I've narrowed down my upcoming purchase to either the M22 (bookshelf) or the M40 (tower). Any advice or preference would be appreciated.
Where do you live? Can you audition them?
I think you decision depends on what you listen to, and whether or not you are going to get a sub.
I was in the same boat, and deciding that I really wouldn't be able to afford a quality sub for some time lead me to the M40's. I also listen to a lot of early punk and "indie rock" that isn't always recorded so great - and the M40's I had read are a lot more "laid back" and forgiviing, whereas the M22's are more exact, or "analytical."
Even thougth M40's are considered more laid back, they can still bring out some details of my more rare/demo style stuff that make me cringe - the recording is just SO bad, and I never noticed it quite so much before. Joy Division live recordings and some Beatles studio rehearsala are among the stand-outs here.
So I'd say a lot depends on your taste and what you listen to, A lot of the jazz addicts and classical fans drool over the M22 (but you really should have a sub) - but I think the M40 is probably a better choice for rock.
I'm no expert - but in short - I think in absolute terms, the M22 is a better speaker. For me, though, I think the M40 was a better choice due to music preferences and my reluctance to go the whole subwoofer route.
Hope I helped,
nowave
I already have a subwoofer Sony SWAM40 which I absolutely adore. I really am looking for good home theater mains which could also satisfy my music tastes....I like hard rock like Tool.
Ok, what a relief. I did it ... I just purchased some M22ti's. Amazing few days of research. I was going to purchase some JBLs from Best Buy a few days ago. Then a stumbled across Axiom on the internet. Never heard of them before. I just could not pass up the value and the positive praise that I have read everywhere about these speakers. I can't wait to get them.
My view is that whatever a person's musical taste, he should want to hear the performance as accurately reproduced as possible. If it was poorly recorded,tough. Although I agree that the M40 would be more "forgiving", that's exactly what I don't want. The combination of M22s and your sub should be excellent.