First off I am a complete noob when it comes to audiophile quality stereo equipment. I just recently got a bonus from work and I'm looking to buy a "nice" pair of stereo speakers. The Axiom M50's are about as much as I can afford or want to spend. I was all set to purchase them but they don't seem to be very highly rated on this site from what I've been reading. I just recently noticed that the Athena Audition AS-F2's are also similiar price and very well respected. I listen to a wide variety of music from Pink Floyd to much more bass heavy bands like TOOL. I'm not looking for bass that is going to knock me over but I'd like it to at least be present and noticable. From what I read the Athena's have much more kick in the base area then the M50's but I was wondering on how the mid's and uppers compared between the two. I know I could probably buy either of these and they would blow away my Bose Accoustimass 7 Series that I have now but I wanted to get some well respected advice. I've read many posts on this site and have learned quite a bit.
Thanks in advance.

Well I'm not too far from noob territory myself but I'll try to help anyway. Had both these speakers at home for a bit so here's my $.02.

The Athenas are more sensitive, so they'll sound louder at the same volume. There's definately a higher quantity of bass from the Athenas, though now that I've learned enough to be dangerous, it's probably not terribly accurate bass. I also had the M60s at the time and found the the AS-F2's midrange didn't sound as clear as the M60s or the M50s. At first the Athenas sounded better, more bass, louder, but the more I listened to the quality of the sound, the Axioms really begin to shine.

If you're not going to get a sub, want volume and are willing to sacrifice some quality and clarity, go with the Athenas. I wasn't happy with the clarity of the M50s myself. If you want accuracy and clarity, and real kick, you might think about factory outlet M22s or M3s and a sweet little sub like a HSU VTF or STF series. I've got M60s with a VTF-2 and couldn't be happier.

My current stereo setup cost me under $700. It consists of M22's and a Velodyne VLF810 I bought at www.etronics.com. I would highly recommend this system, but since you like slammin rock music like Tool, You may not need the midrange and may need more upper midbass slam. Otherwise, somehow come up with the little extra cash and get the M60s. They seem to be pretty impressive speakers that no one seems to be unhappy with.

I often listen to Metallica on DVD-A on my M22's in Stereo mode, and the M22's can still slam well without the sub. But I do not know if it will be enough for you or not.

Well maybe I should rewrite my subject line above because I decided to buck up and go for the M60's!! I've read so so many good things about the M60's and if I get them out of the outlet store they should only be $100 more then the M50's. So, does anyone want to compare the M60's vs. Athena Audition AS-F2's?? Just kidding...from what I've read I'm pretty damn sure the M60's are much superior. Thanks for the great advice.

Welcome to the club! As for the comparison, check out my last reply. The M60s are far superior. Mine are factory outlet and I couldn't even find a blemish on one of them. The Athenas look flashier but once you see build quality of the Axioms and hear them, they pretty much sell themselves. The bass won't be quite as hard hitting with the M60s, but it will be much cleaner. Save up, add an inexpensive sub later and you'll be in audio nirvana.

rdwarn - I listened to the Athenas before buying my M60's. Not a fair comparison. The Axiom bass is SO much tighter and more musical, it's not even funny. Get them and add a decent sub later.

Another point to consider is that the Athenas are enormous. Really, the boxes are just huge, and, to my eye, not nearly as elegant as the Axioms.

oh. its funny
read post above

anyways look at the m60's or m22's as they seem to be the speakers that would be your best bet

i have heard, but am not sure that its a different type of speaker in the m40 and m50 compared to the m60 and m80 and m22