Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo M60 vs B&W DM603S3

LOL

Again, I decided to build-up to a "premium" solution rather than immediately implement a compromise. I wanted floor standers, so decided to get them now and wait for the sub. But there are LOTS of people simply giddy with M22's and a Hsu/SVS/Axiom sub combo.

I remain delighted with the imaging, detail and punch of my M60's. But I will be getting a sub, primarily because I do notice some lack of depth in HT applications.

Axiom makes good products. I have zero buyers remorse.

I've had M22s and an Hsu STF-2, then M60s and STF-2, and am now w/o a sub awaiting my VTF-3R. The M22s/sub combo are very good. But good as they are, I liked my M60s+sub better. Properly calibrated, the sub added some low end punch and authority to music, without sounding artificial or abnormal. Removing the sub hurt the M60s more than I anticipated. They're not bad now, just lack some low end "grunt" I'd become accustomed to.

Now if the choice was between M22+sub vs M60 w/o sub, that's a tough one. To my ear on HT the M22+sub has a slight advantage. On music it's very close. Overall I'd very slightly favor the M60s, because after a later sub upgrade you have a better final package.

I like the nice detailed Axiom sound from the M60s. The punch is there if you want it, but you don't need loud levels to appreciate the music. I think the M60 + Hsu STF-2 combo is a low cost way to get both the detail and low-end HT punch. The only reason I sent the STF-2 back is my plans changed for a custom cabinet. No longer space constrained, I opted for the VTF-3R.

johncj,

Don't forget to fill out your profile -- that is, unless you're as secretive as our other John.

There certainly are alot of speaker options out there but for the quality-price thing, Axiom is amazing. That being said, Axiom speakers do not produce a 'slam' bass type sound, certainly not the kind that the DM603 does (i have heard these).
However the Monitor Audio Silvers and Golds do have a bit more bass and truly superb upper end. There cost is just a touch more than Axiom based on recent quotes.
This might be a route you should consider if you have ruled out the concept of using a sub for the slam bass you are hoping for.

Here is a link to a personal review of some speakers i went to audition recently. Maybe there is something in there that may help.

Nice job on the review, thanks.
Curious as to the omission of the Paradigm Studio 60. Granted, they are a little pricey, but would probably serve as a valid reference point (good or bad) due to their ubiquity.

johncj,
I was auditioning all these speakers with a friend of mine who was really doing the searching for his new setup. I was along for the ride so to speak, and there in part to give him advice and overall cost-performance type opinions.
In short answer to your question about the Paradigm Studios, they were not in stock in any of the shops we perused that day. We did get to hear them once before at another store but not for very long and with a salesman telling us how they sounded during the listening. He was not a fan and kept calling them Para'booms'. Not only was this annoying but he's influenced how i think about these speakers. I will not comment on the Reference line until i get the chance to hear them again more critically and without a boneheaded salesman yapping away while i do it.
The Energy lineup that we heard are another comparable low end- high end set of speakers that i guess you could say we used as a reference for relatively good and not so good sound reproduction. Mind you, my friend's home setup originally consisted of a $700 Sony HT in a Box so it truly was the epitomy of horrible.

Chess, those Silver 8s are excellent but I'll bet the M60s are better for HT. M60s seemed in my mind to have a little more clarity and resolution at the top end.

The Silver 8s were beautiful to hear but i agree that the Axioms have a brighter upper end which for HT makes them superior for that application IMO.

Answered my own question. Was downtown on business and popped in to a Paradigm dealer for a listen to the '60s.
Coupla things have changed in the 4-5 years since I last gave them a listen:
They're at v3 and ...
They now list for $1899 CDN. Ouch.
They are amazingly good.

I am ultra critical, VERY hard to please. But these strongly tempted me to blow the budget, they certainly don't need a sub (for music) imho.
If anyone is interested in my detailed impressions, let me know and I'll expand.

Expand away johncj.