Paradigm Monitor 11 vs Axiom M60/M80

I'm pretty much down to two choices right now. I've auditioned the Monitor 11's and I was wondering how they compare to the Axiom speakers? It's going to cost me around $150 to audition the Axiom speakers if I don't like them, so I'd like to know if anyone knows which would be better for my system?

Room Size: 20L x 14W x 8H
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V2200 (6 x 100w)
Center: Bose VCS-10 (100w)
Mains: Bose 701 (200w)
Rear: Bose 301 (150w)

Hi Alex, I haven’t heard the Monitor 11s but if you haven’t looked yet check this thread to see if anyone in your area is offering Axiom auditions.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/showfla...e=0&fpart=1

Might save you the shipping costs if you prefer the Monitors.

Dean

Alex, the Paradigm versus Axiom debate has come up many times. You may want to try the search tool. In general, the Paradigm "Studio" or higher series are a closer match to Axioms. The "Monitors" have generally been described to be a grade below.

I agree with sirquack. I owned a pair of Monitor 9 speakers before switching to Axiom. My M22s, Axiom's largest bookshelf speaker, sound significantly better than the Monitor 9 tower speakers did. I'm sure it helps that I also have a great subwoofer to fill in the bottom end.

I listened to Paradigm Monitors at a local AV shop and I was impressed. Paradigm is their flagship line but they didn't have any Studios in at the time because they only carried them around Christmas time. (Realize that PEI is very small so the high end market is limited.)

I actually asked them if they heard of Axiom speakers and what they thought of them. I tried to let them know I wasn't trying to put them on the spot. I expected them to be neutral at best so as to not lose a sale but these guys are truly pros. They said they knew of Axiom and had heard them. They said that their floor standing models would be more similar to their higher end Studio series and that they might be a good choice for what I was looking for (accurate sound) if I was brave enough to buy them, unheard via the web.

Can't get much more honest then that! I really commend them for their professionalism, also the man speaking was the owner. After taking reviews and their words into account and especially after looking at the big price difference, I ordered the Axioms for the 30 day trial without waiting for them to get the Studio's in. I did buy all my accessories there though and I recommend them to anyone who asks.

I did get to hear the Studio's side by side against the Axioms though later on. A friend had already pre-ordered the Studios from them (he had heard them at a relatives.) I took over my M60s and we manually switched the front back and forth without the other speakers hooked up.

I wasn't and am still not qualified to give you a review of one verses the other. However, I'll just say that we are both extremely satisfied and had real trouble telling them apart at first. We got better at it the longer we did it but the only big difference we could agree on, was the price.

Andrew, that local AV shop owner deserves a lot of praise for his honesty and integrity. His shop is worthy of your patronage and support. Were I you, I'd establish a friendly relationship with him, and do all I could to help him stay in business (short of giving up my Axioms, of course

).

Quote:

Andrew, that local AV shop owner deserves a lot of praise for his honesty and integrity. His shop is worthy of your patronage and support. Were I you, I'd establish a friendly relationship with him, and do all I could to help him stay in business (short of giving up my Axioms, of course ).

This is so true! It's actually funny. Every time I drive by there, I feel like I want to go in and buy something. I actually feel bad that I have everything I need right now.

I do recommend them to anybody who needs AV gear as well as Axiom and I recommend talking to these guys as well as reading Axiom boards if they need speakers or want to learn about the science of sound.

I always try not to use a companies name online regardless if I am criticizing or praising them. That way people know I am not trying to promote or demote something I might have a personal connection to.

However, these guys deserve praise so I'm going to break my rule. If you are within reasonable driving range of PEI, a trip across the second largest bridge in the world is well worth it to talk to "Video Pros".

(edited to fix most of my bad grammer)