http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/axiom-audio-vassallo-m60p1.php

Randy, thanks for the link.

This is my favorite part: "The m60’s, while maintaining what I would call an extremely high level of fidelity, don’t seem to be as hard edged as the m22’s. To use an analogy, the m22’s give you the bad news straight; the m60’s at least pat you on the shoulder while they deliver the news."

That one just kills me! Good stuff.

My favorite quote from the article was when he was discussing now axioms sound. As you know many AVS trolls/bashers like to define Axiom as being "bright".

If I had to use a word to describe Axioms as a whole, I use the word “unforgiving.” These are the type of speakers that say, “Hey, I’m just playing this stuff, I didn’t record it!”

God those new finishes are beautiful.

That comment on the M22's sounds so true it almost scares me that I have them on order. Cant wait to get the straight facts with no pat on the shoulder first. My STF-3 just arrived and hopefully I see my M22's in the next couple weeks.

When I auditioned at Jakewash's place it was so true about his M22's. I played some Bob Marley and it was recorded with a heavy bass track that no way the speakers sounded "lean" as some would say. Conversely, Neil Young's live recording from the CD "WELD" really revealed the less than optimal recording. Good review.

"Their vinyl finishes were generally considered high quality… as vinyl goes. Personally, I’ve never seen a better standard vinyl finish on a speaker (they also offer custom vinyl finishes)."

The various criticisms I read surrounding the basic vinyl finish lead me to believe that I might regret not paying extra for real wood. However when I received my speakers just last month, I was amazed of their overall build quality. Yes, I would have liked to have gotten real wood, but after receiving my speakers, I can no longer justify the choice for myself. Although, the look of the real wood finishes still makes me drool somewhat.

Nice review, btw.

I too love the look of real wood, but having said that I love my current setup. I also just purchased a pair of M3ti's in the standard vinyl oak finish for my parents and one of the very first things they commented on was how beautiful they were, and how well made they seemed. Axiom does vinyl really, really well. It's just not real wood, that's all.

I have the standard vinyl.

My brother bought last months 'owners club' factory outlet real wood epic m60/ep500 setup.

The wood was very nice, and the factory outlet flaws were very minimal and acceptable considering the substantial discount.

After seeing both finishes, If I was to buy a new speaker setup, I would be purchase the standard vinyl, and put the savings into better speakers or other equipment.

The main thing is my brother is very happy with his speakers. I was relieved because I steered him to axiom

And what are you going to use your Axiom bucks for? Or did your brother not mention the audition I am taking donations if you don't have a need for them....... if you are getting some.

He called and mentioned the audition at purchase.
I am waiting the 30 days out, due to return policy, but I dont think his could be returned anyway. Havent decided what to do with the bucks, when/if I get them. Probably will let them slowly fill the vacant time of my brain until I am full consumed with a non stop barrage of thoughts to upgrade my subwoofer. ... Now wondering how much I could get for my gently broken in EP175 in boston cherry ?
I'll keep you in mind if the above mentioned manifestation fails to occcur
randy

It's these Axiom bucks that got me going in the first place soon it shall be your turn.