Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Front soundstage, 3-M2's or 2-M2's & VP100, ??

I have a very, very small office area in my basement. I use a 24" 1080p monitor for a PC, HD-cable DVR & Blu-Ray player (oppo -80) i sit about 3-4 feet from the monitor (which is perfect for it's size) speakers will be at the same distance. i already have QS4's ceiling mounted at my sides (great too) i am replacing the speakers i have so that i can have a complete 5 channel axiom speaker setup. I already have a great sub for the space an Emotiva Ultra Sub 10 (will not be changing that, it's perfect). This system is used as a secondary small setup when i'm doing some work or if my main HT area is in use by a family member. I watch tv, blu-ray movies and 2 channel audio with SACD's (DSD), DVD-a and stream FLAC 96/24. I cam currently using Polk TSi200's & CS10 center but want to change them out. I have an Onkyo receiver, the TX-SR308 which is plenty powerful for that tiny space.

Here's my question, I am between the following setup choices (will not sway from either of these options so you won't have to recommend any other speakers other than those mentioned):

three M2v3 speakers for LCR

OR

two M2v3 speakers for L&R, one VP100v3 for C


I open up the floor for your opinions and thoughts.
I would like to say that there is something about having 3 identical speakers in the front soundstage is something i have always wondered about (notice i put it as the first option!) so for those who use either of the options listed or those who just have an opinion on the options listed please give, plenty and often!

I will purchase one of these options by or before the end of this month, so speak up quickly people!

Please & Thank You!

If they will fit, definitely the three identical speakers.

I'm trying to figure out how I can fit an M22 below my screen to replace the VP150.

I'm replacing my VP100 in/on wall with a bookshelf M2 because I think it'll sound better. It could also be than the bookshelf VP100 will sound better than the in/on wall.

thanks neon, as i mentioned, i'm kinda leaning towards the 3 identical speakers across the front sound stage. i can easily adjust the monitor to fit the M2v3 under it so that it's not blocking the screen.

Three M2's - no question about it in my mind! It's cheaper, it should be better - and at the very least it can't be worse! Nothing to lose.

thank you for your input CB!

Another vote for 3 M2's.

Thank you Jason. at this time, i have 3 of them sitting in my cart! Just waiting to hear from a couple more folks on what they think!

Okay, count me as one of them. The three M2s for matching in general, plus the wider, smoother horizontal dispersion of the vertical M2 center.

If possible, I'd go M22 mains with M2 center. If not, then all 3 M2.

thank you John for your input!

Thanks CatBrat for your input, but, if you check my initial post, the M22's are too big, they are even bigger than the TSi200's that i currently have. and as you see how close i sit to them (they are on the table that this keyboard i'm typing on is mounted under! The M2's would offer me really good sound and 3 identically matched speakers across my small front stage and cheap too with stellar sound!

Believe me, if i could have fit those M22's in, I would; just can't!

Thank you again for your input!

Your M22's look great in your HT picture!

Three VP180's.

What? Oh. Nevermind.

I'd do 3 M2's if you like the look. The only reason not to is aesthetic.

thanks for your input tom, i'll gather you do not like the way the M2's look? if i may ask, why? or is it not having the conventional center channel look that you don't care for? just trying to understand.

I don't think it's something personal. It's common knowledge in this forum, at least, that horizontal center speakers are for aesthetic purposes only. To fit under the TV.

Oh, i didnt' think it was anything personal, i'm trying to understand if he means that he doesn't like the look of the M2 for a center or just the look of the M2 period, from his answer, i couldn't tell which, that's all.

I'd go 3xM2's, if 3 M80s aren't doable. I think Tom was referring to an upright centre vs the standard centre...usually the width centre looks a litle more pleasing but I think the M2s right across would be the audiophilian's choice.

Now that's what I call an upsale... M2s, M80s. They're about the same price, right?

thank you Adrian and yes, i suspect your right about what tom was referring to. tom wasn't really referring to M80's he was goofing on my title as being slightly confusing and busting me out on it! thanks buddy!

Hee-Haw! nice!

see my response about this in the post above this one!

thanks for your input Kcarlile!

Seems like "most people" like the look of a horizontal center. I think M2's look great.

Sometimes - depending upon your AV furniture configuration - It's harder to find a good position for something "tall" instead of "wide".

I was just goofing about the bigger speakers. Sometimes, I think I'm funny.

This is an issue I've never had to deal with....

i agree, (on all points! ) if it would have been possible, believe me, i would have gotten 3 M80v3 speakers for my front soundstage in my main HT room instead of the 2 plus the 180!

I am considering raising my TV to allow for a M80 center(my original plan when we moved into the house a year ago), just have to convince my wife this is a good idea, not working so far........

Haha, that is freaking hilarious.

well, here is what I did:

placed an order for 3 M2v3's to replace the existing front soundstage in my small secondary HT setup in the basement office which currently consist of a pair of Polk TSi200's & CS10 center. i got them in black to match the existing QS4's and the Emotiva Ultra Sub 10.

I also got a pair of M2v3's in the boston cherry to replace to existing Polk TSi100's being used as surround back speakers upstairs in my main HT room.

now all channels (except subs) are (soon to be) all Axiom speakers and all V3 as well.

that will make a total of 12 v3 Axiom speakers I have in my house. yep, I'm an Axiom Man, Baby! I'll keep you all posted when I receive them. If I'm luck, I might get them by Friday!

So, I guess you'll soon be spending more time at the office, eh?

good one Adrian, probably so! It's a small room/area in the basement where my pc/printer, files, books etc are; so I call it my office! it is also where i have a secondary HT setup cause sometime when finishing a report that is due on Monday and it's Saturday night, i like to listen to SACD's or watch a movie with lossless audio while doint that report and I can't get that done in the main HT room. that's one of the reasons i set up a small HT there. the second reason is sometimes family is busy watching something i am not necessarily interested in watching in the main HT room so I go downstairs! not to mention the fact that i have the basement room all to my self! i keep it cool in the basement so the women won't come donw there for anything other than laundry! i got a tiny space heater under my desk and keep it just warm enough to prevent freezing of the pipes!

Sounds like a nice little retreat!

Brrrr.

you know, it really is. no one ever uses this stuff but me i never have to wait for someone to finish watching or doing something like i do in the main HT room. this space in the basement is mine all mine! Just me and the cats! I can't wait to get those M2's. I am inagining how good they sound. since i have other Axiom speakers, I have no doubt that i'll be impressed!

i just received my order of 5 speakers! there is good news and bad news; first the good news.

this is the first time i have ever had 3 matching vertical speakers for the front 3 soundstage and it is incredible, it's the way to go. I'd tell anyone, if you can, DO IT! the seperation is, well, you gotta hear it to understand! My small basement office setup redone with 3 M2v3's and a pair of QS4v3 surrounds sounds better than i could ever have imagined it would.
those little speakers really put out some good quality sound; everything is crystal clear. deciding to go with them was one of the best choices i've made in a while. i was a little worried because they were smaller than the speakers that i was replacing but they are more than twice the speaker of what they have replaced.

now the bad news...
the other 2 of the 5 were going to replace the surround back speakers in my main HT room, however, i have a bad woofer in one of them. i always test each speaker by going into the setup and turning on the level tones to make sure i'm hearing something that sounds like it should.
well, on one of the 5 it didn't. i tested each of the new speakers on the same channel to ensure that it wasn't a fluke; and it wasn't one of the two boston cherries has a bad driver. i sent an email to Axiom today to let them know and asked if they would just send a driver if that was easier (and quicker) and i'd replace it, test it and if everything was good, i'd just send the driver back.
so given it's a Saturday, I don't expect to get an answer until Tuesday since Monday is a holiday both Here and up north. Don't get me wrong, I'm still very happy with Axiom as a company and with their product. i have no doubt that they will "do me right" as they have in the past one other time when they needed to. I'll keep you all posted.

still can't get over how good those M2's sound and how good that 3 matched vertical speaker sound. It makes me wish i would have been able to do that with my M80's and no, that's not a knock at my VP180 either. 3 vertical fronts is just more smooth but for most of us (myself included)it's not do-able with large towers.

WoW, talk about quick service, as stated in the post above, i emailed axiom a couple of hours ago, on a saturday and JC already responded to me and told me that an order has been placed for a replacement driver to be sent to me. how many other companies in this industry will give you that type of service on a saturday afternoon, nevermind during the regular weekday! this is why ALL of my speakers, all 12 of them are Axioms! I love this company! I'll follow with the results of the new driver install once it arrives next week!

Yes, regardless of the excellence of a center speaker design which is entirely horizontal, a vertically arrayed center of similar overall quality will still have an inherent edge.

Why does that always sound so much better when you say it?

That's our Jonk!

That is why I never try a vertical center. I don't want to know that it could get a bet better than it already is...

received the new woofer for the M2v3 did some minor driver transplant surgery:




carefully removing the screws for patient SBL



removed faulty driver and gave stak-on terminals minor tightening to ensure a tight fit when engaged onto the new driver terminals.



conductor terminals engaged and properly mated to new driver. ready to close patient SBL up and send some juice to it for the jump start test.



OK, everybody clear.....UPA-2 juice applied, we have tone, good tone too, Great Caesars Ghost, IT'S ALIVE! :p Patient SBL is doing fine and is now ready for normal duty!


SBL is joined by SBR thanks to the great customer service team of Axiom that got the new woofer to us just in the nik of time. Now SBL&R are happy and powered by UPA-2! the 7 channel Axiom HT speaker system is now whole once again!

Thanks to Axiom and their quick service and incredibly great customer service all is good at the house of Solarrdadd! For the forseeable future, a loyal Axiom customer shall I remain! All 12 Axiom speakers in the house are tickled Boston Cherry & Black Oak!

To break it in, tonight the house of Solarrdadd shall enjoy that great new 7.1 Dolby TrueHD movie---MEGAMIND!

I'll be sure to let everyone know how it goes.

Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures. I still think those v3's look great without the grills. The mounts for the rear speakers are nice - what are they?

That's exactly the way I feel. I try to tell anyone who is looking at speakers about this, but I've had to dial it back a notch to not sound so fanatical! I wish I had known about vertical centers when I was 1st HT shopping.

Anyway, glad you got it all sorted and are enjoying your speakers. Cheers!

your very welcome. yes, the v3's do look great without the grills. in my main HT room all 7 of them are bra-less Erin!
here is the info on the rear speaker mounts!

http://www.bracketsandstands.com/Pinpoint_AM40_Side_Clamping_speaker_wall_mount_p/am40.htm

Honestly, I'd be nervous about the speakers vibrating their way out of those mounts.

why, I had Polk TSi200's (as well as TSi100's) about the same size as M22's mounted on those brackets for almost 2 years and they never loosened up, not even a little bit. mind you they are set almost parallel to the floor and can only go to 7 degrees up or down off of level. trust me, if mounted properly and secured properly, there is nothing to worry about as long as you follow the instructions and recommendations.

with their all steel construction (no plastic parts in the superstructure) i anticipate these mounts to last me a lifetime. they clamp with a vise like compression. i could easily, deeply damage or partially crush the cabinets of these speakers with the clamping force of the brackets side holders. i also have the speakers crossed over at 100hz so there is very little "rumbling" coming from them to begin with!

OK....just didn't want to see them tumble on 'ya!

thanks for the concern, but trust me, these things are the real deal. both are mounted directly into the studs...they ain't going anywhere!

we watched Megamind last night (good movie, funny) with Dolby TrueHD 7.1 and all of the repaired M2v3 SBL speaker performed great as did all the other Axioms! I am happy with the replacement and it's performance in my main HT area.

I also have my basement secondary system setup with M2v3's as the front 3 and I will tell anyone, I never had any idea that speakers so small could sound so "big" and so good. these things are amazing! it's like seeing what appears to be a skinny, fragile woman singer for the first time. you can't believe that she could possibly belt out anything with any real depth and then you are shocked when she sings with incredible range of highs and lows! your perception and beliefs are now rocked!

I had never heard them before, only read about them and got them because nothing else would fit where i needed them to go to be a front 3. the m3's looked nice too but i decided to save a little cash and go with the m2's since it was only for my secondary small setup in the basement office. well, let me tell you that if you've got the right sub, the M2v3's will surprise the hell out of ya. I just can't believe the difference in sound.

I use to have Polk Audio TSi200's where the M2v3's are now and it's a difference, to the positive that i just can't explain. the Polks were twice the size and twice the drivers of the M2v3's yet the Axioms overpower, overshadow and simply out did the bigger Polk speakers. I want to make it clear that this is not a stab at Polk Audio. I love the polks and they are really good speakers. The simple fact is that the Axioms are in a different and apparently higher class then those speakers.

got little space but still want high quality big sound???? well, get yourself a good sub-woofer and strap on 2, 3 or 5 of the M2v3's and your troubles are over and YES, you will be both surprised and satisfied like you didn't think you could be!

I tested out my M2 centers as mains at my brother's place a year ago and was amazed by the treble and midrange, but (not surprisingly) underwhelmed by the bass. I wondered how these would sound paired with a good sub. Now I know.

I guess that another person that I had over for an audition came through and purchased something from Axiom cause I just got my second commission check! Life is good. I'm also happy that someone else after auditioning the product at my place with my system, liked the product enough to want to purchase if for themselves which in and of itself makes me happy! of course the check makes me happy too!

Those Axiom bucks do help you feel good and let's you know others think your system is good enough to buy as well :0

remember jake, axiom bucks are what you get for hosting an audition and they remain on account and can only be used when buying axiom products. a comission check is what you get (in the form of a check sent to your house) when a sale is made after you have had an audition. I believe that the commision is 5% of the total sales value.

i just wanted to make sure folks understood that axiom bucks & a commision check are two different things one is given for the audition, one is given for the sale after the audition. oh yeah, they must keep the speakers (or whatever) past the 30 day in home trial period before it's considered a sale.

You only get Axiom bucks/commision checks for the same reasons- an audition that results in a sale and the buyer has mentioned your name as the reason for the purchase.

They have just recently started giving the checks out again, for awhile they only offered the Axiom GC's for the audition/sale, but it seems they have now moved back to the much better (IMO) commission check.

Just curious, sorry not to hijack this thread, but would it be a good idea to use two M22's as centers but put on each side of my tv since they won't fit under my tv? I currently have the VP150 sitting underneath.

No. Putting 2 vertical speakers side by side, and playing the same channel will cause sound problems. I tried this once with 2 sets of mains and it caused some strange sound problems. Don't remember exactly what, but I think it was sort of a being in a tunnel type of sound. Vertically aligned, like one above and one below is ok, but not side by side.

Dan, it might be a fair idea, and some of our members(e.g., Mike Drew)use 2 vertical M22s separated horizontally for a center channel(agree that above/below would be preferable). What this amounts to is a tighter version of a "phantom center" using the mains. The material is anchored to the center of the screen for those sitting in the center, but will shift a little for an off-center listener, but not farther out than the speaker on that edge of the screen. If positioned above/below there's no horizontal image shift.

I had a feeling it would act like a tighter phantom center. THanks

I have tried the dual/side M22's and didn't like it, when listening off axis, the sound was always coming from the closest speaker not the center of the TV.