Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Axiom Audio M3ti Speakers by jonbee

Model:	M3ti
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$275
Description:	Bookshelf speakers
Manufacturer URL:	Axiom Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Axiom Audio

Review by jonbee ( A ) on January 24, 2002 at 09:02:14
IP Address: 207.115.86.68

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for the M3ti

This is a very good inexpensive speaker. It's not fair to compare them to over $3000 speakers, but I'll try to describe the features of the sound, and how they match up to like priced goods. There are a couple of reviews that have useful info. This one has interesting measurements:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/axiom_millennia3ti.htm
Looking at the response graphs on the Soundstage reviews of the M3ti and M22ti, it's clear Axiom has designed in a midbass boost on the 3,in an effort to get a fuller sound. I think it is smart move, given the target market of the 3. The graph also shows the 3 is a little recessed in the upper mids. This corresponds to what I heard in the 3. It is a little reserved sounding (but very smooth and uncolored),in the mids, with a little midbass congestion. That's about all you can say bad about the 3. Its' strengths are most impressive: the highs are amazingly good, an almost perfect balance of detail and sweetness, and a smooth, pretty detailed presentation through the mids. The NHT 1.5 has similar highs, but a more opaque midrange; Paradigm Active 20 has better bass, but a drier, less well integrated high end (much more $, too) and similer mids. Sound Dynamics RTS3 has a seductive midrange, but a more wiry high end. Next step up? The M22ti does not exhibit the frequency anomolies for $125 more. GR AV1 for about the $400 is a winner, and the GR Paradox1, at almost twice the price, betters it in most areas. Overall, the most successful design for the $ I know of. You can get a pair of Blems from Axiom for $220 delivered, or new from Canadian dealers for ~$240 delivered. Don't expect perfection, but it's pretty enjoyable listening on its' own terms.

Product Weakness: Midbass hump, recessed upper mids, power handling.
Product Strengths: Great highs, smooth, non fatiguing sound, pretty nice cabs.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bel Canto Evo200
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	CJ PFR
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony 7000 as Transport Genesis TL, MSBGold Dac
Speakers:	GR Paradox1, Merlin VSMGenIIIRC
Cables/Interconnects:	Goertz MI2, TQ
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	lots
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 20 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	live -lots of glass
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster 2000
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Midbass hump, recessed upper mids, power handling.
Product Strengths:	Great highs, smooth, non fatiguing sound, pretty nice cabs.