In reply to:

I think Axiom suggests 50% of your audio budget should be spent on speakers, but that would only leave me $360 for an integrated and cd player.



Well... the 50% I'm sure is more aimed towards a full 5.1/6.1 system.

If I'd paid retail for my electronics, I'll end at about the following:
Speakers - 50%
Electronics - 36%
Stands - 8.5%
Cables/Wire - 5.5%

Speaking of wire - I ordered the Axiom bulk speaker cable, I know a few of the guys around here were wondering what it was like, I can give an opinion by probably Thursday.

(C'mon Peter - I'm leaving you this opportunity for a joke like "Upon receiving the wire, I found that it was made of copper and came with an insulator - same as every other hank of wire!")

Bren R.