If you value your sanity, don't spend too much time at AVS.

I think any of those choices for a center would be great.

The VP180 is gigantic. Seriously.

I was at the 30th anniversary and participated in the blind test. We didn't know what speakers were involved. It was a blast.

Alright, I know this thread must be getting exhausting for some. And what's worse, this purchase might not happen as soon as I hope if I don't get this pay out. I think my chances are good though.

I just like to be educated on everything I can be.

A couple of final questions regarding customization of axiom products.

1. Vinyl finish decent? I'm interested in the Vermont Maple

2. Audio Jewelry(this term is new to me...i don't get it?). I've done tons of biwiring in previous setups and always thought it was an advantage. With further reading, it seems Axiom believes it makes no difference, but offer the option for customer satisfaction mainly. Should I get the option or no? Die Cast woofer baskets or standard? What's the difference if any?


Again, I just want to give a big shout out to all the people participating in my "torture myself" thread. lol And I truly am torturing myself when I can't even place an order yet. My eyes are going buggy from spending so much time on the computer reading and scouring forums and articles.

Yeah I read that entire thread, that's enough for me. I'm no audiophile, but the jist I got was the people are spending way to much time measuring things, that in my opinion, aren't things people will hear anyway.

I think like with any hobby, people get to carried away in the details.

It's like the guy who loves video games and thinks becoming a professional video game tester would be a good idea. You learn of all the most microscopic details and bugs until you forget what it was all about in the beginning...enjoying video games. Now with all this pre-conceived jargon in your head and an eye for the most microscopic defects and bugs, the fanciest tools, IMHO, you can't enjoy it in the innocent way you used to.

lol isn't the vp180 essentially an m80 turned on it's side, drivers rearranged?

My wife wants either the vp160 or vp180. still a little unsure which one to choose.

I have Vermont maple. It's very good, but the colors on the website are notoriously inaccurate. Be sure you order samples from Axiom before you place your full order.

Yes you do you slacker you!

Glad to see the center is being considered carefully - I think I may have opened a can of worms with all the options being discussed - sorry about that!

However IMO, the vertical M80 would be the best center channel matched with M80's L&R. 3 identical speakers across the front is the ideal situation. However once you go beyond that I think it becomes shades of grey and only listening in your environment can tell you what would be best. To summarise:

M80 center - PRO - best sound option, CON - worst WAF

VP180 - PRO - simply a horizontal M80, CON - horizontal array

VP160 - PRO & CON - blurs the line a little between horizontal and vertical arrays

M22 - PRO - vertical array, CON - can't carry as much lower frequency, not sure of sheer output capability as compared to VP180 or 160

dual M22's - I am out of my depth there and have no opinion, although I am intrigued

Any feelings on M2 vs M22 as a vertical center?

I don't agree and don't like the idea of having M80 as center . The goal of the VP speaker line is to have something equivalent to the floor standing line but that let you place your tv at a sane height. The M80 is 40" high, add the dimension of a large TV and that will put you with in a non ergonomic watching position. The VP180 is aiming straight at ear level when I sit down and it's perfect that way and my TV is at eye level



I own M22,M60&M80&VP150&VP180&QS8.

Luc, my comments were purely based on sound quality. Agreed about the ergonomics. I have M22 L&R and an M2 center. I would have liked an M22 center but the ergonomics did not work in my room for that, so compromised with the shorter M2.

Ken - I think that also answers your question. I have not heard the M22 as center - only the VP150 and the M2.

Luc - you have quite the assortment of Axioms. How are they setup?

Cheers,

1st system
Pioneer Elite VSX33 & Emotiva XPA5 & Emotiva UPA2
2xM80 & 1xVP180 & 4xQS8 & PSB 12" sub

Pictures, which are slightly outdated.. I replaced the projector with a 60" plasma.

slightly outdated pictures

2nd system
Pioneer Elite VSX32
Zone A: 2xM60
Zone B: 2x Outdoor speakers

3rd system
Yamaha HTR-5960
Zone A: 2xM22ti & 8" Energy sub(computer room)
Zone B: 2xAxiom AX1.5 (GYM) they look like the newer M3

outdated pics (before I gave my office a makeover).. I have a stone wall and wall cabinets now and a new paint too.


Unused
VP150 is on a shelf and eating dust

I have a fourth system not worth mentioning.



Outdated pics of bedroom (with M60). The M60 are now in the living room on the 1st floor.

outdated bedroom pics