Axiom M22ti vs. CSW M60

[Crescent Hawk]

Heya everyone, I am debating on which bookshelf speakers to get. I am a little biased as I own a set of Cambridge Soundworks Gigaworks S700 5.1 computer speakers.

The pricing on the speakers is almost identical. I have heard very good things about both companies and speakers. I would like some opionions on these. Has anyone listened to both? If so what are your thoughts. I am going to be setting up a HT system and using these as the mains.

 

[jcPanny]

Axiom speakers

There are a lot of Axiom fans here and I also plan to upgrade to the M22tis. They should make great mains for small to medium rooms. You get them on the outlet page for a little bit less, $400. They have a great return policy so you might consider a 30 day trial on your system and compairing them to the cambridge bookshef speakers. Some people believe that internet direct dealers like Axiom and SVS can provide more speaker for the money that mass market speakers.

 

[tomd51]

You can find a refurbed set of M50s or M80s (depending upon your application limitations) on CSW's eBay Store for much less than you can get online or in-store, never seen the M60s available, though. Their refurbs are indistinguishable from their new, so I would not be concerned with purchasing refurbs. They also have good deals here on their CSW Outlet Store. If you have the room, go with the M80s.

CSW is very similar to internet direct dealers as they have very limited store fronts in limited locations, so I wouldn't quite compare them to "mass market" speaker manufacturers. They also offer excellent customer service as well as a 45 day satisfaction guarantee trial period that's available via online/in-store purchase or their 'HiFi.com' eBay store.

I've had several different CSW Newton speakers over the past few years (currently using M50s, MC400 and MC100s in a small/mid sized setup) and I would have to say they are very pleasing for music reproduction and a very good value. The M50s, 60s and 80s have a beautiful woodgrain finish as well, not just veneer. Sonically, no harshness, possibly slightly laid-back, but not soft. Work great with HT as well.

Having seen mostly positive reviews of the M22ti's, I would be surprised if you weren't satisfied with these as well. However, from most of the descriptions of Axiom's sonic characteristics, these would be a bit brighter/more forward than the CSWs, so there likely is a noticeable difference between the two. Depending upon whether it'll be mostly HT or a mix of HT and music, you might prefer one over the other. Only you'll know your preferences.

In-home reviews of each would be your best route as the return shipping for each is the only downside to hearing either of these. Either way, I think you'd be fairly pleased. One last suggestion if aesthetics aren't terribly important would be to consider Ascend Acoustics CBM-170s. They're in the M60s price range and have had nothing but great reviews for the cost. Ascend also offers a 30 day money back guarantee, so again, very little risk.

Good luck and have fun! -TD