Hi Chris,
I bought the same receiver as yourself (Pioneer 9040 / Elite 21) on boxing day. I have also been looking to buy Axiom speakers. I sent an email to Axiom with my receiver and Brent promptly replied. He said: "Your Pioneer A/V receiver would drive any combination of our speakers with exception of the M80v2."
Assuming you have the same manual as myself, page 119 has a fairly detailed specifications listed (albeit a bit confusing) which confirms Brent's recommendation. Originally I had a bit of trouble finding the info, but it is there.
I'm thinking of getting the Epic 60 - 350 Home Theater System for myself, which *I think* would match up pretty good with the Pioneer 9040.
Hope that helps a bit.
