I really would like to say it was a fluke, but I'm not sure what the issue was other than just being underpowered. I have been running this receiver with other older speakers (2 infinity fronts- 1"tweeter 8"mid-sub, 2 small B&W rears and a *gasp* bose center channel) with zero problems and GREAT sound except for the center which sucked.
Upgraded to the axioms, and to get the same sound level I had to max out the receiver. I hope that you will have better results, there is obviously a lot of variation even within the same brand when it comes to HT components.
-Sam
