L.R. Baggs M80 -- new soundhole pickup

I've been looking through my latest MusiciansFriend catalog and they have a full-page piece on the new L.R. Baggs M80 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/lr-baggs-m80-magnetic-soundhole-pickup). From the adspeak, it appears that it's a switchable active/passive version of the M1 (I have a M1 passive and LOVE it). LRB make/license the M1 technology to Takamine in the form of the Tri-Ax, which is also switchable between active and passive modes.

Other than the active/passive switching, the copy doesn't tell me anything about how (or if) the M80 is an improvement over either M1. I'm wondering if anyone knows something I don't: is there something to the M80 other than the switching.

I may need to get a second soundhole pickup this year and was planning on getting another M1 passive (I use a LRB DI into a PA). I'm kinda hoping the M80 will push the M1's prices down a bit...

http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/18/999/830/64/DV016_Jpg_Large_1336404008240_A.jpg

Hmm....news to me. I have the M1A, but I will be watching this thread to learn more of this. I too may be looking for another soundhole pu

I use an M1 Active and like it very much. Why don't you call them at the factory? They are very nice and easy to talk to if you call. I have spoken at least a few times to the engineer who works there. Sorry that I cannot remember his name right now since it has been a few years since I last spoke with him, but he has always been willing to talk to me about their products and answer questions.

From what I have read on Baggs' website along with other Internet sources, it is supposed to sense body resonance/vibration better than the M1. If I was in the market for another sound hole pickup I would probably give it a shot, seeing as I really like my M1 passive. Better body sensing and an active/passive switch sounds ok to me!

It supposedly uses the same strap jack and 1/8 type plug that the M1 does, so it would be pretty easy to try it out in your current guitar.

Some more detail and video on the LR Baggs website here. http://lrbaggs.com/m80/.

I am a big fan of the Baggs M-1 and M1-A pickups.The big difference of the M80 from the M-1 and M-1A seems to be increased body sensitivity from the second humbucking coil and a newly designed suspension system which allows that second coil to move in response to the guitar.