It seems like the more I read the more I wonder just how much I'm missing. I've had this setup for around 7 years maybe more and I get compliments like crazy on it still to this day. But based on everything that I've read recently, it seems like my setup is ***. So, this is why I want to slowly upgrade the old with some new. Thanks for the link.........I think!
Yeah, I know the feeling. I had a mixed setup of a bose center, second hand B&W 602 bookshelf mains, a pair of JBL rears, and an old second hand B&W 12" sub. I thought it sounded great. I did my research to set it up correctly and it was pretty good I thought. All my friends were amazed but I knew I didn't have good tonal matching because all the mismatches. The more I read the more I was interested in matching all the speakers. That was my primary goal because I thought my B&W mains were pretty good. I went with Axiom all around. M60, VP100, QS8. I was so happy with the tonal match that I missed so much before, but I was simply blown away by the accuracy of the new speakers that I wasn't expecting. An A/B comparision with my B&W 602 to the m60 (yeah I know not fair) was all it took for me to know I was never headed back to audio novice ever again. The midrange clarity and tight low end of the Axiom speakers is simply stunning. After such a difference in speakers, I wondered about my B&W sub and replaced it with a SVS NSD-12 and couldn't believe the differnce in low end punch. The B&W turns out to be pretty musical though. I would rate them even there.
So, with that said if you want to spend the $ go with a full system. You will not regret it. I am not saying that Axiom is the best speakers ever, I am just saying that they are such a step up in quality you can't go back. Also, the new B&W speakers are also very good, probably better than my Axioms. While I have not heard them, there are a lot of really good systems out there that compare with Axiom. Since getting the Axiom, I have found there are better values and better looking speakers that make me want to try them. I'm really partial to the look of the Kef's. So, listen to the folks here. Tell them what is important to you. And they will set you straight.
Oh, and since you are going with a sub, and I know you will, you should consider pairing it with bookshelves and save a little money. I'm thinking the m3's or m2's will replace my m60's which will go in the living room where I need to use the full range they offer. Seems like such a waste to cross them over at 80hz.
