Old story now, I auditioned my M60s side by side against my Buddies' Studios. We did our best to A/B them at the same volumes using my db meter. Switching wasn't seamless so the best we could do was try to trick each other as to which was playing when.
Neither of us are professional reviewers and we were inexperienced in critical listening. However, we both agreed by the end that we could not 'confidently' tell the difference between the two. We both agreed that strictly by our our inability to confidently pick out which speaker was which, that the Axioms were probably the better deal for the dollar, sound wise. However, did that make the Axioms necessarily the best choice? No. Not for both of us.
He kept the Paradigms and I kept the Axioms. He preferred the look and the more luxurious finish for his more modern apartment. I kept the Axioms as our house is much more laid back in style and the less luxurious look was not a concern. We were both extremely happy with our purchases.
My point, I don't pretend to be a "professional reviewer", I will not try to tell you that I am certain one is better than the other, because I was unable to even decide for myself... I just thought I'd add my personal experience into the thread for those who might find it interesting.
After all, if I'm making any point at all, it's that most of us, due to skill and circumstance, can only listen subjectively at best and finally, that in the end, the only item of importance is that your happy with your final choice.
