Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Just bought VP-160 but considering VP-180 instead

It is probably best for the experts like Ian and Alan to explain the design philosophy and the differences between the two, however, it is important to remember in either case and model in listening these differences are quite subtle.

Absolutely. I'd love to hear from them as far as some of these critiques go of the configuration.

It would be fun to do a blind test at Axiom. I also wonder if sitting distance from the speaker plays a role between the two designs.

My 180 is set to large, and is also set to full range. The speaker is a full range speaker and plays down to 25hz, why not allow it? That's my philosophy anyhow...

Absolutely, that is one of the biggest advantages of having a "full-range" speaker in the center channel position. In the set-up, crossover settings no longer have to be a factor.

My dilemma is that my SVS sub really puts out some tremendous output and so I can't decide whether to have greater output or more even bass output from multiple sources. However, my room gobbles up some this bass when coming from just 1 source. I guess I need to do some tests when the VP180 arrives.

This is my room... notice the Dual EP-600's...
http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=373278#Post373278

subwoofers are there for low frequencies... that's it.. i have my 600's crossovers set to 80hz... Don't over think it man...

Does the VP160 blend well with you M80's? If so, then keep the VP160, since it is a superior design for those sitting off axis. If you think that there may be issues where there isn't a seamless front soundstage, then the VP180 will probably improve on that a bit, since it uses identical drivers, cabinet size (and crossover?). Those are probably the two major issues to consider.

Also if you are not noticing any off-axis differences on how the VP160 sounds, then that is a good thing. It is definitely noticeable on a MTM design. I am planning to upgrade to the VP160 at some point, to be able to have a full range center with better off axis response.

Yeah, I'm asking a question here that is impossible to answer really. I just wish there was a way to send bass to boss sub and main speakers that was better than the LFE+MAIN option. I think it tends to sound muddy this way.

Maybe I could get a smaller sub that is still capable (in addition to my bigger sub) and that could help even out the bass response in my room.

That's pretty much the way it's done. If it sounds muddy, it's probably because the interactions of doing it at all doesn't work in your room.