Axiom says itself, and views it as a design goal, to make a neutral sound. So while saying they sounded flat is probably accurate, thats how they’re designed. The only thing I can think to add is that most people seem to think Axiom speakers are forward, not a “few rows back from the stage” speakers, and they can sound very bright if room acoustics are poor but become unfatiguing when placed well.

I’m glad we’ve come to a bit of the same conclusion. I can’t help you with the other issue though. I guess it is something you either hear or you don’t. Thankfully measurements aren’t the end all of speakers. Otherwise a lot of speakers would essentially sound the same. And we know that isn’t the case.

Axiom doesn’t buy into that nonsense and neither does anyone that can measure audio gear.

That being said your opinion on the sonic attributes of this speaker seem to reflect my own. They are a solid performing bookshelf but they lack the depth in soundstage and vocal clarity that I’ve heard on much pricier products.