Dilemna: Paradigm Studio 40's vs Axiom M60

[Crackerballer]

I am comparing the 2 since they are about the same price wise. I currently have a set of Paradigm Studio 20's V3 that are for sale in the classifieds here. I love the speakers, but I need more (upgrade bug). So if the 20's sell, I will need some new speakers.

I plan on eventually running 5.1 with a set of Dipole rears. I have never heard the axioms, but I basically have several options.

1: Keep the Studio 20's, spend the money on Dipoles, save for a sub. Cost: About $800-900, and my 5.1 setup would be complete.

2: Sell the 20's, Get 40's. Have no sub or rears. Approx cost, $300 difference so enough to buy rears and be around $800

3: Buy the M60's and be on the same budget as #2 after buying rears.

4: Sell 20's, Get Axiom M22tis, Dipoles, and a sub. Approx cost, $400.

I listen to alot of rap, and like a good strong mid and tight bass. I will be hooking this system up to the DLP my girlfriend is buying in April. It will get regular home theater use. She already has an AV123 X-sub on order.

What do you guys think? The only thing that keeps me from doing #4 is the sound of the Paradigms, and how awesome they are. Any input is appreciated. I know Axiom has a 30 day return policy.

 

[j_garcia]

How big is your room? If it isn't large, I'd keep the 20s and get another set of 20s instead of ADPs.

 

[Crackerballer]

the current room is small. The newer room will be bigger and more open (to a kitchen, hallway, and dining room) And I want the speakers to be versitle when I hopefully move into a house in six months or so.

 

[j_garcia]

Personally, I prefer the 40s to the 20s, even in a smaller room, but there is no question in a larger room that 40s are the way to go. If you are happy with the sound, I would say stick with Paradigm.

IMO, the Axioms don't quite have the resolution of the Studios, but they are worthy of being mentioned together. The M60s will give you much more for your money vs the 40s overall.

 

[Crackerballer]

Personally, I prefer the 40s to the 20s, even in a smaller room, but there is no question in a larger room that 40s are the way to go. If you are happy with the sound, I would say stick with Paradigm.

IMO, the Axioms don't quite have the resolution of the Studios, but they are worthy of being mentioned together. The M60s will give you much more for your money vs the 40s overall.

I too prefer the 40's. I was able to hear them side by side on the same scene of master and commander, and some music. They are a much fuller speaker but both sets need a sub.

That is just my dilemna on the M60's. I can get a huge tower for the price of the 40. The question is are they better?

 

[speakerman39]

I too prefer the 40's. I was able to hear them side by side on the same scene of master and commander, and some music. They are a much fuller speaker but both sets need a sub.

That is just my dilemna on the M60's. I can get a huge tower for the price of the 40. The question is are they better?

As a former Studio 20 v.3 owner, I preferred the 20's to the 40's but my room is only 13' X20' X 7.5'. In a large room the 40's would work better. As to what is better between the Studio 40 and the Axiom M60's can only be decided by you as speaker preference is so darn subjective. Personally, if I had the chance to get the M60's, I would jump on that in a New York minute. But that is me. Only you can decide what sounds better between the two. Good luck in your decision. Be sure to let us know what you decide.

 

[Crackerballer]

Yea Speakerman. My problem is that I have only been able to locate 1 set of the 40's in the color I want. They are floor models and the dealer wants $900 plus tax for them, which is a little expensive. If I sell my 20's and get the M60's, and don't like them, I am affraid all the turn around time will result in the 40's being sold.

I wish I could find someone locally to audition the M60's and see the finish, because I know the 40's sound good.

 

[speakerman39]

Yea Speakerman. My problem is that I have only been able to locate 1 set of the 40's in the color I want. They are floor models and the dealer wants $900 plus tax for them, which is a little expensive. If I sell my 20's and get the M60's, and don't like them, I am affraid all the turn around time will result in the 40's being sold.

I wish I could find someone locally to audition the M60's and see the finish, because I know the 40's sound good.

Wow, you are in a catch 22 so to speak. Have you tried the Axiom forum to see if someone is close enough to offer you a demo? I did a while back and to my surprise there was an Axiom owner about 42 miles away. Got to hear them and all I can say is WOW!!!! The Studio 40's are nice BUT did not give me that WOW factor and I have listened to them on many many occasions. But like I said that is me-you may prefer the 40's. Try the Axiom forums as many owners often are very helpful with assisting prospective owners obtain a demo. Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

 

[apatel25314]

you could try most of the setups with axioms 30 day warranty

 

[j_garcia]

you could try most of the setups with axioms 30 day warranty

This is true, as long as you don't mind paying return shipping.

 

[Crackerballer]

I am gonna try to sell my Studio 20's, they are on audiogon. Then I will wait till I move and probably audition the M60s. If I don't like them I will send them back.