Axiom M80 Speakers $2300 Per Pair

(39.5h, 9.25w, 17d, 63 lbs, 94dB SPL, 4 ohms, Walnut, Black, Boston Cherry)

Bryston contracted Axiom to build its design brief of the Model T speaker in 2009. The success of that project built a fruitful relationship between the two companies and they merged. The resulting company is simply called Bryston.

Bryston decided to recognize Axiom’s contribution to the success by keeping the name Axiom alive. Think Acura-Honda or Lexus-Toyota. Bryston is the banner of their high end speakers with 20 year warranty. Axiom is used for the models below which have a 5 year warranty. The full family of speakers is made in house in Canada, not jobbed out to China.

Before reading about M80 here, please take a minute to read my yellow tab, Bryston speakers. What you read about Bryston holds true for Axiom, at scaled back power levels.

Components

The consistency and QC you read about with Axiom speaker components is the same as with Bryston, just at relaxed power capabilities. Bryston drivers accommodate and deliver more power, hence the 20 year warranty. Bryston cabinets are more rigid with more intricate internal bracing. Bryston crossovers are more precise and heavy duty.

If you don’t need the high power of Bryston with 20 year warranty, Axiom is the perfect alternative. Again, Axiom is made with TLC in Canada, not vendored out from China.

M80 Runs Doubles

M80 is for all intents and purposes, a Bryston A2 ($4k per pair) light.

Bryston runs doubles of drivers for higher power capability, deeper bass, fuller dynamics and a more massive soundstage.

Yet the biggest advantage is that the drivers run with less excursion when used in doubled configuration. Less excursion means you have less distortion- which garners better transparency and superior power handling.

Using the same two woofs in M80’s larger enclosure buys you about 20% better bass than when housed in little brother M60. Your logical question should be, is it worth the upgrade? YES. M80 doesn’t cost that much more than M60. They take up exactly the same floor space. If you can afford M80, definitely spend a few bucks more for the extra muscle and expanded spatial presentation.

M80 is the working man’s version of Bryston A2. The A2 is tougher and a bit tighter in the bass. We’ll let your wallet chose the right speaker for you.