Continuing my downward spiral into budget gear, I posted a couple weeks ago about the Axiom M80V.2 speakers. I got a lot of good recommendations from a lot of people. I ended up buying the Axiom's anyway. People rave about the fit, finish and look of the Axiom's. Don't know why. They look like budget, vinyl wrap, which they are. What they do however, is give me the deepest, tightest bass I've had in my home. After a hundred hours or so, these really sound fine. Very good balance top to bottom, deep, extended bass response. I figured since the Axiom's and my Denon stereo receiver were getting along well, I'd feed the speakers a little better. In went an NAD C372. Wow! Now here's mid-fi about as good as it gets! I'm running a Technics SL1200 with KAB mods, a Dynavector 10x5, into a Project Tube Box II with NOS Mullards, into the NAD, into the big Axioms. I've had systems [quite a few, actually] that cost many multiples of this system that just couldn't come close. I just want to reassure some of the younger, less well heeled audiophiles out there that you really don't have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to have great sound in the house. A well assembled budget system can take you places just like the spendy stuff can. You just have to give up the thick aluminum faceplate and real wood finish. With R&R, this modest stereo holds it's own with most any. Can't wait to get home this evening and slap on Talking Heads first album!
