Just remember his own preference might not be your preference. There are many good quality bookshelf speakers out there and until you get to hear them in your own environment with your ears, you will never really know which you like better. I would second the idea of ordering up both speakers listen to both and send back the ones you like the least, at most it will cost you about an extra $20 to return the Axioms should you not choose them and as was mentioned Ascend offeres free return shipping.