First mistake was getting the M22's. If your buddy likes the Paradigm 40's, he should really look at the M50's from Axiom. I have had both and they are close to each other. The M22's sound nothing at all like the Paradigms. If he can swing the cash, he may want to try the M60's but I have never heard them so I can't be much help on that end.......One thing I can say is that I have had the M80's from Axiom and they don't sound like the Paradigm 40's either!