Bookshelf (under $450 pr.) Showdown

[Tex-amp]

The HTD 4s need lots of good clean power to reach their potential. Less than that they are kind of recessed and muffled.

 

[mawst95]

I was thinking of picking up a pair of Energy C-3's to go with my C-9's. They seem to get decent reviews and are onsale for $250 a pair.

 

[trw005]

Axiom Update

Hi Guys. I received axiom M3's. Ordered on last thurs, arrived tuesday. 2 days and thats over holiday weekend. Bravo Axiom. Friday I emailed axiom said maybe i need the M22's too. They jumped on that and I got those today!
And they sent free FedEx pickup labels for the M3's. Wow. Just like I heard about their service. M3's are very smooth, accurate well made speakers. I could not get the sound out of them, they just stayed smooth as power was increased but no punch. Few hours now with the M22's and this is the one I needed. Sounds like 4 M3's stacked but with more punch, like I wanted. They are very versatile, great for all types of music and theatre. I like these better then the PSB B25's for the same money too. Open, crisp, full, smooth with nice soundstage. And they get better I hear with time. Could not imagine a better set for $440.00 delivered. After 20 minutes I felt compelled to check Axiom next level, I wanted more of this. (Isnt it funny that theres always that carrot dangling of the next best thing when buying electronics. lol ) But thats floorstanding and double the price. So I am completely content here. The Ascend 170's are last speaker to audition. They will be here soon. Subjective review but thats speakers for ya.

 

[silversurfer]

I think you will find the CBM-170s and M22's closely matched with the main difference in the highs.

Sounds like you are having fun, that's what it is all about.

 

[RJB]

M22's the only way to go...

I have the M22's and love them, best choice I ever made...

 

[3db]

Hi Guys. I received axiom M3's. Ordered on last thurs, arrived tuesday. 2 days and thats over holiday weekend. Bravo Axiom. Friday I emailed axiom said maybe i need the M22's too. They jumped on that and I got those today!
And they sent free FedEx pickup labels for the M3's. Wow. Just like I heard about their service. M3's are very smooth, accurate well made speakers. I could not get the sound out of them, they just stayed smooth as power was increased but no punch. Few hours now with the M22's and this is the one I needed. Sounds like 4 M3's stacked but with more punch, like I wanted. They are very versatile, great for all types of music and theatre. I like these better then the PSB B25's for the same money too. Open, crisp, full, smooth with nice soundstage. And they get better I hear with time. Could not imagine a better set for $440.00 delivered. After 20 minutes I felt compelled to check Axiom next level, I wanted more of this. (Isnt it funny that theres always that carrot dangling of the next best thing when buying electronics. lol ) But thats floorstanding and double the price. So I am completely content here. The Ascend 170's are last speaker to audition. They will be here soon. Subjective review but thats speakers for ya.

Word of advice.. Bring the PSBs home with you and then get a friend to help switch them in and out with the axioms. One thing memory does not do well is remembering sound accuratelly. Happy to hear ya liek the Canadian offering *chuckles*

 

[silversurfer]

Yeah...if you can get an A/B switch that would be great. Auditory memory loss due to time can be as little as 30 seconds.

 

[shokhead]

I was thinking of picking up a pair of Energy C-3's to go with my C-9's. They seem to get decent reviews and are onsale for $250 a pair.

\Good Guys had some Energy's for half price on there web site.

 

[mawst95]

That's where I got them....they should be shipped to me shortly

 

[shokhead]

I'm interested to see how they sound.

 

[mawst95]

Hey guys-

Just got the C3's in today, have them on 29" VTI stands. Moved my C9s aside and have the C3's as my mains (2 channel), set to large powered by a 54TX. My initial impression?

Wow.

I can't believe that its just bookshelf speakers playing right now. Talk about impact, weight, and low bass! Here's what I listened to:

Massive Attack: Angel
PF: Wish you were here
Nelly: Pimp Juice
Norah Jones: (forget the song)

Some blue man group, Sade and a few others. The soundstage on WYWH was huge, spanning well beyond the boundary of the speakers. Imaging is precise and holographic. Top end is definitely "crisp" and the lows are tight and deep. Female vocales sounded natural.

They are in my bedroom, 15x22x9", hardwood floors with area rug and curtains. I'm really impressed. Of course I have nothing to compare them with, but for $250/pr I don't see how you can go wrong. They get really loud in my room with no distortion or struggle so far.

Matt