I finally set up the Axiom AS5 Audio Stand this weekend after receiving it two weeks ago. In general, I'm very happy with it. Its appearance is consistent with the photos in the Axiom advertisement, and the material quality is very high. I was concerned that my wife wouldn't like it as its style is more contemporary than most other furniture in the room. However, she thinks it's attractive and fits perfectly in the space available.
The unit arrived in two business days and came in a relatively flat box that was about 4' x 4.5'. Basically, two pieces of molded styrofoam protected the pieces. The five shelves were stacked with thin, foam sheets separating them. The tubes that separate the shelves were in separate molded compartments. The box indicated that it was Made in China by The Stand Company. This wasn't a complete surprise as stands are certainly a secondary line for Axiom.
Instructions consisted only of a list of parts and a diagram that showed, without words, how to assemble the stand. This seemed adequate until I reached its completion and found that the cap screws to secure the top did not reach the rods that ran through the tubing. This made it very unstable. However, after loosening the rods by several turns from the feet, the cap screws now could be tightened, stabilizing the stand. It seems like the problem could have been avoided either through instruction or by limiting the threading available on the feet.
So, in summary, I'm very happy with the stand despite a momentary glitch in its assembly. Its original $290 price appears fair. For the $145 sale price, I think it's a real bargain.
