[hertz0lot]

Hey all,  I am planning on getting a RWA Sig. 30 for loudspeakers.  I recently saw the glowing review for the Axiom Millenia M80 v2 at 6moons.  I am wondering if they would be adequately driven by the Signature 30.  The Sig. 70 is out of my price range (for now).  I noticed that the amp is 8 ohm, while the speaker is 4.  Does this introduce many issues?  This is my first entry into speaker hi fi.
I was previously planning on the Zu Druid, but it looks like the Axioms will provide more bass, and (most significantly) are closer to my price range.

[Vinnie R.]

Hi hertz0lot,

Welcome to Audiocircle and the RWA forum.

The Signature 30 will have no trouble at all with the 4-ohm impedance of the Axiom M80s, and these are high efficiency (95dB).  You'll actually be pulling 40 clean watts of power out of the Sig 30 with these 4-ohm speakers... should be plenty. 

This is my first entry into speaker hi fi.  I was previously planning on the Zu Druid, but it looks like the Axioms will provide more bass, and (most significantly) are closer to my price range.

The M80s appear to be a very good value, and seem to be getting plenty of good press: http://www.axiomaudio.com/m80ti_main.html

You are on your way! 

Vinnie

[macrojack]

I'd go for the Druids if you can afford them. Your belief that you would get more bass out of Axiom appears unfounded if you look at their specifications. They are claiming 25 Hz but at 9 db down. Typically speaker manufacturers supply a 3 db down point for their performance curves. Axiom's use of a 9 db down point seems to indicate a desire to deceive.
Since you are buying a real first rate amplifier, I would encourage you to do the same with your speakers. The Axiom M-80 looks like a toy next to the Zu Druid.

[miklorsmith]

I'm a Zu guy and I know which speakers I'd bite the bullet for.  But, not everyone is.  The funny thing is it's impossible to tell if you're one or not without getting some time with them.  If it turns out you are, you will not be able to go back.

[Vinnie R.]

Right before Christmas, Zu had a really good sale on the Druids (and other models).  I forgot the exact price, but it was a sweet deal!  I wonder if they'll be doing that again soon 

[hertz0lot]

I remember that sale...
Bad timing. 
Oh well, I need to get the amp first anyways.  Im glad to know these speakers would work with this amp.
I have no desire to use the 'grid' if it can be avoided. 
I didn't notice the 9db spec.  I was going off of the reviewer's impressions, it just seemed like they harped on the bass of the axiom longer than the zu, (though not directly compared).  I think the zu was compared to the gallo ref.3 and found similar in output, and then the gallo bass compared to the axiom bass and found less.  Thanks for pointing that out though.  Looks like I've got some thinking to do...
The sig. 30 is the item my entire system will be based on though.

[macrojack]

I believe the Zu sale that Vinnie mentioned was the first annual "12 Days of Christmas Sale". Right now, they are offering to pay freight to the buyer and they always provide a 60 day trial period subject to full refund. Your only cost would be return freight which, in my experience, was not very much. Zu will give you a quote on that. The Druids sell for $2800/pair from Zu but can be found used on line for about $2000. Of course, if you buy used, you don't have the return policy, per se, but your chances of selling them again for what you paid are pretty high. Vinnie tells me that a lot of his customers are using Zu speakers with the Signature amps. I'm one of them.

[Vinnie R.]

Vinnie tells me that a lot of his customers are using Zu speakers with the Signature amps. I'm one of them.

Hi Macrojack,

Yes, lots of Sig 30 customers are using Zu Druids, and quite a few are using Definition and Def Pros (glad you are one of them!).

I have no desire to use the 'grid' if it can be avoided.

Hi hertz0lot,

I like your attitude!    You'll fit in very well here in the RWA forum 

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Best regards,

Vinnie