I am leaning towards the M22 and VP100. I have heard that it might be better to use another M22 as a center instead of the VP100. What do you think about that?

I am also looking at Ascend 340 SE. How the the two compare? Which is the brighter of the two? I am looking for something neutral...not overly bright, not overly warm.

I have listened to some Paradigm mini-monitors and liked the sound. How would the M22s compare?

Thanks for any input.

If you can put the M22 vertically in the center, it is the best choice of center.

I have not heard either the Mini moitor or the Ascend.

Welcome to the Axiom forum claysae.

If you are looking for a neutral speaker I would look at the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170. The measurements conducted by the NRC show this speaker to measure extremely well for its price point.

http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/ascend_cbm170/

The M22 is Axioms most neutral bookshelf speaker and measures very well and the M22 would make for a great comparison to the 170. Do note that these are 3rd party measurements for the ti version and not the V2 so there have been improvements from the ti to V2. If you have the ability to place a matching vertical speaker this would be optimal.

Have fun with your speaker shoppping! Enjoy!

http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/axiom_m22ti_se/

I have the M22/VP100 combo and the 100 is a near perfect tonal match, another M22 is of course the best match, but if you must go with a horizontal center have no fear when getting the VP100 it works just as well, you only miss from the upper bass region, ~90hz on down but your sub will take of that.

Ascends are a very well made speaker going by owner's reveiws, I have yet to hear any though.

Thanks. There are two systems I am currently looking at:

Axiom: VP100, M22 and QS4

and

Ascend: CMT 340 L/C/R and HTM 200 surrounds

Specs look very similar and price seems about the same. I have an LFM-1 Plus sub from outlaw, so 80 to 100hz and below will be handled by my sub.

I am looking for something neutral to bright, but can handle high volumes without becoming distorted and harsh on the ears. My listening will be 100% HT and from what I have read about Ascends is that they are geared more towards music.

Hi clay, welcome. I don't think you'll go wrong with speakers from either of these companies. Axiom may* have a more immersive design on their Q series surround speakers vs the Ascend directional design, however. I have not heard Ascend speakers, but have read positive reviews on them.

I agree with Adrian. Considering that this is HT only, the QS series deliver a LOT of value. I don't think you would find a lot of difference between the two companies fronts & center in non critical listening for HT.

Clay - my brother just upgraded his surrounds to the QS4's. I can tell you first hand they are awesome in their design and function. We both run M3ti's as mains and certainly recommend these but would be remiss if I didn't endorse the M22's as well. They run a little louder and a little leaner. I just picked up the LFM1 + from Outlaw and find that to be a great sub too...have to keep taming it down.

Thanks. Just purchased the same sub myself. Does anyone using the M22's notice it getting too bright at high volumes, where it can cause listeners fatigue and hard on the ears. I noticed this on the Pardigm mini monitors that I listened to...so I dont want soething that bright.

Hi Clay,

Paradigm mini-monitors are a lower-grade Paradigm line that should not be used for comparison purposes with Axiom's M22s.

The earlier Axiom M22ti is almost indistinguishable from Paradigm's high-priced Studio 20 bookshelf model, and the current M22 v2 includes further refinements from the M22ti (a new all-titanium dome tweeter) that make it wonderfully smooth and refined. I assure you that the current M22 v2 will not get harsh or edgy. My double-blind tests are performed using strings, horns, sax and vocals that will reveal any tendency towards excessive brightness or harshness.

I have never heard Ascend speakers.

Regards,
Alan

I concur with Alan's statement about the M22Ti's vs the new M22v2's. My Ti's are a tad bit more forward than the v2's I compared them to a couple years ago and if the current M22 is even more refined than the v2 I listened to, then the M22 should be one smooth speaker.