Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Surround/Center Suggestions??

Okay - I have listened to my new M3's on my DENON 2800 for about a week and think they are great (to think all I was missing with my Energy Take 5's!!!) Obviously, the blending with the Take Center and surrounds is serviceable, but a far cry from good - especially on Hi-Res multi-channel. While I realize the M22's are a superior speaker for clarity/neutrality, I'm going to keep my M3's for mains for 3 reasons... 1) I really don't want a larger speaker (shock to the system after having the small Energy's!!), 2) I'm extremely sensitive to "bright" speakers -I like detail but my ears don't like "too" much or maybe I just haven't damaged them enough yet :-), 3) I just spent $800 on a new H/K 630 and I still need to buy 2 pair of decent stands, so I'd like to save as many $$ as possible - must start thinking about grad school.

Having said that, I would like opinions on the following scenarios for my center/surrounds, keeping in mind a mix of 20% multi-channel music, 40% stereo music, 20% multi-channel gaming, and 20% movies...

VP150 + M3's
VP100 + M3's (the early favorite)
VP150 + M2's
VP100 + M2's
M2 + M3's
M2 + M2's

My setup is in a 12 X 20 "section" of a much larger room on the top floor of a 2-story apartment (hence I can't turn it up "too loud"... hehehe)I'm not exactly sure how I would place a vertical center, though it has been suggested (I've got a 32 inch tube... and the top leans forward)

As for stands, I'm seriously considering the 28in Euro Foundations (silver) from Sanus unless someone has a better suggestion.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

If you are going to keep the M3s, my vote for the center channel would be either the VP150 or a third M3. Obviously, three M3's as the front L/C/R will provide the best seamlessness. As for the surrounds, if you are budget-restricted and like compact speakers, then I suggest a pair of the QS4s.

Another M3 for the center would seem like a good solution. Any reason not to lay it on its side as a center? Under the TV on the TV stand it would radiate upward toward the listener. Another pair of M3s and youd'd have a rear center for not too much more than the VP100.

Laying the M3 (or any bookshelfs) on its side is not a good idea, because it will make the treble dispersion asymmetric from the left to right.

Can you explain why this is? Drivers are symetrical, is this due the boundary effect of asymetric placement in the cabinet, interferance pattern with the other driver(s)?

Wow - a lot of people recommending a vertical center!! Placement issue... directly to the left or right side of my tv??? and at what height compared to the L/R M3's... equal, higher, or lower...

Also, given the fact that I'll have two back surrounds, do I really need dipoles??

Thank you very much!!

md55,

Yes, both of the effects you listed will be audible.


beezer,

If you have to place a vertical center to the side of the TV, don't bother and go with the VP150. Many people here seem to recommend the QS (quad-polar) surrounds even if you have back surrounds, because of their excellent "disappearing" abilities.

Oops, sorry. Quad polar... my mistake ( I need to read up!)
Only other vertical center mounting option would be front of tv stand 12 inches up from ground and pointed up toward seated position... that just doesn't sound like it would work!