I'm contemplating getting the B&W 703 (possibly spending more for the 704) but been reading alot of good things about Axiom speakers. Does any body have any objective suggestion/recommendation on the M80s vs the B&W 703/4 speakers? Cost-wise, the Axiom wins hands-down but am I comparing apples & oranges here? Thanks.

Welcome TX

There actually has been a lot of talk about Axiom vs. B&W around here in the past, I'm sure if you try searching for B&W, it will turn up many posts...

Anyway, for me when I was looking a year ago I thought the M60ti's sounded similar if not a little better than the 703's. I could not justify the cost difference. I think the M80's would also be in that same category or better. Everyone is different though, so an audition in your area would be the best, you might want to check the Audition thread in the "Hearing Things" forum.

Likewise. I love the sound of the B&W 703's, that's why I own my Axiom M60ti's and still have money left over to buy some music to listen on them.

I loved B&W 703s too while listening to them several times at my Rotel dealer. Great speakers! But Axiom M60s I have are three times cheaper, are the B&W three times better???

BTW, B&W 704s are cheaper than 703s, while floorstanders as well, they have one less woofer and a different, inferior midrange drive, compared to 703s.

A great B&W speaker is the booshelf 805s, but it cost around USD 2,500 for the pair, and you need to have a good sub, even for stereo.

Good luck with your decision!