I am looking for bookshelf speakers under $500. I have been looking at the POLK LSi series and the monitor B2. I have read several reviews and the axiom M22ti keep coming up. I eventually will be buying the same speakers for surround for movies. I have never listened to the Axioms. Any advice or recommendations?

Take a look at the audition thread and see if there is anyone in your area who has the M22tis and can let you audition in their home.
If that is not an option, you can always order a pair (the 30 day moneyback guarantee is very handy for this), audition them and not send them back because you love them so much.

jr

If you want detailed speakers, the M22 is likely your best bet for under 500, but your ears will have to be the final judge.

wow there is much to choose from in that price range. check out audioreview.com and read some real user reviews for axiom, paradigm, ascend, psb, etc. i find many of the professional (read Paid) reviews are skewed.

good luck in your quest.

Another contender in that market space is iliad....one amazing speaker in the price range!!

I listened to a pile of speakers before making my first Axiom purchase. You need to do the same. I'd say listen to a dozen different speakers at all your local shops, and pick the one you like best. Ask them if they'll let you listen to them in your own home. Many will...others may make you purchase the speakers, and offer a liberal return policy. However you need to do it, get your favorites into your own home, and then order a pair of M22ti's. Give the two of them the Pepsi Challenge in your own living room.

I too was looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers in/around $500. I finally got it down to the Energy C-3 and brought a pair home. I then ordered a pair of M22ti's. The M22's were much clearer. Not as much bass, but with a sub that didn't matter. I returned the Energy's for a full refund, and kept my beloved Axioms.

Everyone has different tastes in sound. What I like you may hate. Go listen to as much as possible and widdle down your choices. But in the end try to give the M22's a listen. I think you'll be very surprised just how good they are.

Hey Falcon,

As a m22 owner, I can vouch for them. I auditioned probably about 15 speakers in the $500 range and decided to take a chance on the 22's based on the all the on-line reviews. No regrets whatsoever!

As you've probably read, however, the 22's are VERY detailed and accurate. There's no hiding bad mixes on these babies. For example, I like U2 and Led Zeppelin, but the mixing is horrible on a lot of their albums. I really have to fidget with the settings on my receiver to be able to listen to their recordings. But then you put in a recording that's been well-mixed or remasterd, and oh baby, you're in sonic heaven. I don't know what kind of music you like, but The Beatles and Dave Matthews sound superb. Classical and jazz also come alive on the 22's.

Anyway, let us know what kind of music you like. Also, what kind of sound are you looking for--something more open and airy sounding or something more warm and laid-back?

Good luck shopping!

-JT

I just got my Axioms a week ago. I auditioned locally and narrowed my search down to the Wharfedale Evo's but decided to give Axiom a try first knowing I had a 30 day trial. I don't regret it at all. I am still going to take my Axioms up to the Wharfedale dealer and do some AB comparisons, but am fairly sure the Axioms won't be going back. I will know for sure after this weekend.

That being said, I recommend you audition the Wharfedale Evo's (Evo 8 and Evo 10 are the bookshelf models)if you can find a dealer near you. The Evo 10's have received a lot of praise and they deserve it. They offer outstanding value. Great sound and great looks. Easily the winner out of everything I auditioned locally (trust me....the list is too long to post here).

You should also give this a listen since your in that range.

http://magnepan.com/spk_mmg.php