I spoke to someone at Axiom about this some time ago. All Axiom tests are made with the grill on. This does not imply that they sound better either way. But some loudspeakers from other manufactures clearly sound more natural without the grill, and the reverse is also true. Alot depends on the design of the frames inner and outer edges. \:\)

Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men died to win them.