You know, Axiom could have gone a different path and did a bit more of a cosmetic tweak to the speakers, then basically introduced a whole new lineup (never having placed the new components in any v2 models of course and saving the v3 components for this new series).

Different model names. (Axiom EX60, EX80, VX180)
More of a different look. (maybe rounded corners, the magnetic grilles of course, new vinyl colour options?)
Enough changes to validate the creation of a whole new series so that no one with "previous" Axiom models would have been upset.
Kind of like the difference between the older AX series and the new Millenia series.

Those who ordered the Millenia lineup before the notice of new Axiom models (e.g. the Lofft-houn series) would still have had the latest, greatest revisions of the models they bought knowing it was all that Axiom offered at the time barring any pre-release info about a new lineup being designed.

Just a thought, but i bet there would have been alot less complaining if these speakers were introduced as a whole new series of speakers.

Very valid points!

Personally, I've been waiting to upgrade my M50's to M60's.
Perfect timing for me.
Also, change is an inevitable part of life. It happens with good or bad results. Kind'a depends which way you look at it. For myself, I love my Axioms. I have no regret with my purchase. It was as much speaker as I could afford at the time. I still view what I own as a really good deal when comparing $$$ with performance. That hasn't changed, even with the new V3's. My "old" speakers haven't instantly become worse and my listening pleasure hasn't diminished at all.
Axiom has to stay competitive and evolve to survive. To not do so would be it's eventual demise. That outcome would be far worse alternative than missing an update tomorrow by purchasing today. No complaints here.

Good idea. Now where did I put that time machine?

I think there would have been enough complaining. This is the internet! People would have been all over the fact that they were basically the same speakers, only looking slightly different.

The complaints would still have come in even if the speaker was redesigned. The complaints are about the new version/upgrade and not being told about a change that was known internally and not spoken of to the buyers. Well a new speaker would still render the same comlaint about not being told about the upcoming design change when ordering, especially if you are ordering the real wood series.

So far as a new series, that has been hinted at in a thread or was it by Gene D. with his quick review.

The mistake was holding the line on prices.

Ya, they should have dropped

Shhhh...you might give them ideas. They need to wait until I buy my new M80 V3s!

Anyone know how significant the changes to the QS8 speakers might be from V2 to V3?