Have older M60 V1 in home theater....Older EP-500 and QS8 sides with SVS Satelite atmos.
VP180 V3 center. Is it worth upgrading to the newer M60V4 in my 16x20 theater? 80/20 movies to music.
Been eying PSA M110 L/R but that requires a new center channel, Also looking at ther V180 sub or HSU VTF 15 sub.
Big question would it be better to go with M5 bookshelf or new M60V4?
Thanks

Can you fit an M5 under your screen?
Trade all 3, win win.
Maybe grab a second EP500 out of the trade-ins.

Like my DVD music concert shows fairly loud... are you saying the M5HP
Can handle the higher volumes like the M60? I’ve cranked up the volume and the M60’s would clip the amp, so I upgraded to the emotiva amp for the front’s.

Can’t see replacing the VP180 center channel...that is a beast

I have M60ti in my home theater and am still very happy with them - personally would not bother updating to v4 unless I was also using them as my primary stereo music system. My first recommendation for upgrade would have been getting a VP180 but you have already done that.

On the other hand "more sub" often gives a tangible improvement. Maybe a bit less in your case because EP500 won't be overdriving and making that awful "grunk" noise because of the DSP, but if your room is big (and I think 16x20 counts as at least middling-big) then more sub is going to help.

I really like the M5HP and actually traded a pair of M60v4's for a second pair of M5HPs. That said, I doubt the M5HP will play at the same levels as M60 in "large" mode although it's possible they could if you already run the M60s in "small". The fact you were clipping the amp on the M60s suggests "large" though.

Like John said, for movie purposes, stick with the M60s. I would seriously consider upgrading the 500 if it is v2 or earlier to a 500v4. I upgraded from a 600v2 to an 800v4 and the difference is more than better bass. It cleaned up the sound of my entire system due to significantly less distortion. You can read my full review at the following link.

https://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthr...view#Post428530

Excellent advice on the M60 given the predominance of movies...

My sub, EP500 V1, is from 2004 so its given me a good run...

Got a descent trade value, so I went for a B-stock EP500V4, since it is hidden in a cabinet. Looked hard at HSU VF3-15 and PSA 1800, but couldn't beat the deal with the trade in.

I don't mean to influence you but you'll really like the EP500v4.

Sounds good. The new subs seem to be very well liked.

I forgot an important data point re: M5s vs M60s... I spent some time trying to improve the sound in my living room (HT is upstairs). After a few layout changes, some acoustic panels and some bass trapping I was finally starting to get decently smooth bass, but I was also able to play more loudly without it sounding so loud, if that makes any sense. It did seem that I was hitting the power limits of my receiver (an HK 3270) so I picked up a used Adcom GFA 555 and ran it off the pre-outs. That made a significant difference, and I was now able to play comfortably up to the onset of clipping (lights) with everything still sounding smooth. I didn't have occasion to do it much but it really sounded good when I did want to crank the levels.

I run one of the M5HP pairs off the Adcom now, and while they certainly can fill the room comfortably (15x20 with cathedral ceiling, open to loft and dining room) I don't find myself taking the amp up to the same levels as I did with the M60s. That's fine for me since I normally play music relatively quietly anyways, even for "serious listening" but for action movies in particular that "wall of sound" is sometimes really nice to have in the HT.

That was a lot of words for a "data point", particularly when I'm just trying to say "I think you did the right thing keeping the M60s".

The M5's will cost less to send back, lol.
You know you'll love the v4 either way.

That is an interesting question, one that I was thinking about for my setup. I have M80/QS8/VP150/2xEP350's with a projector in a similar sized room. One of my thoughts was how much real estate the M80's take up beside the screen.

The sound is great...but the "less noticeable" M5's with dual subs might be a more natural fit. I know Tom (TAM - exlabdriver) has bookshelves and subs and loves the sound.

Of course my next upgrade will be the 150 to a 180 at some-point.

P.S., I still remember the look on Tom's face when he was describing the set up and sound to me at the Axiom 35th Anniversary party! :-)

Been thinking about my room too. Lol.
Need a money. Lol.

@brwsaw......Put in an older SACD disk of Diana Krall and Holly Cole yesterday.

WOW....turned it up, but not loud and I must say the M60's did fine...makes me get the extra itch to try the M5HP for a little better musical speaker...hum

Tax return time$$$

I would think the tone of the two would be very similar.
As the design of the M5 is more towards having tower capabilities without the size. Or run without subwoofer for small system.

Being older version there maybe benefit going to V.4 performance.