Mark512 - Having had both an Ascend 340/170 system and a couple of Axiom systems, I can assure you they are both very good speaker companies.
The "bad" reviews on Axiom centers can be traced to about 3 guys who had an axe to grind.
If you visit Axiom's site, you will find dozens of rave reviews from professional reviewers, including some done here at Audioholics.
For us, We had M-22's and VP-150 and replace them with an Epic 80 system, complete with another VP-150. We love it.