Follow-up on the M3s. Three speaker demo.

The 3 speakers I have in my 14x14 gameroom are Axioms M3 ($275), Monitor Audio's Bronze 2 ($400 + tax), and JBL E30 ($200 + tax). The jury is still out as to which speakers will get to stay, but it's down to the Axioms and the Bronzes. The JBLs are still involved in the listening tests, but only as stands for the other two speakers.

The JBLs had that bloated, boomy bass that made me feel like I'd eaten too much spaghetti and had too many beers - so they're out.

The Axioms and MAs sound similar much of the time, but depending on the recording one or the other usually has the edge. The MAs are WAY louder than the M3s, but a few clicks up on the volume knob and problem solved.

When the M3s sound better - like on Al Dimeola's "Kiss My Axe" track #2 or on Devil in a Woodpile's self titled CD - they sound very vibrant and alive while the MAs sound a wee bit chesty and flat. For example, a banjo on the Devil in a Woodpile CD sounds very distant on the MAs, but quite present on the M3s. Not that the Bronzes ever sound bad at all, just not quite as sweet as the M3s.

When the Bronzes sound better - like on Joe Satriani's "Strange Beautiful Music" or Luciano's "Great Controversey" (an incredibly "hot-mastered" newer reggae recording) - the Axioms are a bit too harsh on the top end. With the M3s, Satriani's "wa-wa" effects are largely lost to the cutting edge of the guitar. The hot reggae recording is just plain painful on the M3s (my M60s with sub handle it just fine, however).

Classical is great on either. I listened to some Bach harpsichord concerti (concertos?) and a nicely recorded disc of Handel favorites. The two speakers sound very similar and both excellent.

The Bronzes have more bass than the M3s, but not as much as the Monitor Audio Silver 2s ($750). I made the saleslady move the Bronzes into the same room as the Silvers the day I bought them. IMO the Bronzes are every bit their equal, but without the floppy, incongruous bass of the Silver 2s. Axioms M3s, of course, also have tight wonderful bass.

I'm not sure which speakers are going to stay, but I would be happy with either (having solved the acoustic problems in the square, hard room).

Just my 2 cents regarding something on topic (as opposed to beer, politics, etc...).

Wow.
The detail of the review, was for lack of a better word, detailed.
I would love to hear the Bronzes. I would actually love to hear one of each from the Bronze, Silver and Gold series that MA offers. That would be a great comparison.

I would say choose the Bronzes if they had the wood veneer so at least the cost would be justified, but considering the Bronzes are also vinyl wrapped, then at this point, it is hard to make the call. I guess it may depend on how much of your music sounds better on the Bronze vs. the M3s.
That could make for one long listening session!

That's a great review! I love the description of bloated bass. are you planning on putting in a sub?

Am I wrong in thinking that you've also got M22s? How do those compare to the M3s? I'm kind of wondering how they sound in comparison... Maybe I'll just have to buy those. Anyone know what the shipping-back cost is from CA?

I feel like a dork bumping my own weak thread, but there have been some further developments. With about 10 days to make up my mind on the M3s, it appears they may be staying. While listening to some Bob Marley the Bronzes showed some cabinet resonances that I do not care for.
The area the Bronzes had the greatest edge was in the deep bass frequencies, so I hauled out an old (ca.1990) Bose bass module to use as a stand and thought, "Why not try to use this thing as a stand and a sub?"
Lo and behold it seems to work. Didn't seem to muddy up the midrange (though I only had time to listen to one song) and has provided a touch more thump, which the M3s (or any bookshelf speakers) could use.
Oh, and shipping the M3s from Corona, Ca., back to Canada would have been $33 or so.

It came down to:
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 ($400 + tax + shipping M3s back to Great White North) for about $465.
OR
Axiom M3s paired with a butt-kickin' antique Bose bass module for $275.

Not a weak thread at all. Just not one that produces a lot of questions or responses. I enjoy reading reviews and thoughts concerning Axioms and other speakers. Thanks for posting Mark.

Yes, there seems to be remarkably little interest in the M3/40/50s these days....

hey BigWill,

I was just in Corona this past weekend golfing at Green River, and then dinner at Miguel's.

Just an FYI, the Bronze B2's can be had in Orange County for under $350/pr.

In reply to:
Yes, there seems to be remarkably little interest in the M3/40/50s these days....

I would like to hear this "line". I wonder what the different sound sounds like. I might need to check the auditions thread.

Yes, I agree. There is not enough talk about the "laid back" line. I am on the verge of getting a pair of 3ti for a two channel bedroom set and have been try to glean as much as I can about them from posts here. The endless rave wave for the 22ti has been the main reason I have not yet pulled the trigger on the 3's. Funny that one Axiom speaker is stopping me from getting another! I want to know honestly if the difference in midrange clarity can only be heard in extensive, direct AB comparison or if it is fairly minimal. I like what I hear about the bass from the 3ti making it a better all-round performer, but I want to know if I would really be giving up all that much if I go with the 3ti. If anyone has any thoughts on the 3ti vs. 22ti for a two channel, music only setup, please speak now before the
"laid back" line gets crushed under the next wave of enthusiasm for the 22/60/80's

Yeah, I did a search on M40 reviews last night. About a year (or 2?) ago, someone compared the M40, 50, and 80. Apparently the 40 came out on top, where price was concerned, and beat the 50 in most categories. If you search for showdown and M40, seaching for all posts, you should find it.

Mark, you're a dork

Just kidding, of course.

I deeply appreciate you sharing your comments.

I think the reason most of the board traffic is not around the M2/M3/M40/M50 lines is because most people who take time to post here are looking very seriously for an "upgrade" system rather than an entry-level system.

Having been highly satisfied with my M60/QS8 system, I would not hesitate to buy other Axiom models for other applications. That is, if I ever get around to running Zone 2 wiring, the M3 will certainly be my choice for speakers in the kitchen. Likewise, when my 9 year old daughter gets her first serious hi-fi (I DO wish we would call it a "hi-fi"), she'll be getting M2's and a small sub.

I'm happy Axiom makes various products for various budgets and applications.

In reply to:
Likewise, when my 9 year old daughter gets her first serious hi-fi (I DO wish we would call it a "hi-fi"), she'll be getting M2's and a small sub.

Are you my daddy?

If not, would you consider it?

I don't know that I would tag the M50s as an entry-level system. Also, the M2s are more similar to the M22s/60s/80s.

Just nit-picking.

Dermott, there have been lots of comparisons between the M3's and M22's over the years. I think I've even done one myself. You might want to run a search.

Anyway, the long and the short of my view of both, is that they're both awesome speakers. I own both the M3's and M22's. I use the M3's in my bedroom and M22's in my main system. I have done some direct comparisons between the two (but not that extensive).

I found that only in comparison to the M22's, did the M3's "miss" a little of the midrange clarity, and forward sound of the M22's. The M3's do have better bass, and even though I have an SVS sub in my main system, I have contemplated swapping the M3's for the M22's for that reason. I decide against it, though, due to the great combo of the M22's and a good sub.

Bottom line, for a bedroom, I think the M3's are perfect, especially if you won't be using a sub. I have the benefit of having built-ins in my bedroom, so I am able to keep a small sub (Velodyne VX-10) out of sight (helps with WAF) within a cabinet in my bedroom. Obviously this is not audiophile quality, but the bass does reinforce the M3's. If you will be using a sub, the M22's would probably be overkill in a bedroom and you could get away with M2's.

Geez, Ken. You know I'm just a humble beer geek trying to navigate the treacherous waters of the home theatre ocean.

Sonically, I'm sure you're right. I was trying (feebly) to differentiate based on market placement. The M40 and M50 are not the "ultimate" Axiom towers and the M2 and M3 are not their "ultimate" bookshelves. Anybody who, for whatever reason, is predisposed to tower speakers, has a budget and discovers Axiom is likely to look first at the M40/M50 models.

Obviously, I'm committing conjecture among scientists. I'll be burned at the stake eventually.

In reply to:
I'll be burned at the stake eventually.

Lucky for you, beer don't burn so good.

Bigwill,
You mixed Bose with Axiom?
That's like mixing Glenlivet with Labatt Blue.

Curtis, Miguel's happy hour is one of those too-good-to-be-true deals. TOP NOTCH Mexican grub and cheap drinks, can't beat that. For you LA & OC guys, Miguels is the large Spanish stucco building immediately south of the 91, off the Maple/Sixth St exit in Corona. Much better than sitting in traffic on your way to Vegas.

Chess, LaBatts does indeed blow. I'll sell the Bose (which blows as well) at my next garage sale, but until then the Acoustimass Bass Module and I will be rockin'.
Y'a ll V GHG F C DFC VDD C G F I GH N G S C OOPS MY 6 MO OLD TOOK OVER.

chess, it's the other way around, isn't it?

Whoops! I didn't mean to come across as nasty. I guess I'm just a nitpicker at heart.

Also, what the hell do I know? All I've heard is the M22s...

I've been informed that I need to use smilies more often so as not to be misinterpreted as a total [censored].

I'll give it a go.

That's what happens when you mix things Peter. They get all mixed up.

Or perhaps more like mixing Bushmill's blended (an overhyped brand) with Knob Creek.

That made me literally, physically convulse. Stop now, please.