I agree with your friend Murph, one reason I looked hard at Paradigm was because I thought they were beautiful speakers. As awesome as the Axioms sound, they will never win a beauty contest (unless we're talking about the Vassalo's). This isn't to say they are ugly by any means, just... well let's just say they are purpose built, not dressed to kill!
I feel the piano black finish, coupled with the simple yet eligant lines of the M80's help them disappear into the living room. While if I wanted my speakers to really stand out and scream, "look at me, look at me"!!! Then I would go with something like the Paradigm's. But the longer I live with the M80's, the more I appreciate their modest appearance.
Now that I think about it, I don't think I really want a speaker that screams, "LOOK AT ME" after all!
