I'll make this short and sweet. I owned a VP-150 for a few years. Recently I upgraded to the VP-160. I noticed a little bit of a tin-can sound. Perhaps just my room, placement, or level issue. So, I decided it would't hurt to try out the VP-180. I have 2 M80's after all, already.

After now trying out the VP-180 alongside my M80V3's, I'm never going back. The VP-180 is phenomenal! Paired with the M80's, it gives a big soundstage. In a word, it just sounds more complete compared to the VP-160, and especially the VP-150. The only thing I like a little bit more about the VP-160 is that dialogue sounds like it is coming from a central point (which it is). But, I also love how much more dynamic the 180 is compared to the 160. The 160 put out good volume, was crisp, and full. But, the 180 puts out a big powerful sound with more dynamic range, punch, and it plays nice and loud without straining. It really is like the 150 is a v4 engine, the 160 is a v6, and the 180 is a big-block v8.

I recently installed some Aura Pro bass shakers under the couch (I always used to think they were stupid, esp. since I have a big SVS sub) but now my home theatre is complete and breathtaking.

Thanks Axiom!

MmmmMM, a car analogy... i like using them as well :~)

the VP180 is the perfect match.

good listening to you! :-)

VAAAROOOM, VAAAROOOM


I'm Glad your happy after comparing both of them in your room.
I ordered a VP-180 as part of my layaway package, can hardly wait until Fall. Who knows, maybe Ian has a v10 big block center channel in the works, to go along with the new speakers.

I think the best part of this story is that you got exactly what you wanted.


And someone else can get exactly what they want in the 160.

Yeah, I'm not knocking the VP-160. I'm just loving the VP-180.

God I hope not, unless maybe a flat plane crank V10. One reason I do not own a viper is because I detest the sound of a cross plane crank V10.

God I hope not, unless maybe a flat plane crank V10. One reason I do not own a viper is because I detest the sound of a cross plane crank V10.

Hi michael d

If Ian were to offer up a new v10 big block center channel, I know the sound would be OOOO SO SWEET. Because he would have all those mufflers aligned just right.

Thank you so much for the write up. I was leaning heavily towards the 180 and you've sealed the deal for me. If it WOWs me as much as it has others moving up from the 150, I dont think i'll be sending it back after the 30 days. Now i have to decide which i want more. A 3D projector or the 180......

Buy it. My VP150 has been sitting in my closet since I got my VP180.

holy crap...!

Where have you been......????????????

SRoode Buy it. My VP150 has been sitting in my closet since I got my VP180.


Hi SRoode,

WOW, you have some serious audio gear there. What is the size of the room? Is it a dedicated HT space?

I've been around Dak, just laying a little low

Gary - The theater room is 18'x16'. It's dedicated to movies and music.

A little low??? (incert witty comment here)

SRoode I've been around Dak, just laying a little low

Gary - The theater room is 18'x16'. It's dedicated to movies and music.

Thanks for the response, WOW that's a lot of sound waves for that space. Have you started to go deaf yet? Has your home vibrated down the block a bit, to where you had to change your address maybe?

Nah, skip the projector. VP180 is like a foundation stone for everything.

Just as an update to my post and any comb filtering problems. I don't hear any. There was a scene the other day with a lot of dialogue and I walked from the kitchen all the way across to where I was sitting and the voices stayed the same the whole time. I do remember the VP-150 having some tone changed doing the same, however.