Hi
I own the M80v3 and the HK 3490
Honestly, look at another two channel amp. Not really overly impressed. Think it maybe closer to 80w per channel. not much volumn at all, if I need to play a bit loud occassionally I am at +10db of a possible +15
When I had my Denon 3808 for comparison I was maybe -5bd to 0db
Anthem 225 is a better choice.
Two things.
First, the HK 3490 is an audio/video receiver which has an amplifier section. It is not an "amp" which is typically a term used when referring to a stand-alone component that does nothing but amplify the signal.
Second, if you are turning your receiver up that high (and yes, on that HK scale, a +10db with a max of +15db is probably about 90%-95% of its maximum volume), you are likely driving this receiver into clipping with the M80s.
If you feel the need to turn the volume up that much, you should absolutely be using a separate amp. I would be shocked if you are not hearing distortion at that level, or perhaps are just not recognizing it.
