Axiom M22 vs. M50's

[chpwaman]

Will I notice a big difference in sound between the bookshelf M22's over the Floor standing M50's? These will be placed in a 18x14 room with 9 ft ceilings. I'm not too concerned with the extra cost between the 2 models, but I don't want to spend a lot more than what the M50's cost on the mains. Which ever I choose will be later joined (providing the Axioms don't get sent back), with an Axiom center and surrounds and an SVS sub. My initial thoughts were that the M22's paired with the sub would work, but then again, maybe the extra $300 for the M50's is more than worth the money. I just don't want to get into a situation where I'm spending more money for equipment I will never be able to fully utilize in my space. Thanks for the input...

 

[Pianoman84d]

M22s or M60s, not M50s

It seems to be well established (meaning that Axiom's own Alan Loft said so) that the M50s are not designed to be as "linear" as the M22's or m60s or 80s. I believe that the centers are also designed to match the more linear M22s, etc... and not the M50s.

here is my understanding of how the Axiom models break down as far as matching each other. You should stick within one set or the other for perfect matching.

Set 1
Bookshelves: m2i and m22
Center: VP100 and VP150
Towers: m60 and m80
Surrounds: QS8 and QS4

Set 2
Bookshelves: m3
Tower: m50

It seems that you would want to stay away from set 2 if you were planning on using Axiom centers and surrounds.

Disclaimer: this is my understanding from hanging around the Axiom website and observing the discussions there. You should call Axiom and discuss your needs with them as I have heard that they are really helpful and eager to help with your home theater decisions.

With the above said, the size room you have is probably well suited to towers although with a powerful sub it becomes more of a personal preference and you will probably get many differing opinions on bookshelves versus towers.

Good Luck

 

[TheLaw]

I have the Axiom M22's, VP150, QS4's, and an SVS sub. The sound is incredible, although I cannot give you a direct comparison to the M50's as I have not heard them. My room size is approx. 16X26 and music as well as movies are great. My advice would be to go with the cheaper M22's and try them out. If you don't like them, send them back and try the M50's. Thats the beauty of the 30 day trial.

 

[KC23]

Consider the cost of stands of the M22s as well. This makes it a much smaller difference.

I would suggest you go to axiom factory outlet and get 10% off the M60ti's and avoid upgradeitis.

 

[ichigo]

Why prevent upgraditis though? I find its much easier to sell bookshelves later on that floorstanders if in fact he does want to upgrade to a higher pedegree speaker.

 

[Sheep]

Why prevent upgraditis though? I find its much easier to sell bookshelves later on that floorstanders if in fact he does want to upgrade to a higher pedegree speaker.

Couldn't agree more!

I perfer bookshelds over towers. I find them to image better and blend with a subwoofer better.

IMO.

SheepStar

 

[littleb]

I have tried both side by side. The M50s have a great deal of sweet bass, and perfect highs, while the midrange leaves something to be desired compared to the M22s. If your into clear, tight mids and highs stick to the M22s or upgrade to the M60s. If you want a somewhat more laid back speaker, the M3/M50 is the way to go. When I first listened to the two, I could hardly tell the difference, except for the bass of the M50s, but the longer I listened I began to hear the difference in these two speakers. After 3 weeks the M22s were a clear winner. But, I would suggest you call Axiom and order a pair of M60s from the FO and be done with it.

 

[chpwaman]

Thanks for the input everyone...I really wasn't considering the added cost of stands for the M22's, but I certainly would be getting closer to the cost of the M60's. I initially was under the impression that the M50's were just a bigger version of the M22's, but it sounds like the M60's are actually the "big brother" so to speak...at least are matched better with the center and surrounds.

 

[KC23]

Why prevent upgraditis though? I find its much easier to sell bookshelves later on that floorstanders if in fact he does want to upgrade to a higher pedegree speaker.

I'm not. Just bringing it to another level.

M80ti's.

 

[ichigo]

I'm not. Just bringing it to another level.

M80ti's.

If he really wanted to upgrade, buying a bigger speaker with more of the same drivers is probably not going to do it for him. The heart of the loudspeakers are the drivers, and that will entail going to another brand of speakers altogether. Buying a bigger version of the speakers he has will be harder to sell, have lower resale value, and is easier to regret if he finds something better.