Welcome to the forum, Chris!

As I only have a pair of 170's as my main L/R speakers, I can only comment on these. Like your Axioms, my old B&W's had "Ear-bleeding" highs at higher volumes(they were bright at low volumes too, just not as bad). The Ascends removed the harsh highs and smoothed them out. I gained better midrange as well, though the Axioms are known for their mids as well. As far as soundstage...that may have more to do with room layout and/or speaker placement. I only have one location I can have my speakers and they image pretty good. I know if I moved them closer together they would get better, but I don't have that option right now. Curtis and others here could comment better on the center and surround speakers from Ascend. If they are better than the 170's you won't be disappointed!

Ed