Tom, thanks for the comments.

Just to clear it up...You do not pay for the shipping from China. I am sure it is built into their P&L (like Axioms "free" shipping is). Instead, you pay for shipping from Colorado.

I also agree with Tom in that I think we should read his thoughts as just that, his, mine and Bigwill 2's feelings, abut our systems, set ups and room layouts. I am sure that others, outside this hobby, would feel that what some pay for a set of M60's is as silly as your feelings about what I paid for the 850's. I'm not even going to touch on the manufactuing location as this was more then kicked to death in another forum.

Great write-up, Tom ! This must have been a lot of fun. And yes, Quality amplification and the room sure do make a lot of difference in the sound quality.