Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners vp100 v vp150

I've been auditioning an axiom setup (2 M60s, VP100, 2 QS80s, and an EP350). I love everything but the VP100 center. It sounds a bit thin to me. Will switching to a VP150 make a huge difference? Can anyone compare the two speakers?

Thanks!

I have all the speakers you have except I opted for the VP150 from the start. I can't tell you the difference between the two, but I can tell you you'll likely be happy with the VP150. It matches well w/ the 60s and plays plenty loud. Very good for dialog and detail.

I just re-calibrated my system (somehow all the settings were erased) popped in "Nemo" and hit 101 db at -12 on my Denon 2802. Crystal clear, really mind blowing.

Have you tried calibrating with the VP100?

Also take note of where the crossover is set. The VP100 is +-3dB at 95hz. If you are crossing at 80hz, you are likely missing some info that may detract from the "fullness".

I'm wishing my Denon 2802 had the option of a 60hz crossover for that very reason. Oh well.

That is one of the nicest features on the some of the HK receivers....the ability to set different crossover points for the center, mains, and surrounds.

jordanz, I have the Axiom package you have (SVS sub though). I have found the VP100 to be terrific. Have you taken the time to calibrate the speakers with an SPL meter yet? Made a world of difference for me. I found my ears are not nearly as accurate as the meter. Also, try positioning the M60s a little forward of the VP100 - they tend to add to the front soundstage for you.

I got the 100 because of space limitations and I am happy with it. Had I the space, I would likely have gone after the 150 instead. What you want to avoid is the dreaded "what if". It will eat at you forever. If you can swing the cash, go for the 150 and be forever happy.

the vp100 will do fine. The only reason to upgrade is if rour room size requires it. The speakers do the same job, just one is bigger then the other. You will NOT lose any vocals by using the vp100 over the vp150.

I recommend vp 100 unless you have a really wide seating area.

Despite all that, the one thing better about the vp150 then the vp100 is that the vp150 can buy you peace of mind and you won't get upgraditis.

FYI - I just placed my upgrade order from the VP100 to the VP150.

Saw your posting on AVS w/ the "shootout". Good to know people are still doing those. Wish more of those were available last year when I was looking.

In the future, if you are looking to demo, check the list of owners here. There are a number of us in the Bay Area w/ Axiom systems. I also have the VP150, but never did a comparison w/ the VP100.

That's funny. I posted in your thread over at AVS (Rijax) and never made the connection to this thread. DUH!

So you did decide to go with the Axioms? For awhile today I thought you were gonna fall in love with the burled maple HTDs.

You referred to the Axioms as "plain" in appearance. Actually, I think that's a perfect description of them. There's nothing particularly fancy about them, unlike the Rockets. I'm not particularly fond of light colored wood, so the HTDs didn't please me as they did you. Seeing them in person might change my mind.

I hope nobody here is offended by the term "plain." To me, "plain" means clean, simple, without affectation or ornamentation. I happen to like that very much.

I bought my Axioms partly because they are plain. I had a pair of old (I have no idea what brand they were because the nameplates fell off years ago) speakers that I used for 17 years. They had been in my living space for all of that time and I never realized how battered, bruised, and just butt ugly they looked until I was hauling them out to the curb. I killed those things over the years. It was then that I realized how little consideration I would put into appearance when looking for their replacements.

I agree with someone on who who said that they didn't even consider the Ascends because of their proportions. I had the same thoughts, and did not consider them based solely on appearance. I apparently have the same tastes in speakers that I have in women - taller / slender vs. shorter / squat(ter?)

Jordan - Make sure that your delay setting for the VP100 matches the actual distance from the listening position to the 100. If you have a sub, and it is calibrated to be in phase with your main speakers, then you may need to adjust the delay setting or physical position of the VP100 to get it in phase with the rest of the system. Being out of phase with the sub (and mains) will make it sound thin due to cancellation. This procedure from a post by Guy Kuo of Avia on the Spot is a bit of a pain to do, but it describes how to get the center channel in phase. It will make 1 spot in your room THE place to sit - soundstage and imaging not to be believed. Try it before giving up on the VP100. Let me know if it works for you.

Hello,

This is not really a reply, but a question on a HT system, which I plan to order. Looks like your system and my soon-to-be are similar. I have a Denon AVR 1804 with 90Wx6 channel. Iam planning to order M60; QS8; AP150; and EP350. Since you have a Denon 2802 (by the way what is the wattage of your Denon?) will my Denon 1805 be adequate to drive my future HT system? Any issues/limitations? How will it sound? Would very much appreciate your comments.

Thanks,
Rogel (from Calgary, Canada)

Welcome, Rogel. In case Mark(BigWill)doesn't see your question(starting a new thread is usually better),I'll offer my thoughts. His 2802 is rated at the same 90 watts as your 1804 and you should have plenty of power for your speakers unless your listening room is huge. Once amps get up near the 100 watt area, that's generally fine. For example, the difference in maximum sound level between 90 watts and 120 watts is only about 1.2dB(e.g.110dB or 111.2dB). M60s use about 1 watt at a comfortably loud listening level, and of course much more on split-second peaks, possibly 100 watts or more, which the 1804 should handle with ease. All amps operating within their power capacity with flat frequency response and inaudibly low noise and distortion(which is common these days)are transparent and there's no "sound" to be concerned about.

JohnK,
Thanks very much for your comments. With my Denon 1804 having no problem with M60, how about the VP150 which is 6 ohms?. I hope no problem as well. The size of my family room is 15'W x 20'L x 20'H (vaulted ceiling), and open or adjacent to the kitchen area which is another 15'x 20'x 8'. Any thoughts?

I hope no issues here. It not, this will put my mind at ease since I just bought the Denon 1804 3 weeks ago (just before I came accross the AXIOM speaker system on the internet, and got hooked by the rave reviews and experiences of the owners ever since.)

Regards,
Rogel

Rogel, the 6ohm impedance of the VP150 is no problem at all. Your room is about average except for the vaulted ceiling. Assuming that you'll be sitting about 10-15' away from the speakers, there should be no volume problem despite less immediate room reinforcement from the ceiling.

Rogel,

I use the Denon 1804 with M60 and QS8. I currently have a Polk center. I plan to upgrade to the VP100 and SVS PB1-ISD sub (currently do not use a sub). My room is similar in volume to yours.

I have found the 1804 to be a very solid performer with an excellent feature set. It plays plenty loud for all of my needs. It remains a good value. No complaints at all; I am highly satisfied by both music and HT experiences with this setup.

Rogel, I'll echo tt here. I had a 1803 driving my setup (M60/VP100/QS8 and an SVS 20-39 PCi). More than enough receiver. I went to a 3803 becuase I got a killer deal on it, therwise I would still have the 1803.

Thanks guys for all your advices! Really appreciate them!

Now, I am very happy & at peace that my Denon 1804 is a nice match to my soon-to-be HT system: M60; VP150; QS8; EP350.

Kind regards,
Rogel (Calgary, Canada)

I can tell you for sure here! I like yourself started with the VP-100, and found it to fall a little short compared to the rest of my system. So, soon after I bought the VP-150 and have never been happier!! Its much more filling and full in my opinion. I do believe its worth the change, and you should be happy!