Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater VP100 vs VP150

Is the VP100 center really that much of a step down from the VP150? I just got the M22s and need to replace my tiny Polk center and the blem VP100 in the outlet store is really tempting. How many VP100 users out there that are absolutely satisfied?

Thanks,
Frank

If you get the VP100, you'll love it.

If you get the VP150, you'll love it.

If you get both, you'll love the VP150, and like the VP100, but it won't be enough.

Go with the best you can afford. My suggestion is the VP150.

I find it interesting that the factory packages the VP150 only on the epic 80 system. For all other systems it is the VP100 (or smaller). I do get the impression that the VP150 is one of the better selling speakers axioms has (mainly due to the fact it is rarely being cleared out in the factory outlet, plus all the eloquent waxing about it on this board).

Is it just a bang for the buck thing, or does axiom know something others don't.

Having both the VP100, and VP150, the VP150 is the superior speaker, but thats because I found the VP100 quite localized for vocals, whereas the VP150 with the tweeters on the side presents a wider vocal soundstage.

Hello Frank,

In an average-sized room (2,100 cu. ft.), the VP100 is entirely satisfactory and has a good tonal blend with the M22ti's. It's also rather location-dependent, I've found (I have both the VP150 and VP100, as well as two or three center-channel prototypes with modifications). Keep in mind that simply moving a speaker a foot or so, or other factors like the screen size of the TV (which becomes, in effect, an extension of the center speaker's front baffle once it's placed on top or beneath the set) can have a remarkable influence on the speaker's perceived tonal balance.

If you are in a larger room than the above and need a higher dynamic capability, then the VP150 is an excellent choice.

Regards,

"two or three center-channel prototypes with modifications".....do tell Alan, whats coming down the pipe!

Hi amer,

Ha,ha. I figured that one would trigger all kinds of speculation. But I can tell you that it has nothing to do with any future models. It has already happened. I can't breathe a word--I've been sworn to secrecy.

Regards,

Alan,
Thanks for the response. My room is sort of strange. It's almost like a large hallway. About 18 foot wide with the HT setup against that wall but probably 45 foot long. Since the room is long and narrow, and my seating position is about 12-14 foot from the 52 inch TV, would the VP100 suffice?

Thanks,
Frank

Hi Frank,

Yes, I believe the VP100 would suffice, but Axiom has a generous upgrade policy if you found the VP100 unsatisfactory. It's hard to predict what it would sound like on top of that big RPTV. By the way, the previous comments from Ravi and amer are quite accurate.

Yikes, that's a huge space you have. I hope you are planning to use a large subwoofer or two.

Regards,

Alan,
Sounds good. I'll probably pick up the VP100 and see how I like it. I bought the house with and unfinished huge basement. Unfortunately the staircase is right in the middle of the room so I built a HT room on one side, and a second bedroom/bathroom on the other.

I've got a bunch of framed sports memorabilia and large beer mirrors on the walls so before I go with a big sub or two I'll have to remount them all with some padded mounting tape to limit vibrations. My old Polk PS250 will have to do for the time being.

Thanks,
Frank

Hello Alan

Well, you've been sworn to secrecy, but permit some speculation based on the following observations:

1. The largest driver which any of the current center speaker cabinets accommodate is 5.25";

2. The Merak MC6H cabinet (also anti-standing wave trapezoid) can accommodate 2 x 6.5" drivers and a great big honking 7" x 3" horn driver.

3. A center channel speaker with 6.5" drivers may be a better match for the M60 and M80 towers.

Speculation:

1. Axiom will use the Merak cabinet for a center channel speaker with 2 x upgraded 6.5" drivers, a 7"x3" horn tweeter;

2. Axiom will make a new cabinet for center channel speaker with 2 x 6.5" drivers, a 7"x3" horn tweeter AND 2 outboard Titanium tweeters. (I'd consider one of these!)

Just guessing.