I have a $1500 budget for a pair of speakers used for 2-channel music listening. I've narrowed the decision down to the either the Axiom 80ti or the Thiel CS.5. I was pretty sure I was going to purchase a pair of Thiels (which I can get my hands on for $1250), but all the Axiom publicity is making me curious to compare the two. Since, I'm planning to pair the main speakers up with either a Velodyne HGS or REL Qseries subwoofer (both of which I can also get at a very nice discount), the M80ti's superior bass extension shouldn't be a factor in the decision. I'm more interested in transparency, transient response, and tonal balance in the midrange and high frequencies. Anyone, especially Alan, Ian, or Amie, have any thoughts on comparing the two?
