keend0,
I also looked at Polk speakers, RTi8s, RTi10s and also their LSi series. The RTi10s were very muddy, definitely lacked clarity. The RTi8s were definitely the better of the RTi series. That being said I wasn't overly impressed with either of the two.
The LSi series sounded much better. Deep, rich, powerful sound. I was a day or so from buying them when I stumbled across Axioms. The LSis were pricey, around $1600. So I figured I owed myself and wallet a M60 demo.
I ordered M60s, QS4s, and a VP150 center. Since I still have them you can tell I was very pleased. A world better then the RTi series and very comparable to the LSi series at half the price.
I'm still working out sub issues but the Axioms are here to stay. You can see my room layout and size here
http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=HT&Number=134891&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=
Also I live on the NW side of Chicago.