Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion What's New At Axiom Sneak Peak: VP160 Prototype

I'm hoping the Vp160 works well enough that you won't feel the need to have the second center over the screen.

It's probably about anchoring the sound to the center of the screen. I've attempted to do this with an M2 over the screen, but a bigger speaker would be more effective.

I dunno Jay.... I thought I was pretty happy running two M22's till I put the VP over the screen. It does take some time angling the thing to direct towards the seating location, but once I had it figured out, it made a very significant improvement. And if you've followed my thoughts and opinions on sound over the years here, you'll know that I don't get terribly excited over small details. I am happy enough to not really need to make a change, but I had planned to move the M22's to the Wide channels and was just waiting for this new center (as the 180 is simply too big for my room). I'll just have to order one and give it a whirl I reckon....

I do remember when you installed the upper and I can remember my own experiments with dual centers and I would agree it does make an improvement. I also know that my experience with the VP180 made me realize just how much a great center can add to the experience.

I am willing to bet this will be something you will have to try for yourself to know if you like it or not.

Ya, you are right of course. I'm just going to have to order one. I need to give Axiom a call and find out what stain and finish my other speakers are so I can match them.

I can let you know what I think when mine arrives....I still have my M22's just not my VP150. I can try to mount my VP100 up high to attempt a similar scenario, but it still comes down to your preference and room.

Ian, thanks for the info. Obviously the design goal has been met. This should be a popular choice for anyone looking for a horizontal center to go with the M60s or any other mains with a similarly wide and smooth response.

Ian,
It is nice to see the curve matching the M60. This center speaker is design to match the M60 based on the driver configuration. The question is how much is it matching the M80? I know that the recommendation will be to match the M80 with the VP180, but in many applications it will not be possible. Thanks to the port on the front (nice idea), the VP160 is more flexible in terms of placement in cabinet or closer to back wall.
I would like to hear what Axiom has to say about the M80 and VP160 match.
It is clear that it is possible to match the M60 with the bigger VP180 and I am assuming that the VP160 would match well with the M80. Am I right?

I would expect the match with the M80s would still be more than adequate. Realistically speaking, and I may be wrong, other than Paradigm and Axiom, I have yet to see another speaker manufacturer out there, regardless of price, offer a center channel that is of the size and number of drivers that match their floor standing models. The vast majority of the CC models tend to be of the small size with the matching smaller drivers that exist in the L/R models which these various manufacturers claim offers a "seamless" transition. From my own experience, it just not possible to do this especially when these small center channels are very influenced by their limited cabinet size, positioning and little "low end" sound capability.

I am sure the VP160 would be easily up to the task.

It'll be interesting also to see how the VP160 will sound with my 2 pair of M22 mains with EP350. Panning from side to side "might" be noticeable, but maybe not by that much. I'm hopeful for deeper male vocals and better bass guitar. I plan on setting L/R M22's to small (Cut off at 80hz), and VP160 center to Large (no cutoff).