Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Anybody using an M60 as a center?

I also listen to many SACD and DVD-As, and I concur that a lot more comes out of the center than just vocals. I originally went with three M60s across the front and it wasn't until I went to lower the gain on the subwoofer (sounded great but was a little on the powerful side) that I noticed it had been disabled in the Rx. Had to move the speakers farther from the wall to control the bass! That was pretty cool. The tower center also obviates any sort of stand or mount under my screen, as all my gear is on the side closer to the projector.

I did upgrade to two M80s (no really logical reason - the 60s were great) but kept the M60 center [better than the Paradigm Cin 330 (which I found better than most seem to give it credit for)]. I've never noticed any off axis dispersion problems with either center channel, so that wasn't really a factor. Mostly I just wanted it.

For music the tower is fantastic, for movies it probably isn't really necessary, but certainly does a wonderful job. I'm really happy with the decision and recommend to anyone with a screen 38" off the ground and an extra $100 to give it a try.

Thanks for that info. I never bothered to notice the difference in the specs and just thought they were the same size.

I’m sort of lucky I already have the M80s since I can adjust the screen size to them. Actually they are the only thing keeping the screen size down to something a reasonably priced projector can illuminate.

Yeah, I just have a 92" but it's as high up on the wall as it can go and an M80 would cast a shadow, but the 60 is just right.

Just 2 quick comments......

SirQuack - I read all the reviews on this site - in fact, I have reread them many times. One of the reveiws comments on the 150's off axis performance - stating that just moving to one end of the couch or the other that there is a noticeable drop in performance. I would be interested in your or other's opinions in your real life situtations?

Second.....for those that are discussing the merits of going to an M60 or M80 as a center, is anyone suggesting a horizontal setup as opposed to a vertical set up?.........Rob

You won't find anyone using a horizontal tower--the dispersion pattern would be wrong. Not to mention that the towers (and bookshelves) are angled on both sides.

Yes, I thought about the both the dispersion and angle angle (so to speak) - as for the angle part, there are some clever people on here that I feel sure could get around the angle part - but then the dispersion would be off........

All I can say is that I have 2 rows of seating, 3 lazy boys up front, and a couch on the elevated back row that could hold 4 people. I've never really experienced any major drop in performance when sitting in the left/right locations. I'm sure there are limits with any speaker, including the M60's or M80's, when you go beyond the soundstage. However, if everything is set up properly at ear level, or aimed at ear level, you'll be happy. Most people can't use a tower for a center.

Regarding your m60 to m80 upgrade, did you find it worthwhile?
I'm torn between the two. If I do get the m80 I will probably have to put a stereo power amp for them. My AVR supports 6-8ohm.

Forever Newbie,

If you have the space for the m60 or better yet a m80 (to match your m80's as fronts) for the center then by all means you should get one. It is only about a $100 premium for the m60 and a $200 premium for the m80 which should be more than worth it. The only reason that most people don't do it is because it is difficult to fit a tower in the center position. Heck I would have a hard to putting an m2 in the center position, which is why I went with a vp150 for the center. Even with a dedicated home theater room and a projector screen I would have a hard time going with a tower in the center position since it would put the screen up too high for me. I would get a stiff neck watching a screen that high. But, I don't think anyone can argue that a vp150 would be better than a m60 or m80 as a center.

- Nick

What is your AVR?