Are the Axioms as good as the reviewers say? (1 Viewer)

[John Garn]

The reviews I've read make one salivate over the M3s and M22s--trouble is most of those reviews are on websites that are showing Axiom advertisements. The 5 speaker shootout review (cheaphometheater?) might suggest they have substantial competition close to their price range. I have no doubt they're probably worth their meager prices but are they truly that much better?

 

[BrianB]

I can't compare their sound to their rivals as I haven't heard them. All I can say is I am *very* happy with my pair of M3tis.

 

[John Garcia]

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...light=shootout

 

[keir]

I have compared the m22 and the paradigm titan v.3 side by side. so relative to the titan i can say that they are very good. the m22tis had better treble, detail, volume, and neutrality than the titan. the titan had better bass but sounded a bit thick in the lower midbass when crossed over to a sub (didnt realize it before i heard the m22ti beside it). i know these arent in the same price range (titan-$220, m22ti-$400). but if you heard the paradigm titans/atoms at least you have a general idea of where the m22 stands.

 

[Leo_P]

I'm the very satisfied owner of a pair of M3's (and a VP100). I got the Axioms to replace a pair of JBL N24's and an N-Center. The Axioms are, IMO, a huge improvement. I haven't done an "A/B" comparison to any other speakers, so I can't tell you how they compare.
FYI, I got the Axioms solely based on what I read. They have a 30-day return policy (though you have to pay for return shipping) so I figured I'd give 'em a try. Needless to say they didn't go back and now I'm saving up for a pair of Axiom M60's.
In the end only you can judge if "they're probably worth their meager prices" or not.

 

[Eric_Singer]

I've compared the M22's to the much costlier Paradigm Studio/40's, and they actually match up remarkably well. Cost aside, the Studio/40's offer a tad more bass and are slightly clearer in the midrange (I prefer the M22's more forward highs), but factoring in the cost ($400 vs $1100), the Axioms really are a steal.

 

[GuyL]

Hey Eric,

How does the sensitivity between the Axiom and Studio 40 compare? Just wondering if there is much of a difference volume wise?

 

[Fong]

i own the m22s, and i must say they are definitely worth it. they are quite a bit better than the titans v3 (only speaker that i've really tested them against). they extend low enough to sound full ranged, and have very controlled highs and midrange.

i also bought them from online reviews, and decided to keep them immediately after i heard them. i didnt need to break them in. despite what some people say, they were awesome right out of the box.

their sensitivity is a couple of db higher than the titans (using a radioshack spl)

 

[Eric_Singer]

The Studio/40s have a sensitivity of 90 or 91, I think, while the M22s are 95, so there is a fairly significant difference. I also hadn't heard the M22's before buying them, but I did let them break in for a week or so (made a huge difference, I feel) before deciding to keep them, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

 

[John Garcia]

I have only heard the M3s but in a similar comparison, I would not put them in the same category as the Studios. They are at about the same or slightly higher performance level as the Monitor line, IMO, cost wise and performance wise. I felt the Axioms were a tad bright, due to the aluminum mid-bass driver, but the tweeters sounded very similar. Bass & midrange was tight but bass was not as low as the Mini Monitor.

What amp/reciever will they be used with? This is fairly important, since the Axioms are on the bright side.

That does not mean they are not a good speaker for the price, which I definitely feel they are, but don't think you are getting Studio level performance for half the price.

 

[GuyL]

The Studio/40s have a sensitivity of 90 or 91, I think, while the M22s are 95, so there is a fairly significant difference

I know Axiom rates the M22's at 95db, but Soundstage.com tested them at 87.5 db which makes me wonder if my 60wpc H/K 310 would be enough to push them to clean loud volumes.

 

[John Garcia]

I don't see what there is to worry about? 87db is still pretty efficient, and the H/K has plenty of current. If you are that worried, get the M3s. While they like a lot of power, and can take it, they should do fine with less power as well.

 

[Fong]

axiom's page lists 95db as an in-room rating, not anechoic. so in reality, they are probably closer to upper 80s to low 90s, depending on your room and amp.

the m22s hit ~65watts at peaks, so i think a 60wpc receiver should do just fine.

I felt the Axioms were a tad bright, due to the aluminum mid-bass driver, but the tweeters sounded very similar.

the mids on the m22s are far from bright, imho. every song or movie that i've played sounded very flat and natural.