I have heard M80s and M60s and I own M60s right now. I was considering the Paradigm Reference series 60 before I bought Axioms.

Paradigms are good speakers but I did not hear anythin great from the paradigms which would make me extra $$$ more.

I have paradigm Monitor 9 and they are no way closer to Axioms. I would compare M60 with Reference 60 and M80 with Reference 100 but I have not heard Reference 100s.

Definitely Paradigms look much better than Axioms but it is the balance between Aesthetics and Budget...