I would get something bigger/better than the VP100 for music. I have no issues with it for dialog, but with music, it simply doesn't keep up.

That said, my VP100 is a ti/v1, and Alan has told me that the v3 is improved. YMMV.

Thanks for the reply Ken.
See, I don't have a clue, is it normal to listen to music with the center channel? What about rears, would you use those for music as well?
PS: Is there a way to get email when a reply is made to a thread?

Thanks,
Ken

Another welcome kwk1,
To get an email update on thread responses, just add the thread to your watchlist under topic options, then in your watchlist, choose the edit watchlists option and select the email notification immediately radio button.

As for center channel, the best option is another M60. Having 3 identical speakers for LCR is the best. However if this is not practical, then look into either the VP-160 to match the M60's, or an option I highly recommend is to use an M22 or M2 as a vertical center channel.

And for music playback in general - I always listen in full surround, even when the source material is a regular stereo CD. I let my receiver decode the signal using DPLIIx or similar method. I find the sound much more pleasing in surround than straight stereo (or 2.1).

Hope that helps.

Ken, I'll second Dan's suggestions. Depending on your budget and space available, consider a VP160 or vertical M22/M2 for a center. Also, consider QSs for surrounds.

Yes, CDs and other 2-channel music source materials are heard best when the surround ambience picked up by the microphones and mixed into the front channels(there was no place else to put it)is extracted by a mode such as DPLII and sent to the surrounds where it belongs.

That is a tough call on the VP100. If you watched a lot of movies, then I would say VP160 for sure. But if it is mostly music???

Are you looking at the standar Boston Cherry finish, or a custom Cherry finish?

Some of us (ME) could get you a heck of a deal on a Boston Cherry VP150 via the Axiom Auction page.

Yeah, I might just go for a VP150.

In fact, I've been trying to talk myself (and my wife) into that for awhile... not this year, I think.

I'll throw out the fact that when I used the VP150, I primarily listened to music in 2-channel stereo. Since moving up to the VP160, I primarily listen to music in surround modes because the VP160 does such a great job with the all-important vocals.

I think Dan's post is right-on.

I have M60's and a VP100. I DO listen to music in the matrixed (surround) mode. The VP100 is a nice, little speaker. But my next upgrade will be to either a VP160 or VP180. I don't really have the right room/equipment configuration to try a vertical center channel.

You know, we all make compromises all the time. The trick is to be happy with your choices. I'm "content" with the VP100 at the moment, because it fits absolutely seamlessly into my equipment bench that supports the TV. Right now, my aesthetic/sonic balance is way off to one side. Someday, I'll tilt that balance the other way.

If you want "The Best Sound" - or will look back at your choices and mourn not getting it - then you need to step up to a 160 or 180. If you are willing to sacrifice "a bit" of sonic power/clarity in the name of finances or aesthetics, I'm sure you'll be just delighted with the VP100 or VP150.

Great to see all the responses everyone.
cb919, thanks, I now have email notifications working.
My scenario can't use an M60 for centre, too big.
JohnK, sounds to me like a vp-160 is the way to go.
nickbuol, Boston Cherry, what kind of deal for a vp-150?
I read somewhere that they have a narrow sound field, is that true at all? If I could get one of those, or a vp-160 cheap, that would work.
Kenc, what are you using now, a vp-100?
MarkSJohnson, yes, it's starting to sound like the vp-160 is the way to go.
tomtuttle, I agree with everything you said, I gues it boils down to budget, but that's often the case.

I am close to ordering M60's in cherry.
I talked to Brent and he couldn't tell me what imperfections they have, but he said they'd be very minor. In fact, he said a game on the forum is to try and find what is wrong with them.
Tomorrow, I am going to have a second listen to Paradigm M9 v7's.
Thing is, they have 5.25 " woofers, the M11's have 6.5" woofers like the M60. M11's are too pricey for me so I think the M60's will have bigger bass sounds which I like.

Yes, I'm using a VP100ti (aka v1)