Well, my wife and I just got back from auditioning a lot of speakers. I have to say that Axiom did sound better this time when we had a chance to listen to them set up in a proper room. We eliminated the Energy Encore and a Energy conniseur system and B&W 600 system. The 2 on the top of the list are still Totem and Axiom.
AXIOM
Pros:
Lower end is better
quad-polar surrounds
good customer service
loyal customer following
Cons
Laminate finish
not quite as detailed
TOTEM
Pros:
beautiful veneer finish
smaller speakers all round
more detailed middles and highs
audiophile reputation
Cons:
base doesn't go as low or fill the room as much
direct radiating rears
the 4 monitors are a little harder to drive
Both systems I listened to were about the same price. Actually the Totems were $200 cheaper. The Axiom set-up I listened to was the M3 for fronts, QS4's for rears, VP150 and the EP175. So I guess I mull it over for while I finish the basement and see how I feel when its time to install the system. I now need to do some research on in-wall speaker wire.
