Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Expensive fronts w/ inexpensive center

I am considering a system composed of M80s, QS8s and a VP150. When I look at this system and the distribution of money between the components, it looks like the big money is going to the front speakers (M80s) and a lot less money to the center speaker (VP150). While this would be good for listening to music, it looks like a potential problem for listening to TV and DVDs where the vast majority of the sound comes from the center speaker.

Is this a legitimate problem? Is this center speaker good enough to pair up with the M80s? Is there an alternative that would still match the M80s - maybe offered by another vendor?

The M80's and VP150 are designed, or voiced, as we like to say to each other. The reason the M80's cost alot more then the center is because there are two of them and they use more materials and stuff. It basically costs more to make the M80's. Dont be concerned though. I would however be concerned if you were spending the same amount on a center as the mains because there are some odd priotities there.

You won't be disappointed with the VP 150. It will handle all you can throw at it. I am driving my system with an Adcom 7808 which has 300wpc and the VP 150 really handles it well.
gthomas

I have the VP=150 with M22Ti mains driven by a HK AVR=525, and I cannot tell you how it sounds...The sound stage is impressive, but I cannot hear just the VP=150. I have walked up to it many times and am able to hear sound coming from it, but 2ft away it disappears. I have never used a different center.
I did once use the RPTV as the center...BIG mistake, and not exactly fair.
I also unplugged it once while listening to music, and the effect was dramatic, badly so.
I am not an expert, but everyone who has listened to this system has been completly blown away, and in the end that is all that really matters...

The price comparison is per speaker. Obviously, I would expect two front speakers to cost more than one center speaker.

From what I can tell, not counting bargains, the M80s are about $550 per speaker whereas the 150 is about $350. In other systems I have considered, the center speaker was closer in price (in many cases more expensive) than each of the front speakers.

Rick, just don't take our word for it - at the main site, there are links to reviews of the Epic 80 home theatre system. You will find that the VP150 blends beautifully with the 80's.

Consider the amount of drivers per speaker, and the sizes. While the VP150 has the same 2 tweeters, and 3 of the same midranges, it does not have the 2 woofers that the 80s have. Also consider cabinet size, and the fact that the 80s are biampable, and you can see where the extra $200 goes. From all that I've read the VP150 is a perfect match for the 80s. Of course, you could always go JohnK's route and use another M80 for the center... I'm planning on using a pair of M2s for my center when I get my M22s.

Rick,

The reason for the price difference between the M80 and VP150 is simple: the M80 is designed to be a full-range speaker, capable of down to ~30Hz, while the VP150 is designed as a "small" speaker in the THX lingo, capable only of ~80Hz and up. The bottom-octave reproduction always costs a lot, because it requires a larger driver (often more than one, as in the case of the M80) housed in a larger cabinet.

By the way, absolutely nothing is wrong if you use a third M80 as a vertical center channel (if you can place it nicely) -- in fact, three identical speakers would make the ideal configuration of the front L/C/R channels.

Rick,
I would agree with sushi (heck, most ppl do) but you should not equate cost with performance.
If you view this notion from the opposite position, perhaps the VP150 is simply pound for pound a better deal than the M80s!

The VP150 is one of the few center channels that is offering a 3 woofer array coupled with DUAL tweeters. It doesn't get much sweeter than that!

Always manufacturer match & timbre match your speakers! If you mix and match, the sound will get all skewed and not blend properly when listening. The VP150 handles 400 watts...which I am assuming is rated at high current watts (some guy was using 300w/ch Adcom). It doesn't get much more heavy duty than that. I find the finest speakers I have ever listened to (all of which were way out of my range) were all inefficient and driven by esoteric high current, massive wattage amps. The sound gets soooo sweet.... So, I guess what I am saying is...if you don't like the VP150, try and take a look and/or upgrade your amps. Push those watts!