Anthony, assuming a "need for a more powerful amp" if you get the M80s may lack any factual basis. Since the M80s have a slightly above average sensitivity(requiring less power than the M60s, for example)they and other 4 ohm rated speakers of similar sensitivity have been operated for years with modest receivers without difficulty. You appear to more concerned with the rated impedances of speakers than the power they actually require in typical home operation.
I'm just concerned by the conventional wisdom that plugging 4 ohm speakers into an amp that's nominally rated for 8 can result in the amp getting very hot, shutting down, clipping, etc. I don't have any firsthand knowledge in this arena and want to be sure that if I plunk down $500+ for an AVR that I'm getting what I need, and won't damage my shiny new Axiom investment.
