I A/B compared the Axiom QS8s in 5.1 to a friends B&W DS7s (not the DS3s) in 7.1 in a friends HT and it was no contest. The Axioms substantially better at producing both ambient surround effects and directional queues.
However, as Tomorrow is asking what mains and center are you matching these with. If you already have B&Ws up front you might want to stick with the matching B&W surrounds if you are sensitive to sonic differences between speakers. My friend from above liked the QS8s enough that he considered replacing his B&W surrounds with them so we hooked them into his system. Although both Axiom and B&W are considered “detailed” they sounded different enough with music that we both agreed he should stick with the B&W surrounds.
Also, the QS8s are not that hard to place. They only need about 3-4 inches between the up/down firing driver and the closest surface. People have done this with painted or finished blocks of wood. Using ceiling mounting brackets and even DIY stands (just cut a hole in it for the bottom driver. The only issue with stands is the QS8s are heavy little suckers and the stand will be top heavy if not weighted. I know, I pulled one over while stringing a tape measurer from it (no damage luckily).
However, like Boerd said try both and keep the ones that you like best. Axiom’s web site estimates 30USD to ship back a pair of surrounds and hopefully you can find some B&Ws locally.
Another option that’s gotten some positive comments at a fraction of the cost of the Axioms and B&W are Emotive ERD-1s but I think they only come in black.
Cheers,
Dean
