Center shootout w/ pics.

pearsall001
pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
edited September 2011 in Speakers
First day having all 3 centers in the house, Polk LSiC, Axiom VP180, KEF Q600C. The LSiC is well broken in but the other two are just getting warmed up. Quite frankly though the Axiom is really strutting it's stuff. The LSiC is not to be taken lightly, & the KEF is also to be reckoned with. The two newcomers are blending in extremely well with my LSi15's. That was my main concern, & I'm sure they'll start sounding even better after a few hours on them. I've got 30 days for the Axiom & KEF so there's plenty of time for a serious workout. Till later.

Pic #1...Axiom VP180 (39.5 x 9.5 x 17)
Pic #2...Polk LSiC on Axiom
Pic #3...Kef on Axiom
Pic#4...Axiom & room ahot.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • HTguru1982
    HTguru1982 Posts: 1,066
    edited August 2011
    You gotta be kidding me! The Axiom is HUGE.
    Display: Sony 42" LCD
    Sources: Harman Kardon DVD-27,
    Panasonic DMP-BDT110 blu ray player
    AVR: Sony STR-DA2400ES
    Amps: Sonance Sonamp 260(fronts),
    Kenwood KM-894(surrounds)
    Fronts: NHT 2.5
    Center: NHT VS-1.2A
    Surrounds: NHT Super One
    Subwoofer: SVS PB10-ISD
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited August 2011
    I have heard good things about Axiom speakers and the price from what I understand outperforms everything due to the direct buy ability and no middle man so they are very well priced.
    If you start really digging the Axiom center channel , I suggest getting the matching mains and take them for a test drive. You might get out of those Lsi's if you do.

    Good luck looks like a lot of fun. I on a side note hate when the mains and center is not of the same brand . Voicing always comes into play at some point and becomes a distraction.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    Hey Dan, I know you don't like mixing speakers across the front end but I have to tell you the Axiom blends in beautifully. Is it perfect, no but it's darn close to the point that it doesn't bring attention to itself. It's performance is incredible! Maybe things will be a changin in my mancave. Time will tell.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited August 2011
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    it doesn't bring attention to itself.

    Now that's a laugh!! Maybe not audibly, but visually, I'd have to say it brings more than enough attention to itself.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited August 2011
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Hey Dan, I know you don't like mixing speakers across the front end but I have to tell you the Axiom blends in beautifully. Is it perfect, no but it's darn close to the point that it doesn't bring attention to itself. It's performance is incredible! Maybe things will be a changin in my mancave. Time will tell.

    Good luck with it , if you decide to test drive the mains , I want to come over and test drive them with you.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited August 2011
    Have you thought about trying out the new LSI center?
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  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited August 2011
    It's almost as big as 15....
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,014
    edited August 2011
    looks like a tower speaker turned on it's side.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    mantis wrote: »
    Good luck with it , if you decide to test drive the mains , I want to come over and test drive them with you.

    If I make the move you're on Dan!
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Have you thought about trying out the new LSI center?

    It isn't big enough...:wink: And since their brand new there won't be much in the way of discounts. Just a tad more than I want to spend. They sure look nice though.
    tonyb wrote: »
    looks like a tower speaker turned on it's side.

    Tony, that's exactly what it is...Axiom's flagship M80 v3 turned on it's side. There are a few differences though, the driver layout is different...WTMMTW & the crossovers are redesigned for it's different driver layout. Also the ports are located on the back. It's sounding mighty fine.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited August 2011
    Holy cow!!! It must sound amazing, WTG Phil!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • dave shepard
    dave shepard Posts: 1,334
    edited August 2011
    Holly crap that Axiom is huge you just don't get the true size of something until it is set next to or infront of something to compare.

    I've looked at them on their web site and thought about trying them with their 30day return policy but never did. I have read that they perform well but never heard them 1st hand. It will be interesting to read what you think and how they compare to the others side by side.

    I also looked at their Amp A1400, has anyone tried one? It looks interesting and if the speakers perform well it would make me think that their amp might also be worth looking into.

    Dave
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,014
    edited August 2011
    3 full range speakers upfront seems like an ideal situation, if you have the room. In a SACD scenario, 5 full rangers would be kick ****.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    dave shepard wrote: »
    Holly crap that Axiom is huge you just don't get the true size of something until it is set next to or infront of something to compare.

    I've looked at them on their web site and thought about trying them with their 30day return policy but never did. I have read that they perform well but never heard them 1st hand. It will be interesting to read what you think and how they compare to the others side by side.

    I also looked at their Amp A1400, has anyone tried one? It looks interesting and if the speakers perform well it would make me think that their amp might also be worth looking into.

    Dave

    Yep, me too, i've been looking at their web site for years now but never got around to giving them a try. That is until they came out with their new center, the VP180 which really intrigued me enough to give them a shot. So far I haven't been dissapointed.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • dave shepard
    dave shepard Posts: 1,334
    edited August 2011
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Yep, me too, i've been looking at their web site for years now but never got around to giving them a try. That is until they came out with their new center, the VP180 which really intrigued me enough to give them a shot. So far I haven't been dissapointed.

    Thanks. I look forward to your write-up. Wish I lived closer to give it a listen. The only thing is you would have to pay for the return shipping correct? with something that size and weight have you looked into how much that would be? I hope not too horribly bad.

    Dave
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited August 2011
    tonyb wrote: »
    3 full range speakers upfront seems like an ideal situation, if you have the room. In a SACD scenario, 5 full rangers would be kick ****.

    Would that be in Pink , Yellow , Black , Blue and Red? Or Pink , Yellow , Green , Blue and Red?
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited August 2011
    If your digging that center channel man , I now strongly suggest checking out the main speakers as well as the surrounds. Keep your sub's dude.
    They are priced to ship bro and look killer. If they sound as good as they look , I'm all in. They are crazy affordable. I wonder how they would compare to the LSI15's , you could do a full shootout in that room.

    Keep me in the loop as I have been wanting to hear their speakers for quite some time.They get very good reviews.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited August 2011
    cool beans Phil...have fun.

    RT1
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  • Mr. Sharpe
    Mr. Sharpe Posts: 1,355
    edited August 2011
    that's a biiiiig center channel! it's like you took another one of those Polk towers and just laid it sideways lol
    Home theater:
    43” Westinghouse Displayer
    Marantz UD-7007 Player
    Emotiva MC-700 Processor
    Adcom GFA-5006 Amplifier
    Parasound Zamp Amplifier
    Ethereal ESO-1 Power Conditioner
    Klipsch RC-10 Center
    Klipsch R34c Fronts
    Klipsch RB-41 Surrounds
    Polk audio PSW-505

    Stereo:
    Polk audio RTA-12c’s fully upgraded crossovers
    DIY 12tc braided speaker cables
    Denon DVD-5910ci Spinner
    Parasound P6 Preamplifer
    Parasound HCA -1500a Amplifier
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,194
    edited August 2011
    That's my kind of style right there..:cool:

    Can you get a photo of the center with the lights on and grill off ?
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • dave shepard
    dave shepard Posts: 1,334
    edited August 2011
    mantis wrote: »

    Keep me in the loop as I have been wanting to hear their speakers for quite some time.They get very good reviews.


    Get off your **** and get down there so you can let us know your thoughts also. You can never have too many opions even though it would be kinda hard to get the best effect from just the center all 3 across the front would be better but you can still get the jest of the sound from it by itself.

    Dave

    EDIT: P.S. take a pic of them nude.
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  • HTguru1982
    HTguru1982 Posts: 1,066
    edited August 2011
    https://www.skiingninja.com/Articles.asp?ID=173
    Display: Sony 42" LCD
    Sources: Harman Kardon DVD-27,
    Panasonic DMP-BDT110 blu ray player
    AVR: Sony STR-DA2400ES
    Amps: Sonance Sonamp 260(fronts),
    Kenwood KM-894(surrounds)
    Fronts: NHT 2.5
    Center: NHT VS-1.2A
    Surrounds: NHT Super One
    Subwoofer: SVS PB10-ISD
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,194
    edited August 2011
    The above link would not show pics. so ..:wink::cool:

    http://axiomaudio.com/vp180.html
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2011
    Turning the treble way up with a LSiC would probably produce the same sound. :eek:
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited August 2011
    dave shepard wrote: »
    Get off your **** and get down there so you can let us know your thoughts also. You can never have too many opions even though it would be kinda hard to get the best effect from just the center all 3 across the front would be better but you can still get the jest of the sound from it by itself.

    Dave

    EDIT: P.S. take a pic of them nude.

    Soon as Phil Invites me over , I'm in my truck. I could demo just the center AKA Triad buddy.
    Anyway I don't see the Maple finish on the website anymore, they look sexy in Maple finish. Thats what I would want if I got them. I wonder if it is special order?
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    mantis wrote: »
    Soon as Phil Invites me over , I'm in my truck. I could demo just the center AKA Triad buddy.
    Anyway I don't see the Maple finish on the website anymore, they look sexy in Maple finish. Thats what I would want if I got them. I wonder if it is special order?

    Let's set something up Dan. PM me with your schedule & what works for you. I'm sure we can come up with something. I think you'll like the A/B set up with the lone LSi15. Very interestingggggggg!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited August 2011
    I find it interesting how they did their tweeters - seems like you would have many issues with cancellations and so forth?
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    Here's a few naked pics:
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited August 2011
    If this is considered flaming or off topic or parade raining... please remove or ignore

    When I look at this center channel I see a speaker that goes against all conventional wisdom of loudspeakers. It is almost like they threw drivers on a baffle to make it look cool.

    I mean Horizontal speakers to start with are not exactly the ideal situation but to put two midrange drivers doing the same frequency side by side, then two tweeters sides by side and then two midbass drivers side by side - it seems like a mess?

    Is there something these guys are doing to correct these issues?
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    If this is considered flaming or off topic or parade raining... please remove or ignore

    When I look at this center channel I see a speaker that goes against all conventional wisdom of loudspeakers. It is almost like they threw drivers on a baffle to make it look cool.

    I mean Horizontal speakers to start with are not exactly the ideal situation but to put two midrange drivers doing the same frequency side by side, then two tweeters sides by side and then two midbass drivers side by side - it seems like a mess?

    Is there something these guys are doing to correct these issues?

    When you auditioned the VP180 how did it sound to you? Did it have a dynamic, robust room filling sound with crystal clear dialog even at low levels, or was it just so-so & really just didn't get the job done? Does the driver placement & the sound seem like these are issues that need to be corrected? And if so, have you contacted Axiom to see what steps they are taking to correct these issues? Curious minds want to know. :wink:
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Mr. Sharpe
    Mr. Sharpe Posts: 1,355
    edited August 2011
    I'm getting their subwoofer!!!! hahahahahahaha not

    I'd definitely love to hear it, I'm willing to bet it could bust some heads... literally:biggrin: something like what? 125 Decibls and 13hz in a room right? lol that's hilarious... I like the idea of that.
    Home theater:
    43” Westinghouse Displayer
    Marantz UD-7007 Player
    Emotiva MC-700 Processor
    Adcom GFA-5006 Amplifier
    Parasound Zamp Amplifier
    Ethereal ESO-1 Power Conditioner
    Klipsch RC-10 Center
    Klipsch R34c Fronts
    Klipsch RB-41 Surrounds
    Polk audio PSW-505

    Stereo:
    Polk audio RTA-12c’s fully upgraded crossovers
    DIY 12tc braided speaker cables
    Denon DVD-5910ci Spinner
    Parasound P6 Preamplifer
    Parasound HCA -1500a Amplifier
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