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Would the upgrade be worth it?
#429274 04/10/18 08:41 PM
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I'm contemplating 2 upgrades:

1) EP175 to EP500
2) VP150OW to VP180OW

The rest of my HT system would stay the same: 2xM22OW, 2xQS4, 2xM3 ceiling all powered by an Onkyo TX-NR656 in ATMOS configuration. This set-up is 90% Home Theater/Xbox use. For 2ch music, I listen elsewhere.

I'm fairly convinced of the subwoofer upgrade and will be emailing Ian and company soon for a quote as I'd like to pick it up directly in Dwight in July smile and possibly get something back on the EP175 (it was a refurb) and save on shipping. (We cottage in the area every year, lucky us!)

However, I'm not as sure the VP upgrade would be as noticeable and I'd be doing it more for aesthetics (I think the VP180 would look better under my 65" TV than the VP150). Would the VP180OW be overkill for the M22's (which I'm not changing, nor can afford to upgrade at the moment with Ian's customization offer :-p ).

Thoughts on the VP180 upgrade? Worth it from an audio point of view? I have no interest in the VP160OW.

Re: Would the upgrade be worth it?
TDIPablo #429277 04/10/18 10:48 PM
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My view is that some recent video releases put even more content in the center channel than the mains, so I am totally happy with the idea of center channel being beefier than the mains. I run VP180 center with M60 mains and have never doubted it was worth the $$.

Only difference is that I upgraded from VP100 rather than VP150 so more of a jump in terms of power/SPL handling in my case. That said, my impression is that you would also see a fair amount of the improvement in clarity and timbre matching that I saw going from VP100.

I don't remember if my EP500 is v2 or v3 (it's from late 2013) but apparently the v4 is even better. I run it alongside an old SVS cylinder tuned down to 16 Hz but the house is really one big open area so the subs are dealing with 4,000-5,000 cubic feet.

Anyways, after adding the EP500 and VP180 my system reached that magical point where I'm totally happy with it and don't even think about upgrading it further... at least not the speakers.

I can't think of a better way to spend your summers than hanging around the Axiom complex cottaging in the Muskokas.

Last edited by bridgman; 04/10/18 10:57 PM.

M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39
M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1
LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
Re: Would the upgrade be worth it?
TDIPablo #429279 04/11/18 03:21 PM
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I went from a VP150 to a VP180 back when they first came out. My mains are M60s and the VP180 makes them look small when put side by side.

That being said, I love the capabilities of the VP180. SOOOO much better than the VP150, and I liked the VP150 when I had it.

Like mentioned, there is so much information coming out of the center channel that it really is one of the most critical speakers in your setup. People used to think that it was just for dialog, and for a while that was the primary function, but that has changed many years ago and audio mixers continue to push more information to the center, so don't be afraid to "go big."


Farewell - June 4, 2020
Re: Would the upgrade be worth it?
TDIPablo #429280 04/11/18 05:45 PM
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nick is correct. The majority of movie sound comes through the center channel now with the Left, Right & Surrounds only sporadically being used for effects.

Music Concert DVDs & Blu Rays seem to spread the sound more equally to all of the channels.

A large & capable Center is a must & both the 160 & 180 ably fulfill that role...

TAM

Re: Would the upgrade be worth it?
TDIPablo #429281 04/11/18 06:50 PM
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So... I emailed Debbie not too sure what to expect. My EP175 is a refurb and my VP150OW was a factory outlet. My expectations were low...

Debbie responded and my jaw literally hit the floor! What an amazing company. Making arrangements to pick-up my new EP500 and VP180OW in July!

Re: Would the upgrade be worth it?
TDIPablo #429282 04/11/18 07:17 PM
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Hi Pablo

Prediction: You are going to love your EP500 and VP180. I have one of each and appreciate the dynamic sound quality, clarity, punch and great improvement each has brought to my systems.


Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
Re: Would the upgrade be worth it?
TDIPablo #429285 04/13/18 12:13 PM
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Those are both excellent upgrades, you'll notice the difference immediately. I went from the VP150 to 180, better in every respect...clarity, range, dynamics, authority. Where the 150 was good, the 180 is simply on a different level. I would expect the same with the subs when you compare the EP175 to 500.


Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
Re: Would the upgrade be worth it?
TDIPablo #429287 04/13/18 04:59 PM
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Thanks everyone for aiding and abetting my confirmation bias :-)

I finalized everything with Debbie yesterday and now I'm really looking forward to picking them up at Axiom World Headquarters in Dwight, ON, in July. Debbie even invited me to take a tour!

Re: Would the upgrade be worth it?
TDIPablo #429289 04/13/18 05:46 PM
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Awesome

Now comes the anticipation of the next 3 months.
Here's hoping time doesn't decide to slow down.

Re: Would the upgrade be worth it?
brendo #429325 04/20/18 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted By brendo


Now comes the anticipation of the next 3 months.


Gives me time to decide if I need to upgrade my receiver to handle the 4ohm load. On the one hand, it will be the only 4ohm speaker in the setup and I'm upgrading the sub to handle the more power demanding lower end. On the other hand, my Onkyo TX-NR656 is only rated for 6ohm (though does spec 3,4, and 8 ohm dynamic capabilities).

My question is, am I more likely to damage my amp or speaker if my receiver is under powered? I only listen at moderately loud volumes for movies and my Onkyo is moderately well ventilated (maybe I need a fan in the cabinet when running movies?).

Last edited by TDIPablo; 04/20/18 05:05 PM.
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