How about using an overlap like the in-wall VP100? You'd probably have to extend the back to keep the same cab volume, but then you could shrink the vertical, which is what I'm keying off of.

I have the same opinion of "offboard" tweeters, Jack. I just don't see it happening from this company, thankfully.

A huge part of the look and feel of Axiom speakers comes directly from their manufacturing process. I happen to think they've pushed the boundaries nicely and are making good-looking speaker cabinets despite the constraints of their CNC-routed laminated MDF fold-and-glue process. I'm sure there have been many iterations to that process over the years, each one bringing another measure of refinement to the look.

I don't mind the look if there can be an advantage acoustically.

now, only the price will stop me from buying it....but the paradigm cc690 look very gorgeous too....

And the audio results of the new VP160 are.....?

Haven't heard anything. Must be back to the drawing board time.

Interesting PMB.

CNC? fold and glue? The VP 160 prototype definitely looks clunky and primitive. I hope the finished product looks better. The prototype presents as a bit amateurish in appearance. Aesthetics count,though perhaps in this case they are dictated by audio engineering requirements, though it sure doesn't look like it.

Friends, we all really like the folks at Axiom and their products. I think they're entitled to an honest review of the appearance of this center speaker effort. The market will be ruthless unless the sound quality and tech specs are so stand-out as to make up for its looks.

But why make it look different from the rest of the line? Slap a woodgrain finish on that, and it looks (relatively) similar to the rest of the lineup.

2x6, you are certainly entitled to your opinion and to express that opinion. That's all, we who don't quite see it the same as you, have done.

I consider aesthetics to be important, just not as important as performance and this speaker's performance, at this point, is an unknown. I do not find the prototype to be "beautiful," but neither do I find it's appearance to be a deal breaker. On the other hand, regardless of performance, which I'm sure is stellar, I would not have the Nautilus in my house. I just don't care for it.

Oh, good point, Ken.

Peter's point is well-taken; part of what enables Axiom to produce excellent products at reasonable prices is their manufacturing process. Absent a complete redesign of the entire line, having consistency between models is both a branding as well as an efficiency issue.

People have been clamoring for a W-T/M-W center design from Axiom for years. Now that Ian is working on one, the feedback he gets is "looks clunky"?

When Amie posted the PROTOTYPE pictures my first thought was "cool!". My second thought, about a nanosecond later, was "they'll be sorry".

I tend to agree with Jack about the outboard tweeters.