Corsabrin,

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner but I had a family emergency to attend to. I have to agree with Bug, you shouldn't worry about the shipping cost of $40-$50 when you're making a decision to spend $1,300. If you don't check them out you'll always be wondering.

I can't speak towards the Revel's as I've never heard them. I can say this about the M80's: they are a very dynamic speaker. I have a large room (16'x25' with a 14' vaulted ceiling). They certainly make their presence known and sound real nice with the extra power of the 7500 as opposed to when I had the 7125 hooked up to them. They seem to love the extra juice.

I actually just got a pair of Magnapan MMG's to try alongside the M80's. So far they are doing a fair job, especially at half the cost of the M80's, but to this point I have to give the nod to the M80's. Like I said though, it might not be a fair fight as the MMG's are the bottom line speaker from Magnapan. Magnapan uses these as their introduction model by offering them factory direct, just like Axiom, for 60 days with a full refund if you send them back. I couldn't resist giving them a try after having heard some of their bigger brothers at a local audio shop. It's a very interesting technology.

I would love to do a side by side with the Paradigms but I don't know if I want to get into making some kind of arrangement with the store to buy them and then have to return them if they lose. I think the M80's would compare pretty well. Regarding the Studio 100's, I listened to them next to the Studio 60's and I liked the 60's much better. Have you listened to anything else in the Paradigm Reference line?

As always with speakers personal taste is a big factor and only you can decide what you like to hear. That's why I think it would be worth your while to have a listen to the Axioms, plus it's a lot of fun. Maybe if you get the M60's instead the cost won't be prohibitive regarding shipping. I'm told the 60's compare very well with the 80's; the 80's are for the most part just a bit louder. Anyway, good luck and let us know what you decide.

Regards.