Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners PLEASE HELP!!! Amplifier for M80s

Would be happy to, though finding them is a bit of a challenge in Singapore esp when not that familiar with the equipment...

That 3490 will power the M80s without a hitch. It's a really good unit for the money.

11, welcome. Any of the units that you're considering would be more than sufficient to power your M80s. That being the case, there's no good reason not to go with the least expensive, the 3490.

If you can find one, the NHT Power 2 is one heck of an amp. NHT discontinued their electronics line and until very recently, you could find their amps dirt friggin cheap. The P2 was origninally 1200 and selling for 300 a few weeks ago. I have the Power 5 and love it.

Mini review... http://www.audioholics.com/news/trade-show-coverage/2006-cedia-expo/nht-power2-amplifier

Thanks again - bit challenging since the one guy here at the audio store that I think is knowledgeable is unfamiliar with Axioms, has other 4 ohm speakers though - thinks the Onkyo A-9755 is ideal and a bargain at the price (feels 'regular' Onkyo amps/receivers may have issues but unless there is something specific with the M80s the 9755 is the best choice etc)

As long as he will let you bring it back if you have issues, you should be fine.

I recommend the BEAST. Yes, also known as the Yamaha M80, or the Yammy Mammy, a perfect driver for the Axiom M80.

Yammy Mammy
Continuous power per channel 20Hz-20KHz/0.003% THD 8ohm ...250w
Continuous power per channel 20Hz-20KHz/0.007% THD 4ohm ...330w
Dynamic Power 1 KHz 8ohm/6ohm/4ohm/2ohm 380/480/640/850 W
Power Bandwidth (0.03% THD, 125W/8ohm ...10-100KHz
THD Main in to SP out, 80W/8ohm .........0.002%
Damping Factor Speaker A, 1 KHz, 8Ohm ...250
SNR (IHF-A Network - Main in Shorted, 5.1k ohm ....127 db/119/db

I have 3 of them behind an Integra processor. One of them drives a pair of Thiel CS 3.6 speakers. No strain. These amps will drive a 2 ohm load. MONSTERS.

Despite those who think all solid state amps sound the same, the M80s are SWEET.

Just a thought.

BTW, the Yamaha M80 is long out of production and can only be purchased used. Those who know them, love them.

Great thanks, understood on Onkyo and dropping that - went to the HK display at a store (limited options I am afraid locally) - added option is HK 980 and less expensive than th e990). So choice is b/w -

1. HK 990 (willing to spend the $1350 if necessary though wld prefer to avoid)

2. HK 3490 ($420 as mentioned earlier - doesnt show 4 ohm, says 120w/ch at 8 ohm but supposedly stable)

3. HK 980 ($550 - 80w/ch at 8 ohm, 100w/ch at 4 ohm - you will recall room is 30' x 20' which you said needs high power - guy at shop recommended this strongly over the HK 3490 since dedicated amp, heavier duty components etc - admitted he is not sure whether this advice holds for Axiom M80s which he has heard of, but has not seen or heard).

Pls advise whether hk 980 better than hk 3490 (I am indifferent to that $100 extra), or if you think the HK 990 well worth biting the addl. $800 bullet...

Many thanks again.

I don't see the 980 being any better than the 3490. I would say the 3490 is almost 2x the power for less money. Out of your choices this is what I would do.

Where are you located that the 3490 is $429? If you order it here it's only $299.