Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo MH5 v M60 or M80

We currently own a pair of 3 way MH5 bookshelves. I want to go to M60s or M80s. Other than loudness or more bass will either make a big difference? I'm looking for more clarity and crispness

I have both the M5's and M80's and have swapped them out to listen several times. I currently use the 80's as the mains and 5's as surrounds.

I think the 80's are better in all areas, except the size factor. I run dual EP500's with both and enjoy this setup.

I have M5s and M80s (13'x18', 14'x19' rooms respectively) and while the M80s are crisper, particularly at higher volumes, I don't think I'd upgrade for that reason alone. (In my case I wanted louder, and more bass without a sub.) I haven't swapped them though, so it's not a perfect comparison.

Unless your room size dictates the larger speaker I'd recommend going with the M60s.

As far as crispness goes I like the M2s and M22s best. Not that the other speakers aren't clean, the smaller speakers just seem better in that regard.

Mojak, it could be the bass from M3s and M5s within your room is altering your perception of "clarity" and "crispness". I recommend you try M2s, M50s or M60s (all v4).

All of those do not try to reach into depths they shouldn't be exploiting in non-ideal rooms. The room boosts their depressed lows just enough to make them very enjoyable.

Out of those three, I could - and sometimes do - listen to the M50s all day.

I went ahead and traded the 5s for a pair of M80s. If I don't notice a difference that helps, I'll go plan C and get a pair of 60s. I know our room isn't ideal. Not treated at all. Just n open family room & kitchen area.

Is the clarity and crispness lacking at all volumes or just specifics points in loudness? At what volume do you find it best? How far away do you sit from the speakers? What amp and components are you using?

While I dont have v4 m60 ( I have m60ti) when I changed from an integrated to a large wattage and high capacitance separate amp , my m60ti were a different beast. Very impressive. With my v4 m2 and m3 with integrated amps they are excellent in the smaller spaces they inhabit. M2 is more detailed and overall sounds tighter than m3, great mids and highs with m2, sounds REALLY good with a sub, thats nearfield desktop setup. M3 is more laidback but has deeper smooth bass than m2.

For a bigger space in your case perhaps mojo is right to recommend the m60. Its roll off and crossovers bode well for good room integration and they are a nominal 8 ohm speaker vs the 4 ohm the m80 bring. With m80 on the way to you now, if possible try using a strong amplifier that maxes or gets close to the RMS spec that the m80 can handle. I found that even at low to medium volumes having the power there made a big improvement in clarity crispness detail and overall ease of the sound with space around the instruments too. I can’t tell you why that is but it that’s been my experience. The wattage and capacitance seem to matter at all volumes. That may bring the clean clear crispness you want.

Report back in the m80s when you can. I’m curious to hear what you think. Happy listening.