How bright are the Axiom M60 v2? Or just accuracy?

[scorpionleather]

Some people describe the M60 v2s as bright, and others explain that this just means they are accurate. Any perspectives from owners to clarify? I don't like bright sounding speakers but the M60 v2s sound like spectacular performers based on all the reviews.

JasonEuc writes: "After reading all the internet scuttlebut about Axioms being "bright" or (even worse) "harsh", I was a bit concerned since I've never really preferred that sound quality. With the M50's I just can't agree with this description of their sonic character. I would describe them as "clear", or "revealing", but would not even tend towards "crisp", much less "harsh."​

 

[rnatalli]

Bright is a relative and subjective term. Axioms aren't quite as bright as Klipsch, but brighter than Rockets. The only way to know if you'd like them is to try them.

 

[scorpionleather]

These are a bit tricky to test drive because the manufacturer is Internet-only. I just ordered a pair so I guess I'll find out..

The other piece I'm working on figuring out is the receiver to drive the Axioms. I'm leaning toward the Denon AVR-2809CI and I wonder if this is a neutral receiver when paired with this speaker. I also like the Sony DA-2400ES but that is known to be bright (but has nice HDMI video features). But I noticed most audiophiles are anti-Sony (post 80s Sony) so I'll probably stick with a Denon. Not much into the Onkyos.

I'm sure there must be someone out there with a 2008/09 model Denon running these speakers.... ?

 

[fredk]

Bright is indeed a relative term. Axioms products have a very flat frequency response vs. a rolled off high end for somenthing like the Rockets.

In general, people prefer a slightly rolled off high end. So relative to the Rockets, the M60 high end will be a little bright.

Now, we are talking 1-2db in a range less sensitive to our hearing compared to say the midrange so the difference will be quite subtle.

So, are they bright? Depends who you ask. Are they different than the Rockets? Yes, but the difference is subtle.

Harsh is a pile of doodoo. There is nothing an any measurements of any of the Axiom speakers that supports this.

 

[scorpionleather]

That makes sense. Also I plan to bi-amp them because I am not much into surround sound, I'd rather make the system optimized for 2.1 music. I wonder if I will notice any different with this extra power.

 

[fredk]

Depends. How big is your room (do you really need more power)? Are you using separate power supplies/amps or just multiple channels from the same recever (not really bi-amping).

The M60s are a very efficient speaker 100wpc will give you a lot of volume unless its a really big room.

 

[evilkat]

Owning a pair of M60s, here are my (SUBJECTIVE) impressions:

1. Speakers definitely sound brighter than the other speakers I've auditioned/heard

2. If you play a movie soundtrack in stereo mode, (pure direct on my Yammy receiver) I feel that the speakers lack bass punch...this may be because I'm used to hearing the tracks with my subwoofer on, but this is subjective.

3. Music sounds good though, but pairing up with a subwoofer sounds better to me.

I have to say that despite the slight lack of bass, the speakers sound really good to me. For instance when watching Black Hawk Down, during certain explosion scenes its like you can hear the individual grains of sand fall back down to earth, so it feels like the sound u get is incredibly clear and detailed, but I wouldn't go as far as to call it harsh.

I don't think u'd be dissapointed with these speakers, the only question is do you think the speakers are worth the money u pay for it. I don't see you going wrong with them if you pair 'em up to a good sub.

 

[BoB/335]

Which is why I am considering the M80's. I am expecting them to have a better bottom end than the M60's.


btw I purchased a Denon 2309 2 weeks ago. It seems the Denon was a good choice. Many on the Axiom forum seem to have a Denon receiver. The 2809 is probably a better choice because of the pre-amp outs so that you could always add a larger power amp down the road.

(I had to stop somewhere)

 

[scorpionleather]

The room is ~ 250 sq ft. Will I get the best results setting the Denon AVR-2809CI to "small" main speakers, crossover 80hz with the Hsu STF-2 subwoofer? Would this be likely to totally solve the bottom end? In other words, Bob are you considering the M80s because your setup does not have a standalone subwoofer? I am thinking to bi-amp these (extra Denon channels) because I won't be using a surround and otherwise those channels would just go un-used. Unless there is some disadvantage to doing this..

 

[pzaur]

There is no disadvantage to what you are wanting to do. The only problem is that bi-amping is only effective when paired with an active crossover. The Axioms use a passive crossover.

Do a search on the forum for bi-amping and you'll come across some excellent threads.

-pat

 

[BoB/335]

I'm not up on the settings of these systems yet but from what I've read it sounds like what you have stated.

I do not have a dedicated sub YET but I've always understood that recorded music sounds more natural with a good full range speaker that goes fairly low. Probably to get the high bass/low mids that could be missing from a speaker/sub setup. (Assuming the speaker doesn't go that low and the sub doesn't go that high.)

Maybe a true audiophile can shed some light on this topic. (or maybe I'm totally wrong or that this was the thinking back in the day)

 

[NicolasKL]

I'm not up on the settings of these systems yet but from what I've read it sounds like what you have stated.

I do not have a dedicated sub YET but I've always understood that recorded music sounds more natural with a good full range speaker that goes fairly low. Probably to get the high bass/low mids that could be missing from a speaker/sub setup. (Assuming the speaker doesn't go that low and the sub doesn't go that high.)

Maybe a true audiophile can shed some light on this topic. (or maybe I'm totally wrong or that this was the thinking back in the day)

I've heard a few people say that but I've never seen them explain why they think that. Any decent system shouldn't be missing ANY of the high bass or low mids so that's definitely not it.

 

[audion3wb]

I've heard a few people say that but I've never seen them explain why they think that. Any decent system shouldn't be missing ANY of the high bass or low mids so that's definitely not it.

From what I have seen in my (somewhat limited experience) is that yes most music is above 40hz and so good floor standers can produce down to 40hz. However without spending big $$$$ on speakers you are most likely going to have front towers that start to rolloff at or around 60hz. Just go look at the graph that is on the Axiom website and they show a consistant rolloff starting at 80hz. So that 80-40hz region would be less pronounced with just the floorstanders and no sub. Would the music sound good? Probably, but your taste in bass would be a major factor in how much you liked them with or without a subwoofer. If you are just using them for music then the subwoofer is not as crucial, but if you decide to do HT then the sub is almost a necessity.

 

[evilkat]

If u don't like your music too bassy, then the Axioms will be 'okay' is my guess. For movies though, the subwoofer made a *HUGE* difference in my opinion. Granted I am not a big audiohead, but I think the setup sounds a heluva lot better with the sub on (the apt floor starts shaking a bit ).

 

[fredk]

Will I get the best results setting the Denon AVR-2809CI to "small" main speakers, crossover 80hz with the Hsu STF-2 subwoofer? Would this be likely to totally solve the bottom end?

Yes. Unless the main speakers have a serious problem on the bottom end around the crossover, the sub will make up for any missing bottom end.

My unserstanding is that Bi-amping through a receiver does nothing bacause all amp stages have the same power supply. Whether you deliver the full power of that supply through two channels or 4 makes no difference. The common power supply is the limiting factor here.

If u don't like your music too bassy, then the Axioms will be 'okay' is my guess.

Music will sound very good with the M60. The -3db point on the M60 is 37Hz and with room gain this probably goes down below 35Hz. Most music has no appreciable bass below 35Hz.

What you will get with a good sub is more detail on the bass and more extension for music that contains pipe organ or synthesizer with notes below 35Hz.

The difference between the M60 and M80 in bass is both more extension and more detail. The difference is that the bass opens up. It is hard to explain exactly what this means, but is sounds a lot more like live music: less 'flat'. A good sub will do the same.

Edit: FWIW, the lowest note on a bass guitar is 41Hz.

 

[fredk]

Just go look at the graph that is on the Axiom website and they show a consistant rolloff starting at 80hz. So that 80-40hz region would be less pronounced with just the floorstanders and no sub

In reality, with room gain, in room I can't tell the difference between just the 80s and 80s+sub on most music. I expect it would be the same with any speaker with a good bottom end.

 

[larry7995]

I am sitting here listening to the mix album Thrillseekers - Nightmusic Volume 3 and my M80s have lots of bass and everything is crystal clear. I am pushing them with Outlaw M2200s which I think are 300 watt per channel (4 ohm)
One of these days I want to get a sub or three but for now I am not complaining. I would recommend them highly.

 

[B3Nut]

Edit: FWIW, the lowest note on a bass guitar is 41Hz.

Or 30.8Hz, if you play a 5 or a 6 (or more!)-string bass with a low B string.

Now if you drop-tune to low A.... (incidentally matching the low A on the piano...)

Todd in Cheesecurdistan

 

[BoB/335]

"and my M80s have lots of bass and everything is crystal clear."

So you wouldn't say that they are bright as some do?

Just asking. I've spent quite a bit of time researching the M80's.

 

[larry7995]

I would have to do a side by side comparison with another speaker to say. I think they are a great speaker and I crank stuff right regular and can't believe the amount and clarity of sound comes out of those speakers, Like yesterday I was listening to Michael Buble do the song Call Me Irresponsible and had it seriously cranking with the big band behind him and it was awesome!