[Construct]

I hate reading about the latest "net wonder speaker"  with no ability to try them.  Axiom m3 and m22 can't possibly contain the quality of parts the polk audio lsi 9 does.  I can't judge though, I have never heard them.
If anyone has heard the m3 or m22, where does it really belong in the audio lineup?  Can the m22 compare to the lsi9?
Sub 1000 (new), it's very hard for me to find something better overall than the lsi9.
Comments on -any-  comparisons welcome.

[koiman]

I have both the Axiom M3 and the M22 in a bedroom setting. The M3  is more laid back where as the M22 is a bit forward and will need a subwoofer to balance it out for serious listing. I have not heard the lsi9 so I can't comment on it.

[Construct]

I have both the Axiom M3 and the M22 in a bedroom setting. The M3  is more laid back where as the M22 is a bit forward and will need a subwoofer to balance it out for serious listing. I have not heard the lsi9 so I can't comment on it.

Interesting!  With any small speaker, I happen to have a spare 12"/500w sub to pair with.  I am considering axiom or polk as a bedroom system.

[cujobob]

If you don't mind my asking, why purchase new (especially if for a bedroom system)?

I'm not familiar with every offering available under a grand currently...but I know the Ascend Sierras are a good option for a new speaker.  If AV123 hadn't collapsed, I'd recommend the X-Statiks, but they're a great option new (not bookshelf speakers, though).  There are Pro-10 speakers from Tweak City Audio I'd consider, though for a pure music system, I'm not sure just yet they'd be the best choice.

If you go used, there are plenty of options... GR Research N2X are amazing speakers and definitely get my highest recommendation.  The parts quality, depending on which kit used, are definitely on another level from the choices you mentioned.  The crossover is also really well designed.

[Construct]

If you don't mind my asking, why purchase new (especially if for a bedroom system)?

I'm not familiar with every offering available under a grand currently...but I know the Ascend Sierras are a good option for a new speaker.  If AV123 hadn't collapsed, I'd recommend the X-Statiks, but they're a great option new (not bookshelf speakers, though).  There are Pro-10 speakers from Tweak City Audio I'd consider, though for a pure music system, I'm not sure just yet they'd be the best choice.

If you go used, there are plenty of options... GR Research N2X are amazing speakers and definitely get my highest recommendation.  The parts quality, depending on which kit used, are definitely on another level from the choices you mentioned.  The crossover is also really well designed.

'I was curious as to what people really liked under $1K new.  I will look into Ascend Sierras. 

[Danny Richie]

I have had both the M22 and the Polk LSi9's in here and have full measurements on both of them.

The Polk had higher quality drivers, crossover parts and cabinet construction. The impedance was really low though. It dropped to 2.5 ohms at 64Hz and 2.8 ohms at 3kHz. The M22 had a pretty low impedance dip too dropping to 2 ohms at 4kHz.

[Construct]

I have had both the M22 and the Polk LSi9's in here and have full measurements on both of them.

The Polk had higher quality drivers, crossover parts and cabinet construction. The impedance was really low though. It dropped to 2.5 ohms at 64Hz and 2.8 ohms at 3kHz. The M22 had a pretty low impedance dip too dropping to 2 ohms at 4kHz.

Did the polk have a significant advantage in terms of resolution?

[Zero]

Had the M22's. Haven't heard the M3. Had the LSi-9's.  I'd take the LSi-9's (over the M22's) in a heart beat.

*edit due to a typing error*

[Danny Richie]

The LSi9's were clearly better across the board.

If you upgraded the parts quality of the crossover, and if your amp is stable with the low impedance loads then it is a really good little speaker.

[Construct]

The LSi9's were clearly better across the board.

If you upgraded the parts quality of the crossover, and if your amp is stable with the low impedance loads then it is a really good little speaker.

I thought about mills wirewound resistors and some sonicaps (or even dayton 1%  metallized film for that matter)

[Danny Richie]

I thought about mills wirewound resistors and some sonicaps (or even dayton 1%  metallized film for that matter)

All of that is a good idea.

I originally got that pair that I had because Sean (the Skiing Ninja) sent me a pair. We decided that it was well engineered enough not to need to design a new crossover, and my only real issue with it was something that I could not fix, and that was the low impedance.

So Sean started upgrading them with Sonicaps, Mills resistors, and Erse XQ inductors using the same values as the stock crossover.

You could do it to if you wanted to.

Or if you want to upgrade them but don't want to do the work yourself then just contact Sean.

[Construct]

Piece of cake. Of course if I had enclosure skills, I'd build some gr's.

[Danny Richie]

Piece of cake. Of course if I had enclosure skills, I'd build some gr's.

Thanks,

There are a few companies out there making cabinets for my customers and doing a great job. Outofthewoods has really been making some nice ones. He can make them any way you want if you are willing to pay for it.

I just got in some stacked lamination flat packs for N2X's too (really cool), if you don't mind some finishing work. There is a thread on it in my circle.

[face]

The LSi9's were clearly better across the board.

If you upgraded the parts quality of the crossover, and if your amp is stable with the low impedance loads then it is a really good little speaker.

I've upgraded a few LSi7, 9, C, and 15's and agree with this statement.  Unless you choose to use all film caps(the 260uf) and upgrade the inductors, it's not bad at all.  The LSi15 is much more involving.  But in all cases, the results are definitely worth it. 

[Construct]

Thanks,

There are a few companies out there making cabinets for my customers and doing a great job. Outofthewoods has really been making some nice ones. He can make them any way you want if you are willing to pay for it.

I just got in some stacked lamination flat packs for N2X's too (really cool), if you don't mind some finishing work. There is a thread on it in my circle.

I am considering that...I can refinish, just not cut& build.  So honestly---can you or anyone say that the N2X's would outperform the LSi9's across the board?  IE resolve, dynamics etc...?

[Danny Richie]

I am considering that...I can refinish, just not cut& build.  So honestly---can you or anyone say that the N2X's would outperform the LSi9's across the board?  IE resolve, dynamics etc...?

Well, you know I'm biased. So I answered your question in my circle.