As was discussed somewhere here a few weeks ago, differences in volume (even tiny differences) lead to the louder speaker sounding better. The dealer "doing his best" to make sure the speakers sounded like they were at the same volume doesn't make for an acceptable comparison.
Now, I'm not saying the Axioms were better; I haven't heard the Energys so I have no way of knowing.... The Energys might in fact be better sounding speakers to many people, certainly yourself included. But it's important that an A/B test be set up correctly or it's virtually worthless.
The previous post regarding room placement is correct in that it's a big factor as well.
