Okay, here is what I have come up with. Anyone with prior experience please give all the insight you have. The following systems are in place and are running neck and neck. AXIOM: M60's / QS8's / VP150 ( 1620)
ROCKETS : RS550 / RSC200 / RS300 (1799) (1718 "B" stk)
ROCKETS : RS750 / RSC200 / RS550 (1919 "B" stk)
Any thoughts much sppreciated. Yamaha RX V 2400 arriving any day.

Both speakers get great reviews and have great customer service. And it sounds like you are going for some great systems.

However, since the speakers sound completely different to any ear, your best bet is to buy a pair of each and compare their sound and decide which ones you like better and return the other.

Also, think about how the Rockets will look in your living space. I never even tested out the Rockets because I think they are too showy (re: ugly) and would look terrible in my apartment.

Axioms maple speakers match my decor perfectly.

Davey, the other thing that may interest you is that sometimes, Axiom B-Stock is available by phone but is NOT on the website. B-Stock is a 10% discount, and mine are very nearly flawless. They only put B-Stock models on the web Factory Outlet if there is sufficient quantity, but even if they are not listed on the website, they may be available by calling.

The other thing that strikes me is the RS550 is a two-way system, probably more comparable to the Axiom M50 than to the M60. Also, I find it personally compelling that the Axioms are manufactured in Canada while the Rockets are (I believe) manufactured in Asia. Someone please correct me if I am mistaken.

I think the Axiom setup you describe is universally loved by those owning it.

yep...give Axiom a call and see if any of those models are available in "B-stock".

Also, you've GOT to hear both before making a decision. Don't listen to one, and make a purchase. Hear BOTH and then make an informed decision.

fyi...I have the M60's, VP150, QS8's and M2i's with a Hsu VTF-2. Absolutely love them.

Yes, at the very least, the Rocket cabinets are made in China (PRC) -- probably, the crossover and the final assembly are also done in PRC. The silk tweeter driver is the Vifa, made in Denmark; I am not 100% sure about their mid-woofer but I seem to remember that it is a China-made unit.

I understand that the Axiom cabinets and final assembly are all done in their Muskoka, Ontario facility; the drivers are OEM'ed in China according to Ian's exact specs (Amie, please correct me if I am wrong).

But IMO, where they are made is much less relevant than one fundamental difference between the two brands: According to my understanding, the entire Axiom line, including its drivers/cabinets/crossovers, have been all designed and voiced essentially by one design engineer, Ian Colquhoun, for over 20 years. Thus, the brand has its own definitive style, in its engineering and in its sound. The Onyx brand does not have the same kind of history or single-mindedness to it -- through its very short history, they have already produced vastly different-sounding speakers for whatever reasons; honestly, I have absolutely no idea what type of sound their next speakers will be voiced with... In other words, the chief of Axiom is an engineer; the chief of Onyx is a marketer.

If you have a lot to share with Ian with respect to sonic taste, you are going to love the Axioms; if you don't, you won't.