First off, check your speaker wires to insure that + is going to + and - is going to -.

To test the idea that the M22's are not the best why not try moving the system into another, smaller room so that you can get the feel for the Axiom speakers. It may be a hard pill to swallow for your friend when we all say move to the M50, M60's or M80's if he thinks the Axiom brand may not be for him. Move the system into a guest room and test out the set up. I do know that the M22's are a little more forward then the M60's (I have both) so if he is looking for more bass and "room filling sound" that may be the way to go. If the M2's are still in the 30 day trial, return them for the M50's or what I recomend to my friends the M60's.

In a room that size you will need a good sub. Take a look at:

SVS
HSU
Outlaw Audio

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.