Hey everyone,

In the process of putting together a simple 2.0 potentially 2.1 in our living room/kitchen that’s about 25’ x 17’ x 12’. The speakers will be on one of the 17’ walls. I was looking at both the m3 and M5hp onwalls. These will be driven by a NAD d 3020 which gives me concern about M5’s since I read that are more power hungry. Will be 65% movies/35% music so if either of those does a better phantom center I’d be interested in hearing about that also. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Between the two, M3 for the reason you stated.

If you plan for 2.1, go for M2. The M2 is more linear than the M3 within its operating range. More accurate music and vocals means clearer sound and more dispersive and expansive. BTW, I was using M2OW in my living room without a sub for a few months for music. I liked it.

I'll start by saying I've never heard the on-wall version of either; but I do have the M3 and M5's.
The M3's are very nice, but I wouldn't use them for a full-up living room set-up. The M5s are much more of a full-range speaker. The M5s like power, but don't sound bad without it; I'm driving mine (two sets) with low- and mid-range Yamaha's. Although the NAD is a only 30w, I think you'll be okay for the time being and will it'll sound good; especially if you have a decent sub and can move the cross-over up a notch, to say 100. That said, you may find you want a larger amp in the future; but with the M%'s you'll be all set on the speaker front.

To you're point regarding the phantom center, I'm not sure of this; but given the 3-way nature of the M5's I'm thinking they'd better handle the center channel, which is typically mid-range.

Edit: Ran an errand and Mojo snuck in there. I do agree that the M2 would be a better choice then the M3; but I'm still going to stick with the M5 reco. Go ahead and tell me why I'm mistaken Mojo!

You're not wrong. I should have checked the data sheet (below) on the NAD. It won't have any problem driving the M5s.

For the price of the M5, you can get M2 + sub.

Regarding the phantom centre for movies, I was never able to get a good phantom center with any speaker until I moved to the active LFRs. The centre image on movies is much better compared to the VP160v4 (which is an excellent center). You may be a less critical listener though and the M2, M3 or M5 may fit your need.

https://nadelectronics.com/product/d-3020-hybrid-digital-amplifier/

Great feedback from the both of you, thank you!!!!. Honestly the reason I was looking at the M3 over the M2 is there is a pair in the deals store right now but I’d rather spend a little more for the right speaker if that warrants it and I go the 2.1 route. Would you say the 2 is significantly better?

I currently use vintage KLH model 6’s which actually do a great phantom center but may have to look into doing a 3.0 or .1

Those actives are beautiful but in this set up I’m looking to keep as much off the floor as possible which is I have the small integrated amp and looking at on walls.

I like a lot of axioms choices but it’s causing paralysis by analysis!!!

If you've been listening to Kloss Model 6, you are in for a real treat with the Axioms.

Some say the M3 has more satisfying bass. I found I couldn't control the bass in my living room from bookshelf M3s but the bass from both bookshelf and on-wall M2s was just great.

The M3 does not have the resolution the M2 and M5 have in the mids. The M3 is like an M2 with a drape over the mid-woofer driver. I've always said I like both the M3 and M2 because while the M2 gives me clarity, the M3 is easy-listening and sounds nostalgic. It would be cool to have an M5 that allows one to switch between high rez sound vs mellow and laid back.

The M5 will go louder to party levels with a more powerful amp. You may have problems controlling the bass from the M5s just like the M3.

If you've been happy with the phantom centre from the Kloss, no problem with any of the Axioms. I think the Axioms will make you a more critical listener. For that, there's always the trade-in program and the loyalty discount helps too.

BTW, I've had almost every Axiom speaker in my living room. The M2 bookshelves and OW sounded best and were minimum fuss for set-up. Also note you would not give up much in soundstage and imaging between M2, M3 and M5.

My 2 cents…..

Disclaimer, I have not listened to either speakers you suggested but will share my current experience as a relative beginner audio enthusiast…..

I’d consider the m2 with subs or m5 and go for more a full range sound that gives room to grow with a bigger amp one day.

You’re cubed room volume is around 5000 ft3. ( I’m personally just learning and puzzling over my own new space , hence my comment here…) and the ability to have a modest upgrade path is nice.

A short anecdote……In my old space my m60ti were absolutely perfect , as I realize that now, being in a new larger space. It’s lost its emotional impact, still sounds pretty good but not what it was before. How does this relate to you? Get something that will give you the ability to have a level of emotional impact and satisfaction. Obviously it’s balance between taming a bigger speaker or pushing a smaller one. I will say the axiom mid range sound is phenomenal and I think that would help with TV and movie vocals as you state 65% movies. The mid band always impresses me, always, and may bring more satisfaction in the long run for you. I vote for the .1 as well to fill out the bottom end if going with m2. May not need it with m5…..

In being part of the forums for a little bit now, listen to the guys here ( not necessarily me….) but these guys know what they are talking about. I’ve seen many posts come and go and folks say “ oh man you were totally right!”

So to sum up, my vote is for a speaker that gets you the axiom mid range woofer. M2 or M5.

The guys here will comment I’m sure if my advice is off the mark…. But I hope it helps the decision making!!!

Axiom is really good about not minding if you buy both and return the one you like least (I just did that with M80s and LFR660s); you could get M3 deal and an M2 and compare. You'd want to call them though.

The M2, M3, M5 all fit on the same bracket so you can take them on and off easily. In fact, all on-walls fit on the same bracket. Why not just buy them all from the M2 all the way to the M100 and return what you don't like?

Mojo shops for speakers the way my wife shops for shoes ...
Except I'm sure Mojo doesn't forget to return the ones he does not want ...

I love all the v4. Even the ones I love to hate - like the M3. The M50 was the biggest positive surprise!

It’s a much bigger step up in price for sure, (but just brainstorming here….) but maybe some guys could comment on the m60 m80 on wall? Maybe you can achieve a full range sound without subs and keep everything up off the floor, ie no subs needed.

I totally understand the aesthetics have to work for what you really want which is keeping things off the floor.

Maybe Rebulx can comment? He’s got the big on walls. And has used m2 and m3 I believe.

Kodiak, for music, OK. Not for movies.

Not enough visceral low end I guess for LFE. Fair enough.

The active LFRs were extremely visceral in my 2000 cu ft living room. No sub needed. Can't say the same about any other speaker.