I'm deciding between the Paradigm Mini Monitor and the Axiom M3ti. Please give me reasons, don't just want an answer bassed on brand loyalty. I've learned from other boards that axioms have a more pronounced high end compared to the Paradigm. I won't be listening at high volumes so would the even notice the difference?

-BigK35-

BigK,

from what I hear, this probably actually helps the listening at lower volumes. More pronounced highs and mids allows for lower volumes. All else fails, do what we do... BUY BUY BUY!!! Anyway... Good luck on your decision!

Hi BigK35

The M3Tis are among my favorite speakers. I use them with a 5 wpc tube amp 2 channel system with a nice sub. I had a pair of $3000 Infinity Composition Overture 3 towers, which I thought were darn good. I then heard a pair of M3s, sold the Infinities and haven't looked back since.

The M3s are incredibly sweet speakers, full, rich accurate mids, stunningly open and airy highs and the bass is accurate and honest to as low as it goes. The highs are not shrill, or unpleasant - they are complete. These particular speakers are wonderful at low-moderate listening levels. I wish I could tell you how they compare to the Paradigm minimonitors, but I've never had the pleasure of listening to the Paradigms. I don't know what kind of music you like, but my recommendation is get a pair of M3s, throw in the Verve label Getz/Jobim CD, Loreena McKennett's Elemental and Ed Gerhard's "Live" CD, find 'Homage,' then go to 'Slide-Improv,' and I dare you to get the smile off your face. If for any reason you don't like 'em, return them, or you could probably sell them locally for the same amount you paid for them.

Enjoy the music. Trust your ears. Laugh at people who think they have all the answers.

i started w/ paradigm monitors. they make great speakers.
the upgrade bug hit me around christmas. i sold them and tried rockets. now the rockets are gone and i own axioms. i'm very happy with the axioms because i dont have to worry about a local dealer. i had problems with the paradigms and the dealer was over 50 miles away. paradigms probably (still) have the best resale value. it's really incredible.
you can't go wrong with either brand. i've actually been thinking about getting paradigms for my bedroom and/or hallway.
see if your local dealer will allow you to demo a pair of monitors at home while you are in your 30 day trial period with the axioms. or, see if you can take the axioms into the store.

I completely agree with 2x6spds analogy of the M3's ... a pair of which currently reside in my living room.

They are a very complete & balanced sounding speaker.

Their highs have been described by some as "bright" ... IMO they are not ... Bright to me means harsh or having some white noise sizzle .... these sparkle , like highs should.

The balance between the highs and midrange is exceptional as well ... eclipsed only by the M22's which seem to balance just a bit better .

Having said that ... I OWN Paradigms for my main theatre.

IMO the Axioms challenge / compare to the Studio Series V2's (I have yet to hear V3's) (I have 100's and 40's)

Very impressive at 1/3 the cost .

The M3's do not require a sub for music listening though one can help in some tracks . The M22's need and blend very nicely with a sub.

I took a very close look at the Mini Monitor and Reference 20 when I was shopping. I would have been very happy with the Reference 20, but I found the Mini Monitor to have an exaggerated and boomy low end.

Everytime I hear "bright", I start wondering what the heck people are talking about. Music is not dull. Petre said it best, they sparkle.

When they say "bright" - I know they mean like a naked lightbulb, but the M60s are more "bright" like lazer beams! Super accurate, crystal clear, beautiful, etc...

My favorite is when people complain that cymbol crashes sound harsh on the Axioms. Duh...

If you are used to a speaker like the Rockets, I am sure Axioms will sound bright by comparison. When, if you ownded Klipsch, the Axioms would not sound bright.

Too true.

"Ears, I'd like you to meet Axioms. Axioms, I'd like you to meet ears."

As with most introductions, it takes a little while before both parties relax (i.e. break the ice) and are comfortable with each other.

Although it's been said and pointed out many times, I can't help but bring it to call one more time. For the money, I don't believe you could ever go wrong with Axioms. I feel that they'll give you better sound for a lot less money over Paradigm, plus Axiom's customer service is second to none. It's just my opinion, I could be wrong.


Sutter Cane

Ha! I knew there was a reason for hanging around these boards...

BigK:

In the course of getting my new HT system together, I've auditioned lots of bookshelf speakers recently, including the M3s, the Mini Monitors, and Cambridge Soundworks Newton M60s. (If you do a search, you might find my mini comparo in the "Questions and Comments" section. Here it is in a nutshell.)

My $0.20 on the Paradigms :
The mini monitors were the best sounding of all the speakers I listened to, period. Granted, I heard them only in the store; a 25% restocking fee tends to deter an in-home shootout. YMMV. Easily the best balance of richness and accuracy. They were not, however, the ones I ended up buying.

CSW vs. Axiom
Very close contest, with a slight advantage going to the M3s for best sound. I don't know if reading too many reviews pre-disposed me to think they'd sound like dog whistles, but I never found them bright or harsh. Just beautifully accurate and maybe just a shade cooler than the 'digms.

Ultimately, I went with the CSWs because, for less than $300/pr., they sounded 90% - 95% as good as the Paradigms and the M3s, but, sporting real maple veneer and a swanky blue-gray grille, completely ran away with the prize for "Dead-Sexiest" speaker. For me (and my interior-decorator wife) that's a big deal. After evaluating overall performance, including looks, I felt like they're the speakers that we can live the most happily ever after with.

That said, if styling isn't an issue (or you prefer the look of the M3s) I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them as the best bang/buck bookshelf anywhere. And the Axiom folks consistenly redefine the standard for great customer service.

FWIW, I haven't heard the M22s, but everyone says they are the shiz-nit. If you're going to spend Mini Monitor money (~$340 US, IIRC) you might want to consider the M22s. I'm sure they'd give the Paradigms a serious run.

Hope that helps w/o muddying the water too much. Good luck.

Roger