Is Axiom still the best budget choice?

Timothy Reason · « **on:** 18 Feb 2005, 01:05 am »

Being that there seems to be a new company poping up all the time, and new models constantly among existing companies, is Axiom still a leader in the budget minded speaker world? I have always wanted to upgrade the M60's from my M22's but being its 2 years later, are there any other speakers that might outperform the M60's in todays market for a $900 price new or $500 used? Would be intrested in any non-bias honest opinions.

JeffB · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Feb 2005, 01:34 am »

You might want to read these threads:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=16828&highlight=sharp
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=15694&highlight=sharp

Some suggestions:
If you want single driver speakers:
Omega Speakers, Hornshoppe Horns, Bob Brines FT-1600 MkII.

If you want multiple drivers:
Epos Els3, Ascend CBM-170, Onix Rockets, Pinnacle AC-650

Radial drivers:
Ohm Micros

Ribbon:
Magnepan MMG

I haven't heard any of these, but I have seen good reviews of them all.
Most of these come in a little under your budget, some quite a bit so.

rmihai0 · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Feb 2005, 05:18 am »

I strongly recommend JM Reynaud Twins - if you can find any.

JLM · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Feb 2005, 10:13 am »

I've heard the Omegas and Horns.

The Omega 6/8 s provide a full/warm mid-bass. The Omega 3 series seem flatter/faster and would integrate with a sub better. Omega workmanship is excellent and Louis is quite willing to make modifications. The Horns can be very fussy to set up, balancing bass/imaging while not losing them behind furniture (they're so short).

I own Bob Brines FTA-2000 and Ascend Acoustics CBM-170.

I've owned mass loaded transmission line speakers for 28 years, I believe in the full/musical bass they provide. Bob's speakers use this concept with single drivers. The FT-1600 is $850/pair, but can be bought in various kit forms for much less. The FTA-2000 are $1500/pair, are less efficient, but offer deeper bass/better sound. The CBM-170s are $330/pair and the only two-way here. They are excellent for the money, stomping any Paradigm, Dynaudio, or B&W at $1000 or less. They not only provide the outlines of music that the other speakers do, but fills in the color of music within those outlines. Too nice for the HT application I use them for. Nicer finishes cost more.

Like the Omegas or Horns the CBM-170s need a sub for full range musical reproduction. All parties here are very good to deal with.

timkeeler · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Feb 2005, 02:27 am »

I would highly recommend GR Research speakers. I was headed toward an Axiom setup myself but decided to check out the GRs and found them to be unquestionably superior to the Axiom speakers that I heard. You can get their A/V-2s fully assembled for $900 or go the DIY route to save some money. Check the GR circle. There is a thread there for a pair of used A/V-3s that I believe are still available.