Axiom Center Channel and Subwoofer Concerns

[darthkringle]

Okay, you all have graciously sold me on the Axiom line in general and I will be taking the plunge this month. While I am VERY confident that I will LOVE the M60's and QS8's. There seems to be some concern over the VP150 and The EP500. Regarding the sub, I just want to know that it is an awesome sub even at it's $1100 asking price. (better than HSU?). More importantly, the VP150 seems to be the most debated speaker on this and Audioholics regarding quality. I plan on ordering the light maple finish, so I feel like if I don't go the VP150 route, are there other centers that will match both timbre and cabinet w/the other axioms? Hoping folks can just assure me that the VP150 is the way to go. Thanks as always to everyone.

 

[WorkerBee]

Darth,
If it were me concerning the center I would stay with whatever brand the other speakers happen to be whether it's axiom paradigm or whatever.
I own an svs and it's a killer . Again if it were {me} and I could afford the Axiom it would (match) look great with the other speakers. HSU from what I read are no slouches either.....that would have been my 2nd choice due to affordability.
Darth....my friend....you have some decision making to do......enjoy!

 

[Ajax]

Darth, we've discussed the VP150 over at the Axiom forum (apologies, again for it getting testy), but we didn't really touch upon the EP500. The drawback with the 500 is that it's so new, not a lot is known about it yet. There are a couple of members at the Axiom forum who have it, and are happy with it, but we haven't really heard a lot about it yet. However, I don't know if you are aware of this, but it won the 2004 Audioholics Product of the Year Award for best subwoofer.

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/2004productawards.html

That would seem, to me, to be a pretty good endorsement, and would put my mind at ease about it.

 

[jzac]

Darth, we've discussed the VP150 over at the Axiom forum (apologies, again for it getting testy), but we didn't really touch upon the EP500. The drawback with the 500 is that it's so new, not a lot is known about it yet. There are a couple of members at the Axiom forum who have it, and are happy with it, but we haven't really heard a lot about it yet. However, I don't know if you are aware of this, but it won the 2004 Audioholics Product of the Year Award for best subwoofer.

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/2004productawards.html

That would seem, to me, to be a pretty good endorsement, and would put my mind at ease about it.

And also read this article that talks about it..
http://www.soundstage.com/traveler/traveler200409.htm

 

[darthkringle]

It got less ugly here than at Axiom

Ajax- This seemed alot quicker. Thanks for all of your responses to each of you and especially Ajax who always answers my questions at both forums!!

Thanks again to all.

 

[Ajax]

My pleasure, Darth. Jzac, thanks for steering me to that article. I may NEVER forgive you, cuz now I want one of those EP500s, and my wallet is full of moths.

 

[goodman]

I am very pleased with the VP150. It blends well not only with Axiom M60s, but with Anthony Gallo Ref3s as well.

 

[GeneticDrift]

be careful with the vp-150 it has many mixed reviews. check out audioreview.com and read the reviews on it. i personally had no luck with it, it had a very tinny, hollow sound and off axis listening was horrible. it also has an unnatural sound of S's, it actually gave me listener fatigue after about 1/2 hour.

 

[Ajax]

By all means check out the reviews at audioreview.com. Just be sure to read them all, and not just the last 3. The VP150 received a total score of 4.2 out of a possible 5 with 20 reviews. That's a fine showing. I don't think the VP150 is a perfect center. But, it is far superior to my previous center, and I have found it a very competent speaker. YMMV. Like any speaker, where you place it can have a profound effect on it's performance. I've never had anything resembling a sibilance problem with it.

 

[jzac]

My pleasure, Darth. Jzac, thanks for steering me to that article. I may NEVER forgive you, cuz now I want one of those EP500s, and my wallet is full of moths.

Just wetting your appetite.... happy to help!

 

[jzac]

be careful with the vp-150 it has many mixed reviews. check out audioreview.com and read the reviews on it. i personally had no luck with it, it had a very tinny, hollow sound and off axis listening was horrible. it also has an unnatural sound of S's, it actually gave me listener fatigue after about 1/2 hour.

This will depend on a lot of factors.... and one of them being the way you set (or tune) it up based on your listening environment. I, for one, have been using the m80s with the VP150 for almost 10 months or so, and they have been absolutely terrific! Never once have I experienced any ear fatigure or off-axis sound diff. I have these working with my RX-V2400 amp. For me, the mains and the center have a beautiful blend. Hope it stays that way!

 

[Ajax]

Just wetting your appetite.... happy to help!

You dirty....

 

[darthkringle]

Jzac- W/the 2400 and Axiom setup, how much of the Auto Calibration/YPAO settings do you use w/the Axioms? Does the yahmaha yield great results or have you done it manually? Thanks in advance for any setup tips w/that receiver/speaker combo since that is exactly what I will have when i order the Axioms.