I haven't heard the M2's. I own M60's and have heard M80's at several other locations.

Given your very extensive expertise, I think you'd be well-served by getting the M80's. They are Axiom's flagship loudspeaker. I don't think that your reservations about non-point-source design will be borne out. Remember that Axiom is primarily an R&D company and that Ian has about 30 years of design/engineering experience. The M80 is built the way it is because that's what they have concluded is "best". That's what you deserve.

bibere usque ad hilaritatem