Okay...I've auditioned the B&W 704's, and I love the warm sounds they produce. Sounds very airy and natural to me. However, living in Mississippi, my other choices for in-store auditions are severely limited. I'm considering placing an order for a pair of the Axiom M60ti's, so I can hear them in my home. Before I do, though, I'd like to hear the opinions of those who've compared these to the B&W's. I'm just looking for sound characteristics, not "this is better than that." I just want to know if the Axiom's have a similar, warm sound, or if they're bright. Do they produce an airy, open sound-field? I'd just like some info on how they sound, relative to the 704's, since they're the only reference I have at this point. Thanks very much for any feedback!
Rob
I auditioned 703s before I bought my 60's and I have read were others on this forum have compared 703s with M60s. I think the 60's are neutral and maybe a little more forward than the 703s. I later upgraded to M80ti.
I think it's worth the freight to try. You might even try the M80ti if your room is big enough.
Ahhhh the famous Axiom VS B&W question
It is funny how often people ask this question around here... I ended up with M60's after demoing against 703's in my brother in-laws recording studio. Don't get me wrong, I like the 703's, but felt the 60's performed as well, if not a little better. My brother in-law, being a diehard B&W fan, can't believe what I paid for the 60's. Personally, I think Axiom could charge more than they do, but I don't want to give them any ideas
Randy
60's 150 350 4-Qs8's
Denon 2805
Panasonic S97S HDMI DVD Player
Sanyo Z2 WXGA projector
Samsung HD tuner
A while back, I was deep into an internal M50/M60 selection debate, and while learning about the M60 by finding out about the 703, I also learned that the 704 was the analog to the M50.
I know that Clint (editor in chief of Audioholics.com) had B&W's for a while. I seem to remember a post not to long back where he remarked that once he heard the Axiom's, he switched and never looked back.
I auditioned B&W 703s (the dealer I purchased all my Rotel gear is an authorized B&W dealer as well, and they say they both match each-other very well), actually three times: two times before I got my M60s and once after. Needless to say they are awesome speakers (not very sure for 704s though). However comparing $900 with $3000 (this one plus tax as well) a pair (M60s to 703s) it is an easy choice: Axioms!! They are actually very similar in sound: M60 is a little forward sounding but so is 703 and so I like it. I went back to the store a while after I got M60s and yes, I thought 703s may be a little better, kind of better soundstage and tighter bass managment but I was not sure if this was due to dealer's showroom acoustics or other factors. Plus, they are so similar sounding. Again, for the price M60s is an easy choice between the two. The ideal comparision you can do is: get M60 on the mail and talk to your B&W dealer if you can audition their B&W 704s or 703s in your home with your own equipment. I know it is difficult, but not impossible: for these expensive items, dealers may be able to do such favors...
i auditioned b&w 703 too. It's great speaker, especially the mid and low end. But compared to M60, for value and sound, i would go for M60. To me , M60 is not far away from 703. With proper setup and room treatment, M60 is great at its price.
The only thing i wish that Axiom can improve more is offering a better cabinetry even though Axiom can increase price a bit more. Great sounding speaker with great build quality is what i aim for...:)
If you have budget, go with 703.
I haven’t’ heard M60’s, I have the 80’s. Axiom claims that they sound the same.
The 80’s are more forward/detailed/brighter than the B&W’s. If you like that laid back, less detailed, warmer sound, you may not be too happy with the 60’s or 80’s. The 50’s are supposed to be a little more laid back. As others mentioned, the shipping is free and you have 30 days to send them back if they aren’t to your liking. But that being said, I didn’t think the B&W’s were all that laid back and warm. I thought they were a fairly forward speaker. Paradigms were less forward to me.
I don't think Axiom claims they sound the same. Many people on the boards claim they sound the same.
That’s what the salesman told me when I bought the 80’s. Same sound, but that the 80’s played louder.
I do believe Alan has said this in a reply or two.
the "they play louder" statement was all I needed...."that will be a Visa, number....." done deal.
Damn I love these speakers......they're pumping away, two levels up in the house about 60 feet away from me, and it feels as if they're only five feet away. only way I could hear my phone right now is if it were in my pocket on vibe...
Enjoy man, I wish I could crank up my system right now, just don't think the wife, two boys, and our dog would appreciate it
you just gotta do it then they aren't there. i
finally got the chance/nerve to crank up my 60s to 0db on the Denon 3805 listening to "Sultans of Swing". WOW! not only could i feel it in my chest i thought my face was gonna melt (kinda like the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
). and it wasn't harsh or bright or any of that crap that you hear naysayers uhhh saying about Axioms. it was pure auditory bliss!! (the dog didn't think so, he started off lying down in front of the 350 and hightailed it out of the room on the first guitar chord!
)
I’m listening to “The Jealous Sound” right now. I bought this CD about two weeks ago and can’t stop listening to it. Great recording, good vocals that actually tell a story, great separation of different instruments…. I’m loving it….
I don’t really know what Genre it is, but I like it. Maybe a mix between Alt rock and ??? no clue….kinda mellow, but fast at the same time. The cymbal taps and crashes are just too friggin cool.
Try the same volume level with Dire Straits' "Private Investigation". mwc turned me onto that recording. Even though there's some audible tape hiss, that's a great track to give your speakers a workout.
hmm don't have that one. i guess i'll have to pick that up when i get off work in the morning. plus i've heard that the new Robert Plant album is really good. has anyone here got it, and if so how is it??
Yes, this is a fantastic recording for its age. This recording has great dynamics and a rich 3D soundstage. Don't let the tape hiss deter you. It is audible at first but not overbearing. It seems to diminish significantly at about one minute into the song.
AshB: (re: Robert Plant)
Go to aol.com and do an artist search for Robert Plant. I found a recent "sessions" @aol.com that has the Sony studio live videos of three new songs plus some older Led Zep songs. You will get a good idea what the new songs are like. The new band is really good! I am planning on purchasing the cd this weekend. Can't wait to hear the whole cd.
Cheers,
Shaun