Hi All,
I am a new owner - well per FedEx, should be in two days.
I should be getting some M2v3s to replace my aging, but still loved Paradigm Atoms as fronts. The Paradigms will be relegated to surround duties for a bit. I have been running an, ahem, 3.1 system- so some surrounds will be nice.
My question is this: would it make sense to go with all M2s for 5.1 setup. I chose the M2 rather than M3 due to the mids matching the center and surrounds (QS8) that Axiom offers. However, after reading (lurking) these message boards, it seems that the consensus is that a 'vertical' center is preferred over a 'horizontal' center. So, I am wondering if using an M2 for the center might be 'better' than the VP100 or VP150???
Also, it seems that the QS8 is preferred over the QS4, but what about using more M2s???

Sorry for the loooooong question, but I just wanted to ask in a forum that has actual experience with these speakers.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

The quadpolar design of the QSs will give you a better surround feeling than the direct firing M2s as it will spread the sound across the room instead of directing it to the listener.
As for the center, if you can fit it, from what I read a M2 would be a better choice, better horizontal dispersion and better tonal match to your mains.

+1.

Someone recently compared a vertical M2 to a VP150 and the M2 got the better of the duel. I use an M2 as centre channel (based on advice from senior members of this board) and have no complaints. It was a great decision.

Go with the QS8.

WoW!!!-fast responses.
thanks,
You both are telling me what I kind of expected to hear...So, I am both happy I asked, and happy I have done my 'research'-
While it will take some dis-assembly and some minor repositioning of some things, I should be able to get three M2s across the front at exactly (within about a quarter inch) the same height.
So, next order will be QS8s and/or another M2 for the front.
Thanks again for such quick replies.
-Really why I went with Axioms to start off a 'real' HT system is because of the reviews and forums.
-Dave

Dave, add a third vote to what the others have posted... and welcome to the forums!

In my experience, the VP series does an admirable job but the M2's better horizontal dispersion is what gives it the nod as the better speaker. But other than that the VP series sounds nearly identical to the rest of the speakers utilizing the 5.25 driver. If you can't fit an M2/M22, which many can not, as a center then the VP series still works and sound great.

I may have to buy an M2 and try it out as center. I tore out the wall behind my VP100 and looked at the area behind it. There's some room there as it's directly above the furnace (but doesn't heat up). I was thinking about installing a VP180 there sometime in the future, but there's some duct work that would be in the way. Oh, well, an M2 may be a better choice than the vp100, or vp150. I'm going to buy the bookshelf version and wall mount it under the TV. One M2 in Cinnamon Beech with one bracket is $215. Checking budget...can order on 1/14/11. That should quell my upgraditis for a little bit longer.

Welcome Dave.

+1 to what everyone else said.

QS8's are one of the best surround speakers on the market IMHO. That quad polar design is awesome! It was my quest for a better surround speaker that 1st brought me to Axiom after I discovered and researched the QS8. Then the rest of my system just fell into place to compliment the surrounds.

So are you telling that one M2, as a center channel, would reseult a better performer over the vp100 or vp150 ?

Philippe, in my room it did make a difference and both my wife and myself preferred the M2 over the VP150. To sum it up there was better tonal balance with my M22's and there was better off axis clarity in my 'bad chair' seating position.

Keep in mind that all of my testing and experience was with the in/on wall versions, not the full cabinet versions. Also my HT room is fairly small so I can't comment on how the VP vs. the M would compare at filling a larger space.

Dave,
I second the QS8 comments. Nothing can make it sound like bullets are whizzing past and over your head like the 8's.

Excellent...
So, QS8s will likely be next, then an M2 for the center.
-or, the other way around....ah, choices...stupid budget!!!

Considering how close together the mains are I think you should get the Q's first and stick with a phantom center.

I actually already have a center, so I will just use it for now. My fronts will be about 9 feet apart, by the way.
Does anyone see a significant problem with having the center on a shelf right above the television? If I were to wall mount my TV, I could put the center on my equipment/TV stand, then it will be at the same height as the front speakers-that would be ideal of course. I guess I can certainly 'test' the center in both positions and find out for myself...

You answered your own question, decide for yourself

I ran my center over my TV and it was equally as good as having it lower, possibly even better as the 150 seems to sound a little better, at least to my ears, the farther away it is.

A pic of my old set up for reference: