As a long time JBL speaker owner....(89' 3800's), I REALLY had to look around for a long time to find a speaker that was a "step up" in a relative price range, and configuration.

To make a long story short......I have had my Axiom M60's for about a year and a half now, and they ARE that step up.
JBL USA DID make a good speaker, back in the day.

LIFE: "Choices, balance, and timing"

(Larryism)