In a few words, the Paradigm Monitors 7 and 9 (which have a very similar sound) are more laid back and less airy than the Axiom M22. I had the opportunity to hear them side by side when the Axioms arrived before I had sold my Monitor 9s.

My initial impression on hooking up the M22s was "Wow! Where did all this detail come from?" Stuff I'd been listening to -- and enjoying -- on the Monitor 9s for years really came to life. The difference was night and day.