Need help in deciding whether I should buy the M2ti's + vp50 combination or the M3ti's + vp100. Is there a significant sound improvement with the 3ti's and 100? Is there enough improvement in sound to warrant the extra cost because the prices for factory outlet on the M2ti's and the vp50 is extremely tempting right now! However, I am willing to wait for the M3ti and vp100, but is it worth it? Also...what has the M2i improved on over the M2ti??

Hi asap.

I own both the M3ti and M2ti speakers. Each pair is used in a separate 2-channel audio system.

Of the two, my preference is the M3ti. It is the smallest and least expensive Axiom monitor that lets me enjoy the music without the need of a dedicated sub (not that a sub wouldn't help, mind you). The M2ti sounds stellar with a small sub; and on its own, a little light in the bass. .

Axiom's current pricing on the M2ti's is awesome, so I understand your dilemma in choosing.

Whichever monitor you choose, step up to the vp100 for home theater. Better sound and greater flexibility over the vp50.

Good luck!

-alan

Thanks for the response.

So the only difference between the two would be deep bass extension? Or does that 'light' description refer to the midrange as well? I will be using either the M2ti or M3ti with a subwoofer so would I gain anything other than even more bass with the M3ti?

Bass extension and overall output are the salient differences between the M3 and M2ti. The M3 will extend lower (helpful in getting a more seamless blend with a subwoofer) and play louder than the M2ti.

Midrange is excellent with either speaker. Very neutral. However, the M3 has a subtle reticence in the midrange, a kind of "laid back" quality that many may find more enjoyable. I don't find that to be the issue with the M2ti.

I don't think you can go wrong with either speaker. I will simply reiterate my preference for the M3 as the least expensive Axiom monitor that I could live with without the use of a dedicated subwoofer. With a sub in hand (or more likely sitting in some corner - lol ), I would have have no qualms going for a pair of M2tis for a room the size of, say a typical bedroom.

Good luck!

-alan

Ok, thanks Alan.

I've decided to go with the new M2i's after reading the june newsletter interview where Ian describes the changes made. Sound that is "similarly good" to the M22ti and the M3ti is too good to pass up. Right now I'm just waiting for a steeper discount in the factory outlet for those M2i's...$25 off isnt enough for me to bite. As you can see I'm very frugal

asap2006,

i have yet to hear the m2i's, and i wonder how they will compare to the m3ti's. i am a huge fan of the m3ti's, and a lot of people are, so i'm sure we're all waiting for reviews of this new speaker!

good luck!

Just out! See excellent review and NRC measurements at SoundStage.com.

The photos of the speaker make the maple look darker than the ones on Axioms site, which is more accurate?