Ohm
Mudcat,
Unfortunately if I didn't like the speakers, I would have to eat the shipping. If not, I would definitely give them a shot.
Cam,
I have heard several speakers locally including Paradigm, B&W, and Kirksaeter. I would agree with you completely that one shouldn't buy speakers based exclusively on reviews. In my reading of audio magazines, I don't know if I have ever seen a particularly negative review.
Thanks,
Jeff