I have been around audio for a long time and have worked in the industry for a few years. With my experience I have always been a fan of the underdog price for a great product brand. I now have Paradigm monitor 7's v2 and they are ok but I am looking to upgrade. I have heard that the Axiom m60 V2 are bette than the Paradigm Monitor series but not quite what the Reference studios can do. I have heard this and that many people prefer the axioms to the studio refereonce series. I guess if someone could explain the difference I would know where each shines and where they don't. But I know I do not want to spend the money for the signature Paradigms. I think that they are overpriced and way above what I feel like is a good price per performance mark. That was the main thing that made the Axioms catch my eye besides the finish options and the look. I think that they are a better looking speaker that the Paradigms are. But at 990 bucks for the speaker that competes with 2000 to 2500 dollar ones is saying something in my opinion. For the extra money I would save i could sometime get the surrounds and maybe the center to match or possibly get myself some vinyl gear like I have been wanted to do for a while. I mean tell me? are the studio 60's that much better to pay double the price for them.