Shinerman is providing you with good advice. I know that with so many brands, and so many models, the hunt for speakers can be quite daunting. When I began looking, I just wanted to come to these forums and say for cripes sakes, someone just tell me which is the 'best' speaker in my price range." Unfortunately, that's just not possible, because "best" is a completely subjective decision. One man's ceiling is another man's floor.
The only sure way find your "best" speaker is to audition them in YOUR room. The room in which the speakers will be placed, due to size, shape, furnishings, etc., will have a profound effect on the way a speaker sounds. Auditioning in a store, or at a friends house will certainly give you an idea of the characteristics of speaker line, and is a worthwhiol first step. But, there is no guarantee they'll sound the same in your room.
With store brands, see if you can take them home for an audition. Some stores will allow this. Even buy them, and take them home, as long as they are returnable, for a full refund, within a certain period of time.
The internet vendor brands, like Axiom, usually have a liberal return policy, and will refund your money as long as they are returned within the specified time period. Yes, you have to pay some shipping, but that can be a small percentage of the investment your are intending to make. It's well worth it to be sure you are getting something you are happy with. A good thing to do is to order just the front two speakers to see if you like their sound. Should you not care for them, you only need return two speakers rather the 5, 6, 7, or 8. If you like them, just order the rest of the set.
Take your time, do your homework, and enjoy the process. It can be frustrating, but it can also be fun.
