Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Should I go with 3 W3s across the front or a W100?

My brother is building a theater and I've talked him into an axiom setup. He wants inwalls.

Room will be 16x19. Two rows of seating

I was thinking it might be cool to do 3 W3s across the front for a seamless soundstage. Why do you really need a horizontal speaker as a center anyways?

The other options are W3s and W100 / W150.

He could also do W22s and a W150.

QS4s or QS8s and a SVS cylinder sub would round out the 7.1 system.

3 identical speakers across the front is the ideal situation. Horizontal centers are a compromise to fit 'nicely' into most HTs as they fit into equipment racks/shelving where they blend in better.

I would be tempted to go with the W22s and w100/150 because the W22 is a better speaker. I think you gain more with the W22 than you lose going to the W100/150.

Of course 3 W22s would be best...

I just went through this decision last week. It seems most people recommend three of the same speaker along the front if you can fit it. I personally decided on W22's and a W150 with two QS8's for now because I couldn't fit another WS22 without going to an acoustically transparent screen. I emailed Axiom tech support and for a room my size (12 x 20 x 7.5', so a bit smaller) they suggested this as the way to go. They specifically stated if you are going to be seated more than 12' from the center speaker, or if you have off axis seating, you are better off going with the W150 instead of the W100.

In my minds eye, using a horizontal speaker with in-walls is the way to go aesthetically. For the best sound reproduction using the same front three speakers is the better way to go and a vertical speaker has better sound dispersion than a horizontal speaker.

I haven't heard the M3 or W3 speaker. I have M60s VP100 and QS8s. I was under the impression that it was a nice sounding speaker and it would likely fit my brother just fine. He isn't an audiophile but does know a little about speakers.

The 3 W3s would fit in his room which will be 16x19x10 with a 1 foot drop ceiling for sparkly lights. So essentially 16x19x9. I don't think W22s would fit vertically except below the screen. Since he will have two rows of seats I would prefer to have the speakers above instead of below. I also don't want to get too close to the ceiling or you get reflections.

Since he isn't majorly an audiophile I think a couple m22s and a W150 should be just fine. They would also probably play louder than the 3 W3s without breaking up. I guess I'll just have him go all out and get the QS8s instead of the QS4s also. Hey, it isn't my money

How much space in the wall do you need between studs for the W150? I need to make sure his contractor knows that.

You can download the manuals on the speaker's web page.

The box at the back of the speaker is only about 4" wide.

Hi Autoboy,
The in-wall portion of the speaker was designed and built to fit between a standard 16" center to center wall. If the wall is not a bearing wall; a stud could be cut out without negative effects. If it is a bearing wall then someone can always built a header similar to what is commonly done for a window or door opening.

You should install the main speakers so that their tweeter is between the ear level of the first and second row of seated listeners.

With two rows of listeners; two center speakers are highly recommended. If only one is installed, it should be above the screen and aimed again between the two rows of listeners. An Axiom VP150v2 on a ceiling or wall bracket is easy to aim. However, if you want a W150 build a sheetrock box with an angled face which will aim the W150 between the two rows of listeners.

I personally wouldn't go with in wall speakers for a dedicated theater... but I just like the look of big towers

So boxed speakers would be better? I don't think he is married to the in-wall idea. I personally think he should go with a recessed screen and build some shelves around the screen for some M22s. I really like this theater build.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=996159