After a few weeks of research I have decided to purchase the m80's Without hearing them makes the decision tough but every review I have read has been outstanding. From what I have read for the price & qaulity these speakers are hard to beat. We will see...

My question is in regards to the standard and custom wood finishs. I like the wood finish with semigloss but prefer not to spend that much.

How do you guys like the way the standard finish looks, does it have a qaulity look to it, it is hard to get a good feel for the way it looks from the pictures on this web site

thnks for your time

Dapman, the best solution is to order a few samples. The wood samples are 25 bucks which you can apply towards the purchase. Standard finish samples are free. I don't know if it's still the same, but when I got the standard sample it was the part cut out for the port hole--pretty small. The custom samples should be plaque sized with your choice of grill cover mounted on it.

Definitely get some samples--looking at the pieces in person in your own home surrounded by your decor and in your particular lighting will be best.

The standard finishes are nice... Until you see one of the speakers in the custom finishes. I think the real wood would be very good looking. I took advantage of the free upgrade to High gloss cherry thats still going on, and although its not a real wood i think its much nicer than the standard boston cherry I previosly had.

I would imagine the real wood would yield those sort of results compared to the HG cherry!

I suggest you get some samples sent to you as well. I had some sent to me when my brother was ordering some speakers, and it made the decison much easier.

It's real important to see the finishes in the room you'll be setting them up in as well. Lighting makes a world of difference. When I first saw the samples in my office, I picked one color, but when I saw them in his room, my original choice looked totally different.

Bottom line, have them send you some samples. Then you'll know for sure.

My .02... I've got the Epic 80 in standard Boston Cherry. Everyone that's seen them thought they were wood till I told them otherwise (probably shouldn't have now that I think of it ). Outstanding quality in construction. I even applied a leather conditioner to the finish to give them a more semi-gloss look, and was happy with the results. A deeper, richer color to them with a little shine. Go for the wood if you *must* have it, but in terms of value for your cash, the standard finishes look great and have the same astounding sound as their wood-clad brethren.

Good Luck!

I'll second that get some samples, and especially the bit about checking them in different lights. My speakers don't quite match the entertainment center so well... my own fault.

What about the factory seconds, it is said that they will have a slight blemish.. is that all it is, or could it be something that realy stands out and someone would say, what happend to your speakers.

Most of us purchased our Axioms from the Factory Outlet and in most cases you won't find the blemish even if you have a magnifying glass. Technically, there is no difference. The QA department is very picky. Also, just to make sure you are aware, these are not refurbished.