Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater M80 as Center Channel?

Hello everyone. I'm in the process of designing a dedicated home theater in the basement, and in the process thinking about using a perforated screen and putting the L/C/R speakers behind the screen wall. I'll be moving my Axioms (M80v2's, VP150, QS8's) from their current spot in our family room into the dedicated theater, and am debating whether it makes any sense to use another M80 as a center instead of the VP150 since it would be hidden behind the screen. I've always been a bit disappointed in the VP150. It's always sounded a bit "muffled" to me. Is anyone doing this? Does it make any sense? Any and all thoughts are welcome. Thanks.

The 150 muffled? I have never had this feeling, nor heard anyone else ever refer to one as muffled, possible problem with it? Anyway, 3 M80s across the front is the way I would go. I ran an M60 with the M80s as a center till I had to send the M60s back and that was the best front soundstage I have heard, nothing like a FULL range speaker for a center to really liven things up, I would highly recommend going this route.

Generally, three identical speakers across the front is the best option!

I to have never felt my 150 as being muffled, but I've heard having 3 identical speakers up front can give you the best experience, if room/budget allows.

The biggest challenge here is going to be M80 placement. The M80's sound best (at least in my room) with at least a foot or more of space between the back of them and the wall. Putting all three to them behind a screen means the screen will be at almost 3 feet from the wall. Most rooms don't allow for that much realestate.

I toyed with this idea when I did my dedicated TH room, but just couldn't get the logistics correct.

paul

Hmmm... I didn't see that Korkster was looking to put all three behind the screen... I was thinking it was just the center channel.
That would have to be a pretty big screen for you to get decent L/R separation!

Korkster, you may want to look into getting 2 M22's and put them under the screen, vertical or horizontal. Others here have been very happy with the results.

If you really wanted to go nuts, you could go with 2 M80's in a horizontal configuration under the screen with tweeters to the outside.

paul

Thanks for the input everyone. Maybe my issue with the VP150 is just me. It's just that the M80's sound so good sometimes I feel like the center channel is lacking, especially since it plays such an important role.

As far as distance from the front wall behind the screen, I could probably move the screen out about 30" from the wall which wouldn't give me a full foot between the wall and speakers, but would be close. The screen is going into a little cove in the front of the room so it will be shadowboxed. If I move it out a bit the shadowbox would be less deep but it would give me the room. It might move the screen too close to my front row seating however. I'm still not sold on the acoustically transparent screen idea anyway because no screen is truly acoustically transparent, and I don't want it "coloring" the sound of my M80's. I've really got to give this idea some more thought. I've changed my mind so many times with the design of this room that it may never get started :-). At least I didn't take my current theater apart yet so I am not without my Axioms.

The center is for voice/dialog in movies, and for some multi channel music listening. Is the problem that during movies you can't hear it? This could be a placement or room acoustic problem. Many of us bump up the dB levels 2-3dB over the mains, maybe that will help.

Where is it placed in relationship to ear height? Is it angled towards your ears?

Just trying to understand you issue. Also, keep in mind if you go with a transparent screen, you won't be able to enjoy the look of your Axioms. I have to see my speakers when listening to music, not so much for movies.

Korky, rather than considering an acoustically transparent(supposedly)screen, I'd suggest that you use a regular screen and position the M80s entirely to its left and right. As to the center speaker, since it's unlikely that the screen would be positioned high enough for a vertical M80 beneath it, you might consider using the M22 vertically positioned there for a closer match to the M80 mains(except low bass, of course, which the sub will handle anyway).