Hi double.
The AX-1's are a very special speaker. I have owned a pair of them now for about three years running. Connected to a Nakamichi IA-1Z integrated and used in conjunction with a pair of Axiom's AX-500a subwoofers (the AX-1's actually sit on top of the subs), they serve as my reference speaker for stereo listening as well as fronts for home theater.
The AX-1 is about the same size as the M2ti, another monitor speaker I own. I have compared the two, side-by-side, and can provide the following in reference to your post:
The AX-1's are rated at 4 ohms, and do require more power to get them going. Feed them well, however, and they can fill a medium-sized room with wonderful sound. They do play louder than the M2ti's, with a nice bass weight that gives it a fuller, more rounded sound. (The M2tis sound leaner in comparison) Treble is clean, airy, and articulate, with perhaps a touch of sweetness. The soft domes do not invoke the last level of transparency that Axiom's metal tweets can, but that is of little complaint. The AX-1's are exceptionally balanced, smoooooth in sound, and oh so musical. You can listen to your favorite music for hours. Listen loud if you like. Your ears won't be bleeding. Overall, I prefer the AX-1 over the M2ti's.
In comparison to current Axioms, the AX-1's greatest weakness seems to be its lack of dynamics. You'll definitely notice it with weaker amps, hence the need to feed them lots of clean power. In this regard, they make for a better music speaker than that of a home-theater speaker.
The AX-1's work well with a sub. In fact, the AX-500a is the perfect compliment to the AX-1, but any sub of sufficient calibre will do.
If the price was right, I would not hesitate to snap up a pair AX-1's on the used market, especially in the rosewood finish. Same goes for the AX-500a (black woodgrain is fine, thank you). But finding people willing to part with their Axioms, well that is not an easy task.
Good luck!
-alan
