Gonk,

Thanks for the help. Sounds like a 1050 with a good speaker investment is a good way to start, considering I can get around the bandwidth issue. I have also read that the 1050 can decode surround ex disks, just does it a different way but seems to work fine. Is this correct? What about SACD and other formats that are coming out. Is there a 'Killer App'(computer term for software that requires hardware upgrades) coming that will render the 1050 to the antique bin within say 2-3 years? I'll probably upgrade at that time anyway so I am pretty sure the life expectancy of a 1050 will be fine but want my bases covered.

Steve C,

I haven't heard the polks and as Gonk points out I need to do my due dilligence in researching my options, but as for the BA/Axiom comparison, I have heard the VR-M50s(with sub) and Paradigm Studio 20s and 40s and thought all sounded great. These are a higher end speaker than the CR-8s you auditioned and prefered to the Axioms. Can I assume that the Axioms don't compare to a Reference series in BA or Paradigm? Or were you just going with the CR-8 line because they have a larger bass driver and you didn't want to add a sub. I plan to use a sub with my system so I am not so concerned with the low end capability of the mains as I am the depth, imaging, detail qualities you described in the Polks. I am interested in a general ranking of Axiom, are they considered in a league with a Reference BA or Reference Paradigm? Specifically, I am looking at the Grand Master set up that uses the M22ti fronts, QS8 surrounds and EP125 sub. How does this compare to a similar setup built around a BA VR-M50 or Paradigm Studio 20 or 40. I select those because I have heard them and thought both were outstanding and now can't settle for average quality speakers. Sometimes I wish I didn't know the difference so I could buy a $500 Best Buy setup and be happy. Oh well, too late now...I have the fever! thanks guys.

Is there a way to get Matthew Hill or someone involved in this thread? You guys have been great but the more the merrier in my opinion. I also know that speaders are subjective and I have to make a subjective decision. But since I can't audition Axioms, as far as I know, without buying them, trying them, and returning them, I'd like to get some outside opinions to see if they are worth the hassle. Thanks again.

Paul