I have a very similar setup, the only difference being the Hsu VTF-2 instead of the Axiom sub and no back channel. I set the crossover levels to 80Hz and set the speaker level at 10 for the fronts and the center.
I have had a lot of trouble with setting up macros. For some reason some steps are just not done, especially the souce switching steps on the reciever. I finally gave up.
EZset is great. At least I set it with EZset and slightly modified on it. I did not use sound level meter.
I connected my components directly to the TV. One because I did not want to spend on additional component cables and the worry about signal degrading.
The remote learns well and even though I put in the code for the brand, some buttons did not work. I used the learn function.
Other than the problems with the remote, the receiver itself is great. You will be happy.
