Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion What's New At Axiom Version 3

Yeah, Chris; I would've suggested a $1000 premium for the second set of posts.

2x6, it seems to me that you are being purposefully dense and/or misleading about the differences between late model V2s and V3s. Wasn't it you who opined on the importance of integrity?

They do sound the same, as has been pointed out many times, because the tweeter and crossover upgrades that are part of the V3 line have been shipping with V2s for quite some time. In fact, the only features found only on the new V3s are the magnetic grilles and the aluminum dustcaps.

In the same note, the original V2s which rolled off the line after the Ti series gave up it's name, almost surely sound different than the last V2s which were produced in the week before the V3s surfaced.

Not directed at anyone in particular, just musing.

So the V3s sound like the V2s except when the don’t. Got it.

BTW the review that kicked off this thread sure seemed to indicate that the changes “to the M80s are not subtle,” and there are “”MAJOR changes to the M80s.”

This said with the understanding that the early V2s were not the same as the late V2s but we are told in the setup for the review that it‘s from “a customer who has moved from the Version 2 to Version 3 M80s.“ No other specifics are noted. Since this review was posted by Axiom I would hope they feel it is accurate.

Even if the v3s aren't the major improvement the anonymous review claims, I'm still curious about the "higher end aspirations soon to come" referenced by Audioholics. I'm wondering what exact differences in components will make them higher-end. We know that more expensive crossover parts aren't getting the love, so does this mean a higher-end line of drivers, different cabinet materials/construction techniques, or both? Any theories?

No idea except that with most things one quickly reaches a point of diminishing returns. If one's goal is to make an accurate sounding speaker I’m not sure how much more accurate you can make it per unit cost before things like room and placement issues overshadow incremental improvements for most people. IMO most people would realize a greater SQ improvement by spending the extra money on room treatments or other things than more expensive speakers, but unfortunately when making such purchases too many people loose sight of utility value spending their money on things that make small differences while overlooking the ones that might make big differences.

The issue of curtains/partitions we are discussing in the other thread is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Instead of spending an additional $2,500 on “better” speakers I bought curtains. The curtains do improve my SQ both by taming reflections making for more accurate reproduction of multi-channel tracks (real or DSP derived). They also minimize distractions which enhances the sense of “being there” in the move/concert. Audio perception isn’t just about sound waves it’s also about state of mind.

I think one of the biggest differences Axiom could make would be to produce some large 2-way designs. I like the wall-of-sound presentation of the M80s for most things but there are times especially for acoustical music prefer the more precise imaging and less forward sound of speakers like Sean’s. While the M2s get close to the imaging but they don’t have the bass extension I want out of a 2ch speaker.

A large 2-way would be cool for Axiom to tackle. I was looking at Aperion before settling on Axiom, and they have offerings in that category. I've always been curious about the furniture-grade finishes that comes standard on their speakers. Has anyone here seen some Aperion speakers first-hand?

I addition to my M3ti's I own an Aperion 5C center (my brother has their 8D sub). The high grades Aperion receives for their furniture-grade finishes (I've got the cherry) is justified. It's first rate and gorgeous. I'm sure however that Axiom's finish upgrades are competative.

I still have an Aperion center in gloss black that I use in the bedroom, their basic finishes are top notch.

I guess Axiom should stop releasing incremental improvements within a realease for everyone to enjoy so as to maintian their release integrigy.

Some people are just plain stupid.