Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Low level listening & dual speaker centre HELP

Greetings everyone, newbie here so please be gentle.

I seek some feedback, advice, and opinions please regarding my home theatre setup. My wife does not like playback to be very loud but I like to hear as much detail as possible. I am considering two M80's and a single VP150 for my LCR channels (already have sub & surrounds).

1. Will I hear more detail at LOW volumes going with the M60/VP100 or M60/VP150 combo instead?

2. Will an external amp give me more detail at LOW volumes over a Denon 3808?

3. Will an external amp give me better sound and/or more detail over a Denon 3808 regardless of volume?

4. I like my centre to match as closely to the mains as possible, but the VP150 doesn't, on paper at least, look like it can keep up with two M80's. I'm using a front projector and would get a third M80 for my centre if I could, but would need to lie it down on its side under the screen. Any ideas how that might sound?

5. Alternatively, I'm considering two VP100's or two VP150's stacked on top of each other under the screen (unable to mount one above the screen). Any comments on how that may sound?

6. Lastly, I'm also considering two M22's side by side under the screen. Any opinions on how that might work out?

Which of the options do you think would sound best? Am I crazy to even consider this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

1. From what we know around here, M80s are better for low level listening. I'm in the same boat you are, and that's what I use.

2. Dunno. Love to know.

3. Dunno. Love to know. Also: highly disputed.

4. Unless you're running at (very) high volume, the VP150 will be just fine with the M80s. Much better than sideways M80, which has been reported to be quite poor.

5. I wouldn't bother, not at the levels you're going to be listening.

6. see above.

Hmmmm. The M80s play very clear and detailed at any volume and would likely have an edge over the 60s at lower volumes. I've not heard the M60s before but I've read from other members who have compared the two, that the 80s give you a little 'more' in the mids and highs. If you consider using an M80 as a centre, it shouldn't be laid on it's side due to the dispersion characteristics of the speakers. If you don't have room for an upright M80, an M22 would probably work here.

It sounds as if you're going to be listening to your system at somewhat restrained levels, so the 3808 would probably give you as much power as you'll want.

I've never heard of anyone stacking two centre channels above one another as you've described. I'm pretty sure it's not advisable though.

Even M22's across the front LCR combined with a decent sub would sound excellent. Some guys here are running systems close to what you're describing, maybe they'll jump in.

Thanks kcarlile, glad to hear the M80's are the way to go.

I forgot to mention that although my wife likes it moderate to moderately quiet, I like it LOUD and will do so when I am alone and/or with friends.

Thanks Adrian, I will be going with the M80's then. As above, I do play LOUD when my wife's not around so I do want a centre channel and/or amp that can keep up.

How loud is LOUD? 80+dB? 90+dB? 100+dB?

dB as in deci-beer? That would make sense. I know a lot of people who are getting loud after 80-90 deci-beers (or 6 pints for people not using the metric system).

LOL, well it seems loud to my wife anyways. It's been a while since I actually measured it, but I recall 90-95dB is what I normally like to start out at.

LOL, tell me about it. Sometimes I need to crank it up just to drown them out.

1. M80 over M60 for the same reasons others posted.
2. No.
3. Not until the 3808 runs out of power and that will be at very, very loud levels unless you have a huge room.
4. From what I understand, the vp100/150 will keep up just fine. A single M80 would be your best choice (perfect match) if it would fit.
5. I don't think there would be any advantage to stacking centers under the screen.
6. Don't know, but I bet a single M22 would work just fine. I can't think of any advantage to dual M22s


Nah, just an audioholic.