Okay, you all have graciously sold me on the Axiom line in general and I will be taking the plunge this month. While I am VERY confident that I will LOVE the M60's and QS8's. There seems to be some concern over the VP150 and The EP500. Regarding the sub, I just want to know that it is an awesome sub even at it's $1100 asking price. (better than HSU?). More importantly, the VP150 seems to be the most debated speaker on this and Audioholics regarding quality. I plan on ordering the light maple finish, so I feel like if I don't go the VP150 route, are there other centers that will match both timbre and cabinet w/the other axioms? Hoping folks can just assure me that the VP150 is the way to go. Thanks as always to everyone.
I'm completely satisfied with the VP150. The only time it sounds funny (boxy, hollow?) is when watching some TV broadcasts. Sports announcers in particular sound overly resonant. But then commercials come on and the whole system, including the VP150, sound spot on natural and perfect. It's the source.
Dunno about the EP500, but it looks good, eh?
i personally have the paradigm cc-370 with my m60's and they sound great together. i found the vp-150 to have bad off axis problems and also the dreaded unnatural S's.
If you want natural sounding voices you may wish to audition the cc-370.
Dont forget to check out the SVS line of subs, they are an incredible sub and also have 45 days in home trial.
Just something to think about, most high end centers will have a broader range, this helps lower male voices, etc. to actually come from the front, its not really giving you the true effect if your sub is producing Barry Whites voice (or any other low male voice). It will not be coming from the front; as much as everyone wants their sub to be non directional most can still be located by ear and if you are rolling your center off at 100 then you are losing the true intended direction of voices below that range. This can also be an issue with your surrounds. You will benefit if you can produce as much range with them also, it will really add to the realism in a home theater setup.
I hesitate to point this out, but there were only 2-4 people on these forums who did not like the VP150. Granted, they tended to be extremely vocal, but there is a greater number of people who are very satisfied with these speakers. As for the EP500, I haven't heard anything bad about them!
yeah, i agree. today is first time i've actually seen a post with someone doggin' the vp-150. i've had mine about a month now and had absolutely no problems with it. of course i only watch movies cause i'm a cheap bastard and i've only got bunny ears!
I also agree with Ken and Mr. Boomstick
The VP150 is a fabulous center, and in combination with my EP350, M60ti's, and 4 Qs8's, it is hard to imagine a better combination. I think the Norm is that you'll find no problems/complaints and the few exceptions, well there is always a few bad eggs
I forget the name the knucklehead used (Guido?), but about a year ago some moron from the AV123 board came trolling through here to stir up trouble regarding the VP150. Maybe somebody with lots of time on their hands can link the original poster to that debacle?
I think it was TonyGeno.
I have the VP100 and think it is wonderful.
NOOOOOOO!!! Let that thread rest in peace.
I have no issues with funny sounding "s"s or anything else. The VP150 sounds wonderfully clean and clear. I measured it with an RTA while calibrating my sub, and it produced a flat response just like it should. If I ever get around to dragging out the mic and laptop again, I'll post the graph. I cannot measure or hear any off axis problems at 15, 30, or 45 degrees with either the SPL meter or the RTA software.
My big 65" Mitsibishi RPTV added some coloration to the sound of the 150. I didn't want the heavy 150 sitting on the top of the TV as some folks had reported that center channels were causing the top of the TV to "bow" over time (it's made of particle board). I built a "bridge" out of a 1x6 board supported by the outside edges of the TV, and the coloration went away. I didn't have the RTA setup at the time, so I have no idea what it was really adding or subtracting.
I don't know how many VP150s Axiom has sold, but Ken is correct - only a handful of people had any concerns. Most likely an odd room or positioning reaction.
But hey - maybe the rest of us are just full of hooey.
What part of the world are you in? One of us will be glad to let you decide for yourself, particularly if you bring wine or beer!
darthkringle,
i would just like you to read some OBJECTIVE reviews at audioreview.com
http://www.audioreview.com/Center+Channels/Axiom+Speaker+Company/PRD_125695_2743crx.aspx#reviews
best of luck with whatever you decide
Darth, you will also find that the fine owners of Axiom speakers are unbiased. In most cases, the've owned various other brand speakers. In fact, many of us have a Heinz 57 mixture of various brands, so you won't find biased answers as some may mention. But by all means, go check out audioreview.com avsforum.com audioholics.com or even just check out the review link at the top. You'll find lots of praise for the VP150.
i have never done actual side-by-side testing of my VP150 with another center, but i know it is better than or equal to any other center i have ever heard in any system. now granted, i havent heard what one would consider the "top of the line" speakers, but i have heard enough. i got no problems with my VP150. combined with my M60's and the QS8's, i truly have one of the better HT system i have ever heard.. even better than the one down at the local stereo shop!!
not being arrogant, just honest...
bigjohn
Drift, was wondering your thoughts now that you had some time with the SVS PC+ sub, you were iffy a bit ago, just curious. And for what it's worth, being perfectly OBJECTIVE, I like my VP 150 center very much, I compared it to the Dynaudio "audience" center, and it has no apologies to make, just MY OPINION.
bigjohn congrats, thats what its all about!
its a cool feeling.. i mean, you spend sooo much time researching, and planning, and torturing yourself on every single dime you spend on your HT.. so, to finally get it all together, and be COMPLETELY satisfied with it, is a great feeling.
my weak link in the whole HT, is my sub.. the Vega LW-12 has PLENTY of volume, but can be a bit boomy. the only change i want to make is to get an SVS water heater sub(havent decided which one yet). once i get that, i will be in hog-heaven, with no upgradeitis in sight..
cept for a new 42 inch LCD.. then i am done...... i hope.
bigjohn
"i would just like you to read some OBJECTIVE reviews at audioreview.com"
OBJECTIVE?! OBJECTIVE?! TonyGeno gave the VP150 one star! ONE STAR! Is he saying that the VP150 is the worst center channel he's ever heard? What would be lower than one star? Seems to me that one star ratings should be reserved for bad HTIB equipment.
If he had given it 3 stars his review would mean something. Giving a decent speaker one star clearly shows he has an agenda and his review should be completely ignored.
joninflorida
Good question, I really intended to send it back when my trial was over but it really seems to be growing on me. I would swear it seems like it has tightened up in some weird way, I would discount it as me simply adjusting to it but it really seems to be tighter.
One big help was turning it down quite a bit. With the center and surrounds I now have I can keep everything above 60Hz from going to it. This really helps as now it really does only have to produce the lowest range; it makes the complete HT experience much more robust and realistic.
A perfect example was the other night watching collateral near reference level. You would honestly think there were gunshots going off in my house during those shooting scenes. It was tight and precise. At times it actually startles you so much you jump.
The way it looks right now I think im just going to keep it, I was considering the new offering from HSU but it looks to be months away. Once it’s released if it gets some stellar reviews I will try it and go from there otherwise the SVS has found a new home.
darthkringle,
I have had my system for Axiom system for almost 2 months now and love it.
As for the VP150, I tried the VP100 first and upgraded. Before that I had a Psb Image 8c. I much preferred the VP150 over the the Image 8 and also like the wider sound stage I have over the VP100. I also have no problems with the S sound with this center.
The EP500 is awesome, I upgraded from the EP350. Before both of them I had a JBL 12". All I can say is the EP500 blows both of the EP350 and JBL subs away.
Thanks Siponflange- I also have the Yamaha 2500 so it sounds like this will be a great combo. Thanks to all for the assistance.
At the risk of inciting further ugliness, I'm going to underscore bigwill's point here.
I am offended that anonymous, amateur opinions on some other board are purported to be inherently more objective (read: valuable) than those obtained here. Furthermore, I think the satisfaction level of the entire listening experience is fundamentally subjective anyway.
Some people like the VP150; a seemingly smaller number don't like it so much. I cannot consent to the notion that the server upon which such opinions reside has any effect upon their validity. It makes no sense either logically or statistically to suggest that the much larger sample of Axiom users here is necessarily less cridible than elsewhere; the diversity and depth of experience among those reporting simply does not support such an assertion.
It is unfortunate that so many people find negativity so compelling.
I still like my VP100. So there.
Now, go have a beer.
I love the 20-39 PC+, but it took some time, placement and settings, I was running it turned to 12 o'clock, and it was too much, I am one setting below that, with a corner placement and crossed at 70 on the Yamaha receiver. It's hard to imangine a much better sub. What is HSU's future "offering"????????
tomtuttle
If Bose users never visited other forums other than the Bose ones they might not find other opinions, correct?
If we all follow popular opinion and never question anything we would all be listening to Bose Acoustimass systems. Being objective doesn’t mean being negative, sorry you missed my intended point.
VTF-3HO!
I have heard it in its prototype state at CES. Cleanest bass I think I have heard so far. When the new amp and new driver are in it.....it will be very interesting.
You guys know my preference of Hsu subs compared to the SVS subs I have heard in my house. I am guessing this HO is going to take it a step further in the sound quality arena.
Actually hearing different SVS subs in my home is why I stress if size is not an issue, you need to hear the difference in sound between their subs before you purchase. I had the 20-39PC+ and PB12+....there is a definite difference.
I don't think he got your point, but it doesn't matter.
I'm currrently working on the first of my last 4 cans of Old Milwaukee - in a fine crystal pils glass, of course!
Cheers, Tom.
i was hoping it would be something that would be available before my 45 days were up. no such luck!
i imagine i will try it when its released, thats my darn problem, i cant leave well enough alone!
DarthKringle,
I hope you will read ALL the reviews at the the site linked by GeneticDrift. And be sure to scroll to the top of the first page and notice that with a total of 19 reviews the VP150 received a score of 4.37 out of a possible 5. And remember that all these reveiws, not just the negative ones, are, according to GeneticDrift, OBJECTIVE.
Well put ajax, certainly all reviews must be read, scour the other message boards as well.
The problem with upgrading is sometimes there are too many choices, it tends to give you a headache after a while.
cheers, bigwill.
I hope you're kidding about drinking that stuff out of a glass; I think that with that kind of beer, the ability to actually smell it makes it much, much worse.
The way my day is scheduled, I'm still about 3.5 hours away from a whiskey.
I'm very much in favor of more information, and of diverse viewpoints. I'm very much opposed to baseless generalizations that a particular opinion lacks objectivity.
I support people making up their own minds based on their own experiences. I abhor those who feel that anyone who does not share their view is ignorant or wrong.
Why do you have to be like that, man? Just calm down. We don't need another flame war here.
Credibility null and void again.
Jeff, you know, I just keep staying out of these things and trying to give you the benefit of the doubt.... But time and again, you just prove yourself a jerk that gets his kicks out of trying to get a rise out of people.
I don't have any use for people who take more out of this world than they contribute.
Thank you for proving my point. Now it's evident for all to see.
Isn't there a way of asking a moderator to delete a member? Or, do they just keep coming back like cockroaches?
Any precedent, you old-timers?
Well then it’s a good thing you know what I have contributed.......oh wait you don’t.
I love you pampas few lonely fools whom sit here constantly and try to run this forum. Lord forbid anyone disagree with the axiomites brethren for he shall swiftly be cast out. Here is a clue for the few of you misfits who have no other life than this forum (there is about 4 of you jokers, need i name names)
Your opinion means less to me than dog piss under my shoe, which is about where I place you in this world.
It's freakin' TonyGeno, protech, techpro, whatever. All the same guy I'm sure... "GeneticDrift"?... maybe the med school student who was such an ass?
I've moved on to some porter that was made by a contract brewery in Wisconsin, Tom. It's OK. Got a 12 pack assortment from somebody at Xmas. Their lager (called Red Rock, I think) was pretty good - very good actually. Malty, very bready, I liked it alot.
Darthkringle, I apologize for subjecting you to this. I assure you it has nothing to do with you. Unfortunately, every now and then, we get people who insult either a specific forum member, or sometimes, as in this case, the entire forum by implying their view is objective, while ours is incapable of being the same. When we disagree, they resort to childish name calling and petulant insults, thereby reducing their credibility to zero. I hope you will stick around, and we'll do our best to help you.
We do not care if anyone prefers speakers other than Axioms. We have a number of members who own other brands. We do our best to provide information based on your needs, not ours. What matters most to us is that anyone coming here for information, ends up with a system that they are happy with. We don't really care what that is. We hang out here because we chose Axioms, and have found a few friends that we enjoy. We don't agree on everything, but we strive to treat each other with respect. Sometimes someone new comes along who just doesn't get it.
Geez.....I was afraid people were responding to my post.
Man, I just missed this one. Jack, are you picking on someone again.
The best way to beat them is to ignore them. Quite an entertaining little man though. I always get a laugh out of those that get SO angry about audio equipment. Interesting.
Lomb, I NEVER pick on anyone. I just tell the truth. The only things I ever picked on were my Martins.
I have been struggling with the same issue as Mr. Kringle (or may I call you darth?) re: the center. Even though I am not fond of my JBL's (note: this is IMHO! Please don't yell at me, I'm new
) I do like like my current center. It's a 3-way and the best I've had so far. I considered keeping it and not ordering a center from Axiom along with the M60s and QS8s , but I have decided (well, almost decided) to order a VP100, and if I don't like it, it is only shipping on one speaker I have to eat(since I also am quite confident I'll like the rest) and is worth the experience. I probably won't return it for a VP150, but will next try some B&M drive-in returnables. Don't mean to hijack, just offering the thoughts of another in the same boat.
Cjucoder, we often recommend purchasing only a center, or a front pair, to see if the Axiom sound is for you. It's a wise thing to do. Axiom maintains a return center in Buffalo. So, should you decide to return the speaker, it's not like you have to return it to Canada, and the return postage should be minimal.
It wouldn't hurt to give Axiom a call, and explain your situation and your concerns. They are very helpful, and will not try to talk you into something you neither need nor want. They'd rather have a satisfied customer than a quick sale.
Newbies are always welcome here. The only people who have trouble here are the rude and inconsiderate.
quote from GeneticDrift you won’t know unless you try it
Exactly! After all I've reading and playing with, I think some of us noob's (like, well...ME! ) are worried about the cost of having to return these beasties (I'm NOT referring to the starter of this thread, this is only a general statement from what I've been reading over many threads and mostly talking about "my-own-self") . We have to also consider the value of being able to hear units in our own home that are not available in stores. To me, this in itself is worth the cost of return shipping, because it helps us learn and experiment. Also, to me it is fun! so it is worth return shiping cost if I don't like 'em.
A sub is going to be more costly to play with and return because of the weight. Luckily I love my sub so for me this is not an issue. We each have to weigh all those things relative to our individual situation.
Benefits are not always monetary, stuff we pay for is not always tangeble (such as returning speakers you don't like, you heard and learned something unique!).
Cjucoder, what jbl center do you currently own? I have the s-center II. Got it for 130.00 new from jandr a year ago. Sounds nice too.
Yes there is no substitute for listening in your own room. Perhaps the experience I had was due to some funky room harmonics, that may well be the case but if I hadn’t tried it I would always be wondering.
I don’t remember return shipping being very costly but you hit the nail right on the head, the benefit offsets the cost.
The convenience factor is also great, where else can you get new speakers in 2 days right to your door.
we often recommend purchasing only a center, or a front pair. Thanks Jack! I have considered getting only the M60s as a front pair first as a trial...but only the center? Is that really a good representation of any speaker line?
if you get the m60's i dont think you will be sending them back, they are a great speaker....IMO
I don't think so, but I've seen other recommend it. I mentioned it only because I thought you were concerned about the center. I'd much rather see you get the fronts to see if the Axiom sound is for you.
what jbl center do you currently own? I have the s-center II. Got it for 130.00 new from jandr a year ago. Sounds nice too.richeydog: That's the one! the s-center II. Sweet. You did better than me. Hook me up with jandr . I paid about $160.00 something like 1.5 -2 years ago.
Green is much better, you can read the text
I wish I could hook you up with jandr.
I grabbed it at that price because the studio line was being phased out. Jandr had it on clearance, and I couldn't pass it up. Besides I had jbl e80's at the time and was looking for a good inexpensive center for movie watching. Matched up pretty well with the northrigde series.
Now with the Axiom M60's the tonal match is a little off, but hasn't bothered me so far. Someday I'll purchase a vp100/150 to go with my m60's. But I'll have to get a waf(wallet acceptance factor) first.