help! selecting speakers/sub around $400

[neemypeemy]

Hi there,

I'm in the process of trying to narrow down speaker selections and am at a loss! I'm looking for speakers for a small living room, using it for records and cd's (not home theater) and need to stick around or under $400.

I was going to go for a bose on ebay, but I've been trying to read up and have found alot of negative reviews. Here's what I'm looking at right now, have no idea which would be better or if there's something better I don't have listed:

Klipsch SF-1
Klipsch synergy quintet III
Paradigm Monitor 3 v4
B&W VM
JBL E80
Polk 50
Axiom M22ti

Any feedback on the above listed or others would be greatly appreciated!!
Oh forgot, also which of these would need an subwoofer too??

Thanks,
Neemypeemy

 

[bpape]

Check out the Ascend 170's. Excellent performance for the money.

 

[neemypeemy]

Check out the Ascend 170's. Excellent performance for the money.

Is the bass good on the 170's or would I need a sub?

Thanks

 

[j_garcia]

Definitely need a sub with the 170s, IMO, but they are great little speakers. At that price point you might also want to check out the Mordaunt Short 902s or 912s and NHT SB2s at www.ac4l.com I think they both have free shipping right now. I use the 902s without a sub in a smaller room, and they have decent bass. What are you going to be driving them with?

 

[bpape]

They go down surprisingly low and tight for their size and price. A sub would certainly be welcome but you didn't mention one and you had said it was mostly for music.

To stay on budget, add in the little Dayton 10" sub to the Ascends. I've heard that combination before and it's really tough to beat for the money.

 

[neemypeemy]

Ascend 170 or Axiom M22TI ?

They go down surprisingly low and tight for their size and price. A sub would certainly be welcome but you didn't mention one and you had said it was mostly for music.

To stay on budget, add in the little Dayton 10" sub to the Ascends. I've heard that combination before and it's really tough to beat for the money.

I guess I'll hold off on the sub & see if I need it or not later.
Are you familiar with the Axiom M22TI? I think I've narrowed it down to the 170's or the axioms.

 

[neemypeemy]

Definitely need a sub with the 170s, IMO, but they are great little speakers. At that price point you might also want to check out the Mordaunt Short 902s or 912s and NHT SB2s at www.ac4l.com I think they both have free shipping right now. I use the 902s without a sub in a smaller room, and they have decent bass. What are you going to be driving them with?

The receiver is a Pioneer Elite EX-500, not great I'm sure, but it was a gift, so I'm going to try it out. What do you think about the Axiom M22TI?

 

[j_garcia]

I haven't heard the M22, but I have heard the M3 and I like them. In the $400 range, the M22s will be a solid contender. For music only or mostly music, the Ascends will probably be a better choice though due to their smooth midrange. You could probably get away with the M22s without a sub for a while, but the 170s are a maybe in my book without a sub (your taste may vary). I agree with the Dayton 10" sub recommendation at www.partexpress.com , PN#300-632. Should be able to fill in just enough for any of those speakers.

 

[neemypeemy]

I haven't heard the M22, but I have heard the M3 and I like them. In the $400 range, the M22s will be a solid contender. For music only or mostly music, the Ascends will probably be a better choice though due to their smooth midrange. You could probably get away with the M22s without a sub for a while, but the 170s are a maybe in my book without a sub (your taste may vary). I agree with the Dayton 10" sub recommendation at www.partexpress.com , PN#300-632. Should be able to fill in just enough for any of those speakers.

Great, thank you!!!

 

[jcPanny]

Ascend vs. Axiom

Both companies have great trial / return policies. Why not buy both and keep the set that you like best. Axioms only require that you pay the retun shipping and I think the return shipping is free on the Ascends.

 

[aarond]

audioholics reviewed the m22 here http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/faceoff3_a.php

 

[silversurfer]

The differences in the low end between the CBM-170 and M22 are negligible in real world listening. You would be hardpressed to hear a difference in bass.

IMO, the difference in the presentation of the mids and highs would be much more important and noticeable between the two.

 

[bpape]

Sorry - can't comment on the Axioms - haven't heard them.

The 170's spec (anechoic) at -6db @ 35Hz. Not earthshattering for sure but unless you're doing Organ, if it will do a solid 40Hz that's pretty good for a speaker this size.

Add in a bit of boundary reinforcement via careful placement and some room gain and you'll do fine. If you want to listen to both, hey, why not. All you're out is the return shipping on one pair.