KS, I think the Axiom option you mentioned may be a good place to start. That doesn't mean you shouldn't go listen to other speakers...B&W, Klipsch, KEF, Infinity, Polk..etc. You may even find something you like on eBay. As for the Axioms, If I recall, they offer 30 day money back, so at least you have 30 days to listen and return if you don't like. Not many companies out there that will do that.
One thing I have learned and I learned the HARD way. Find a speaker that does well with music. A speaker that does well with music will do well with HT. A speaker that does well for HT may NOT (generally not) do well for music.
Oh, by the way, your Onkyo 702 is a fine receiver and will handle whatever you end up with. You have read alot of differing opinions here. The hard thing to do is try not to let one opinion dominate your search. Listen to everything you can. Don't be in a hurry. Take youe time. Afterall, it's YOUR hard earned money you are spending, not mine/ours.

Good luck