I have only been able to listen to the Paradigm. The dealer here who has them also carries B & W and I seemed to prefer the Paradigm over the B & W 603?, I think it was anyway. So not being able to hear either the Axiom or Wharfedale they are on my top 3 list based solely on what I have read. "Fatigue" is a concern to me since I believe that is what happens to me now with my current speakers. "Laid back" sounds like a term I would not be interested in but "bright" also could be a problem. I currently have an older Onkyo receiver that is 75 watts per channel but will upgrade when I buy speakers, am considering either denon 2105 or Yamaha V657