So... It is clear that some people here are declaring that they know about the Axiom speakers better than their designer Ian Colquhoun, and/or that they have much better discerning ears than him.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a speaker designed by somebody who I think is deaf, or knows less about speakers than myself.
Oh, and in case you misunderstand me... I am NOT claiming that no speakers ever need 10's and 100's of hours of break-in. I am specifically talking about the Axioms.
Here is Ian's own polite answer on the subject.
