Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Upgrade a 7.1 base level Axiom Set to 11.2

Many thanks everyone for the very friendly and helpful responses. I'm really thankful for that.

It's interesting the feedback is the VP160 center is a better choice than the VP180. Any particular reason why, other than it's a newer design?

The 180 disobeys some common held loudspeaker design "rules." I think the 160 is a more traditional and theoretically more behaved layout. It's definitely widely adopted, so all else is distrusted.

People question the 180 because this design contradicts what is "supposed" to be optimal with regards to lobing and comb filter effects. Many designers are on record saying a layout such as the 160 is the least compromise for a horizontal center. Theoretically, of course. I honestly think the 180 was born that way was to sneak another tweeter onboard to increase power handling, while keeping them seperated enough that comb filtering frequencies would be out of their passband.

Your cables and matched lifters are what will truly decide of course!
(kidding, totally kidding .)

Buy the 160 and report back! It is cheaper.

That's a big room for a 350. I'd be looking at dual 500's. But it depends on room. Maybe get away dual 350's. Only one way to find out....try it. If you are planning Atmos go direct firing...no qs8 or 10. You'll save some money there. Big rooms = big money to make sound equal to small room. Keep in mind the vp180 needs 4 ohm amps. More $$$. I'll have a 160 soon and I'll see if it's worth the jump from the 150

Your absolutely correct Newf, i would blame my answer on drinking if i drank lol. Dolby specifies direct firing speakers when using ATMOS and i totally blew it when i read the original post,my apologies to the OP. I would try it with the QS4's but some on wall M5hp's would be the cats meow.

I'm definitely going to an ATMOS receiver.

Oddly enough you can't buy on wall M5HP's in the factory direct page, so they end up significantly more expensive than the on wall M22's.

What about on wall M22's as side and rear surrounds?

the rear 2 speakers though would need to be mounted horizontally, as I need to mount them 7' high because of a large archway behind the couches. I'd figure out a bracket to angle them downwards about 20 degrees.

Don, i think the M22's would work fine. I am a traditionalist and the M5's check all my box's. Ian has always tried to differentiate his products from others by thinking outside the box and his speakers sound great. I digress i own M80's and they are not traditional either and i think they are fantastic. I realize we all have to live within our budgets as well. You were thinking 4 QS10's and the HP5's are cheaper.

QS10's 1698
HP5's 1680

Many thanks Socketman,

I think I see a complete picture now on this upgrade from 7.1 to 11.2.

The system will be: (with factory direct pricing)

1 Center: VP160 ($666)
2 front towers: M50's (from my previous system)
2 Subwoofers: EP350 x2, (1 old, and purchasing 1 for $801)
4 Surrounds on wall: M22s ($1152)
4 In-Ceiling: M3's ($896)

Receiver will be Denon EVRX6300H 11.2 ($2199)

Total for all that is $5714. Add a $2000 TV and I'm about $700 over budget.

So it's possible to pull off this 7.1 to 11.2 upgrade for about $7700. I can live with that.


Many thanks for all your help!

I've had the VP180 and now the VP160
personally, my room is 11.5 x 15.5 and I prefer the VP160

Actually I think the differences in performance and sound is moot. I think I like the 160 a tad better.

Also, and I am pretty sure NickBoul would agree
I would seriously look into the Anthem MRX720 over the Denon
I think you'd be ok with the EP350v2 and EP350v4.
Hell, I can help you out with that EP350v4 I got one I am selling
It was purchased Nov25, 2016 $625 CDN plus shipping if your in Canada I think it is around $75

Don , thats sounds great and it will sound great. That will be over the top. How bout some pics so we can see what your working with.