I'm getting ready to drop the hammer. I have a midsized room: 13'x15.5' that opens to 18'of kitchen. This is what fits the budget: M22s + VP100 + QS8's (outlet) + HSU STF2 = $1462. How's this look, or does anyone have alternatives?
Thanks for the input,
Sips

If that is what fits the budget then that is perfect! After all upgradeitis will set in and then you will be needing M80s to cure it and the M22s get to go elsewhere in the house I know of what I am talking about as your future system was my original Axiom purchase and I now have M80s in place of the M22s. My room is similar and the 22s did a wonderfull job, you will be very happy with them.

Buy with confidence and enjoy; and of course we require pics once everything is setup

+1 on Bill the Cat, er, Jason.

The only thing I think I'm waivering on is the center. However, If I upgrade to a VP150 I'd have to downgrade my sub to an STF1 in order to keep it in the budget. Which is the better compromise: better sub or better center channel? System will be used primarily for HT, but CD sessions are not out of the question.

Don't skimp on the sub. If need be, run things in phantom mode--left and right channels can simulate a center speaker. This'll only work well if you sit in the sweet spot. If you like movies, don't make concessions with the sub. Get the biggest you can afford.

That's what I'd do, at least.

Sips, my view(and that of probably the majority of others who've commented on the point)is to spend the money on the best sub possible. On occasion the suggestion has been made to at least temporarily skip the center speaker and let the mains create a "phantom" center. This was suggested when the budget would have otherwise not allowed for any sub, or at least not one with the performance hoped for.

The step up to a VP150 isn't much, I have both and other than a very, very slightly lower tone, a very slightly(1db) better off axis measurement and the ability to play louder there is no difference between the 100 and 150. Get the best sub you can, much more bang for the buck.

Why do I get the feeling a VP180 (Dual 6 1/2" drivers flanking a vertically oriented tweeter and 5 1/4 mid) is in the works?

Yeah Jason, that would make sense, although it would be rather big. A few times in the past I've mentioned the possibility of the 5 1/4" woofers flanking the 1" tweeter positioned vertically above the 4" midrange from the QS4 in a reasonably-sized W T/M W configuration.

I was just going with the same driver compliments as their main floor standers to hopefully stay in tone and add more dynamic range as those 6 1/2" just add so much to the sound. I saw the Paradigm cc560 recently, now that thing is BIG and they get even BIGGER, unfortunately I wasn't able to listen to it

Currently having a center channel with the woofer-T/M-woofer configuration, I can honestly say I hope Axiom will be building one, cuz I love mine.