my bedroom.

I can clearly say that the M22's are better speakers. They are way more than just one extra woofer. They are clearer, more detailed, have a much better soundstage, play louder, have more bass reponse, and so neutral it can balance rain water.

you can email me if you want a more detailed review, or if you want to drive to montreal, you can hear them A B comparison
my email's crowchild7@yahoo.com

happy listening!