Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Receiver recommendation for M60/ M80

Hi Everyone, newbie here

in the market for speakers and a receiver. I want just one receiver to do everything. Regardless of whether I get the M60 or M80 I want to make sure I get a receiver that can comfortably handle the 4omhs necessary for the M80 (in case I choose to upgrade in the future.)

I have read on the discussion board the Onkyo is not a good choice, although I have not been able to find a thread that lists recommended receivers for the M80s.

Since I am buying a new receiver, I will probably get one with the new HDMI 1.3, and I also quite like the idea of having a network receiver so I can play endless internet radio and connect it to various playlists i have on my computer.
Denon have 2 receivers that would serve both these purposes - AVR-4308CI & AVR-3808CI (main difference being that one of them is has wireless connectivity)

I have owned Pioneer elite in the past and was very happy with them (except for the remote control...)

what other brands, models would you recommend for being capable of driving a complete 5.1 - 7.1 M80 HT?

thank you very much

Based on my personal experience with the Onkyo TX-SR805, I do not recommend using it paired with M80's. I can't speak for the 875 or the 905, but I wouldn't expect stellar results in comparison. I ended up taking the 805 back, and when I was at Circuit City saw two other 805's on the floor that had been returned as well. I'm not sure of the reasons behind those returns, but that IMO didn't bode well given the length of time the receiver has been on the market combined with what I believe were pretty small quantities of initial shipments. For instance, the CC I purchased mine from received only three 805's initially, one of which was the one I purchased.

I'm not sure if you're set on HDMI 1.3, but if not, then I feel Rotel is worth looking at. I bought an RSX-1057 for my girlfriend with the intention of setting it up with some B&W bookshelf speakers. Her new place isn't done yet so I've been running my M80 5.1 home theater with the Rotel receiver. It's been handling the M80's with aplomb.

What about Pioneer Elite?

The Elite is always a good choice. BTW - I am a happy Denon guy.

I do recall Alan saying the Pioneer recievers that use mosfet output devices can handle the M80s.

Dan, welcome. Apparently you have the list of features that you want in a receiver firmly in mind and you're willing to pay up for them. The network provision for internet radio limits the choices and since the 3808 meets your requirements there may be little reason not to just go with it. Nevertheless, if you haven't researched them thoroughly, the new Onkyo 905 and Yamaha 3800 also meet your specifications and should be considered.

All the new Onkyo’s are being reported as running quite hot, and also the Integra 9.8 pre/pro that has no amplification. I suspect they are running hot because of the video processor placement and lack of adequate cooling. Whether this will be detrimental or not, I don’t know. It does give me cause for concern though. The 905 does look like one heck of a receiver, on paper anyway.

If I were looking to buy an AVR today and was looking for all the features the OP has listed, I believe I would lean toward the Denon.

Hi Dan5555,

Pioneer is a kind of "iffy" brand for 4-ohm loads, based on previous Axiom customer experience with the M80s. The "Elite" designation is no assurance that a Pioneer will drive the M80s.

In the past, Pioneer had a model called the 1015, a mid-line model that used MOSFET output devices and, as Wid indicated, had no problem driving the M80s. My understanding is that Pioneer has changed the design of that model's output stage, and it no longer uses the Mosfets, so I wouldn't recommend it.

Regards,

Hi,

I don't want to hijack this thread, but my question is kind of specific to this situation and may benefit the OP aswell as myself. Is the Denon AVR-3808CI receiver a good choice when paired with the M80's? If not, what is the minimum Denon receiver one should look at?

Hi Jas, I’m using a Denon 2807 which is about three steps below yours, and it works great. My system is only calibrated at 70dBs and I use it mostly for movies/games.

Awesome, thanks for the feedback Grunt I really appreciate it. Now my mind is at ease with my choices, it's a matter of raising the necessary funds - an adventure in of itself.

I use the Denon 2105 with my M80s. No problems whatsoever.

Asked H/K about 4 ohm speakers this was there reply:
Hi Paul,

Good morning and thank you for your inquiry. Harman Kardon receivers are designed to work best with speakers rated at 8 ohms. All Harman Kardon Audio/Video receivers can handle MOST 4 and 6 ohm speakers on the market today. However, there are some manufacturers' speakers that have a minimum impedance WELL BELOW the 4 and 6 ohm nominal impedance, when being fed a signal. In this situation, the receiver will attempt to protect itself by having the fan turn on. In the extreme case, the unit will protect itself by shutting down, and go into standby mode. This is an indication that the speaker in question is not compatible with our receiver.

*Note: The continued use of the receiver with speakers that cause it to shut down can result in eventual failure of the receiver, which is not covered by the warranty.*

If you are concerned with using the speakers with this receiver, you can purchase an Impedance Matching Speaker Selector Box, which will allow you to connect any speakers to this box, while the receiver constantly sees a specific load (these boxes come in different values, i.e.
4/6/8/16 ohms). You can find these boxes in most electronics parts stores or online at www.russound.com or www.nilesaudio.com.

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,
Vu Le
Internet Support Specialist

H/K receivers will do fine with the M80s, they do not fall below their 4 ohm rating.

Wid's right.

I suggest you also ask H/K about the acceptable phase angle. The M80's phase angle is shown here. It stays within -25 to +45 degrees.

talked to Pioneer:
They said there current a/v line including elite will only work 6/8 ohms speakers with out shutting down.
To bad..they over allot a bang for the buck.
Looks like H/K will have to due.

Paul, possibly Pioneer phone reps have been instructed to be that dogmatic about things, but the statement isn't necessarily true. No receiver has to shut down automatically on 4 ohm speakers; it depends on how loudly the speakers are being played and how wide the dynamic range of the program material is. Reports from users indicate that Pioneer receivers have worked well with 4 ohm speakers, including M80s, in the past, so presumably this will continue in the future.

Hello JohnK
Thanks for the reply-
You had recommended the 1015 awhile ago & I am sorry that I did not get it then.

My Denon is giving me trouble again, so I thought I do some research and be ready when I need to replace it. I have two other pioneers I am very happy with. Beside the amp a/b test the SR put out awhile ago it seems that you do not get better for spending more money automatically.
I do drive my m80's pretty good now and again. Especially when pink Floyd "comfortably numb" is in the DVD player.
Maybe I give the 1017 a shot & see what happens.
Thanks for the insight.
I add one more thing, I have talk to marantz and others about 4 ohm load, no one so far is quick to say that there amp's can take it.

Is it the 2105 that is giving you problems and if so, what are they?

Adam, welcome. Sure, setting the crossover on the 3808 to 60 or 80Hz, which is typically what's suggested, takes a significant part of the low bass load off the 3808. This is actually a form of active biamping, since the internal sub amp handles most of the load below the selected crossover frequency.

Yes it is the 2105... the power amp blew out & I sent it in for repair to Denon Factory service. Now the left channel will go out now & again...I can get it back on by tapping the top. I know sooner or later the channel will stop working all together ans I do not want to send it in again.
I got it from ubid so I took a chance with it any way.

We all look forward to seeing your system when it's set up!

Adam, I seriously doubt you will be disappointed by the M60s. Enjoy!

Anyone have any experience with a Denon AVR-3801? I'm looking to purchase some M80's. I'm going to post this in another forum, but while I'm at it; has anyone heard or currently using a Anthem MCA 20? I'm considering buying one after I get my hands on a set of M80's.

Thanks

I am day old owner of the Sherwood Newcastle R-672 which is powering my week old M60s/QS8/VP100/E350 setup.

Too early to say...but...I dig it so far.

Any other Sherwood Newcastle owners (especially R-672) around here ?

-Sriram

My Pioneer VSX-1017TXV-K works with no problem with my 4ohm load front speakers and 6ohm load speakers for the rears at high level throughout movies.