Axiom M60
I've had these for almost 2 months & am quite satisfied. I don't have a ton of experience with hifi gear but will tell you what I've heard.I have these driven by a Yamaha 3300 receiver (130wpc) & compared to the Boston 950's that they replaced($750/pr retail but I paid $400) there is,well,no comparison.The m60's have a nice clear,detailed sound,with good soundstage.They will produce good bass when called upon to,but I would not call them a bass-laden speaker.
While looking around,I demo'ed the Pinnacle Studio 60's & can honestly say they were a better sounding speaker overall.However,the store I heard them at had them tied to some higher end Rotel gear,so I didn't get a direct comparison.They were also $1700+ out the door.I also brought home some Sonus Faber Concertino Homes($1000/pr) to listen to for a bit.That is a nice little speaker that had a little sharper,more distinct soundstage/imaging & actually provided adequate bass for a smaller room.They are a laid-back speaker & don't provide great clarity but are very,very smooth. But to get a full sound out of them you would need a good sub,so theres another $500-$1000.
The m60's($800 delivered) are an excellent value. If I had a gripe I would say they suffer from a bit of sibilance. I've listened to a ton of CD's on them & that has been consistent.It's not horrible by any means but I've noticed it.When I really put the juice to them(-15 on the 3300) they start sounding bright.That is ear-ringing volume in my 10X18 room(which is not treated in any way).What I don't know is how much of that is due to the Yamaha.I've got a decnt CD/DVD player(Mitsubishi DD-6030/$220 retail)but it's not a top line unit.I'm eventually going to add an amp to the Yammy & see if that improves the sound.
Bottom line:
From what I've listened to in stores & in home,I haven't found a better speaker for $800. In fact,I haven't found a speaker that's even as good or close. I've heard the Deftechs,Bostons,Polks,Klipschs,Monitor Audios,& others that I won't even mention.Any of those brands lines under $1000 don't sound as good to me as the m60's. These aren't great speakers but they are a great value.If you can afford more then go for it.If not,I recommend giving these a listen.
