That's a question with a very long answer. The answer lies in understanding how speakers are designed and how that translates into accurate sound.
Some people prefer an exaggerated bass sound. Another might prefer an exaggerated mid-range sound. The result might sound nothing like the artist's original sound, but that's how they like it so great for them. Happiness is the key. But because this is a personal preference, this can't be measured.
However, many people strive for their music to sound EXACTLY like the way it was intended, or at least recorded. This actually can be measured.
If accuracy is your goal, Axiom provides a ton of great information to help you to understand what to look and listen for in a speaker. Also, unlike many companies, they also readily publish all their spcifications and test results so you can use your knowledge to decide if they suit you before even taking a listen. Of course, listening, is the ultimate test.
Here are some articles they have published about understanding how speakers are designed, measured and tested. You can use this knowledge to shortlist speakers before you even do auditions. That is assuming that the other speaker companies you are looking into are as up front about their specs and test results as Axiom are.
Understanding Frequency Response How to Judge Loudspeaker Sound and Accuracy. What Defines a Reference Loudspeaker An interesting one if you are curious about design...
Axiom Speakers and the NRC These are just a few of over a hundred articles Axiom publishes to help explain the tech talk. Sure, their ultimate end is to sell speakers but compared to many other audio tech sights, I find the Axiom articles to be very well written with common sense, easy to understand and the ones not directly talking about Axiom speakers are actually pretty non-biased. I usually refer curious people to their full
Learning Center even when the person is not going to be buying speakers.
