I'd like to throw in another vote for the Dahlquist. I bought a pair of QX-9's for my son for Christmas and couldn't beleive how good they are for the price. Very smooth and accurate, outstanding bass extension, and just an all around great speaker. I also have experience with the Axiom's as I ordered a pair of M-80ti's, but sent them back after a few days. Allot of people like the Axiom's and they do have allot of things to like, but they were just a bit forward for my taste and I thought the midrange was a bit thin. Of course some will like this sound and say the Dahlquist are too warm. It's all a matter of taste. BTW, the 80's were $1100 and the QX-9's were about $550 shipped. I listened to both with rock, jazz and country and I used my Outlaw 950/755 combo and my son's Denon AVR-3300 receiver. Both were driven easily with the Denon, but I think the Dahlquist are a little more efficient. I also bought the Dahlquist from Marc at the Audioshop and concur with the positive comments the others have made. He's a very reputable dealer and a pleasure to do business with. But, the folks at Axiom (Amie) are also great and their customer service is second to none. Just check the Axiom forum and you'llsee numeours post from satisfied customers. They were very good to me and I really hated to send these speakers back (not to mention it cost me over $200 in shipping fees, ouch!). One of my favorite bang for the buck speakers are the B&W DM604 S3's, but they're almost twice hour budget. Good luck, and let us know what you end up with.