Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Denon 3805 & M80's

Hi everyone, I'm fairly new to home theater and loving it. I was hoping for some advice
on a separate amp to power my M80's with the Denon 3805. Here's my dilemma: My
system is set-up for 7.1 and sounds great, but I was kind of disappointed with the M80's when I listened to
music at high volumes in 2 ch stereo mode. They just didn't go as loud or sound as clean
as I had hoped for. Especially with groups like Metallica. On the Audioholics web site
they show you how to bi-amp the fronts on the 3805 by using the surround back amp so
you can have 240 wpc instead of 120 wpc. WOW! Huge improvement, louder and
cleaner. Now I know what all the raving about these speakers are about! But now I can't
have surround backs working with this configuration, which means only 5.1. So now I
need an amp that will do the job to get my 7.1 back. Any suggestions for an affordable
amp out there? Thanks.

Hi - are you saying you did hear a huge improvement after bi-amping? I havent tried it yet myself, but i hear some who claim it is a hug imrovement, and others who say it is almost unnoticeable.

I suggest audiogon for used amps.. If you do get another 2 channel amp, use it for your 2 channel mains for sure, though and let the 3805 do 7.1. The Carver Digital ZR1000 and ZR1600 amps are well reviewed and can be picked up rather cheaply. Jeff

Great idea ! I didn't see that move ? Using the rears as a 2nd set up amps to feed the 'now' bi-amped speaker..
I know, I've always heard that bi-amping is a waste of time, but when you can share the work load, it's got to make some difference, right ?
I have had my 7.1 Denon system going for couple years now, and really find the rears to be over kill.. I'm going to have to give this idea a try.. It certainly can't hurt..
Besides, the M80 are all set up for it..
And yes, the other option is to run the mains on a bigger set(s) of amp(s), which relieves the Denon of a major power draw.. This in turn allows said reciever to perform better with regards to the center and surrounds.. etc, etc, blah blah blah..
The really cool thing, I have something I can do, WITHOUT spending any money !
I thank you.. And my wife thanks you :-)

Jeff, there was a big improvement. I like to play my music VERY loud, but clean of
coarse. The 3805 just wouldn't cut it without bi-amping the fronts. I went through a
bunch of CD's and was amazed at how much cleaner it was at high volumes. I also have
an SVS PB2-Plus sub, and now the M80's can keep up with it. You probably wouldn't
notice much of a difference with the bi-amping if you listen to your music at low to
moderate levels, except that you wouldn't have to turn the volume up as high to reach
your preferred listening level. Thanks for the advice on the amps.

I like mine very loud too! I tried last night, and couldnt get it to work.. Would be so kind to explain in detail what steps you took both in wiring preouts and inputs as well as power amp assigment. The audioholics instructions sucked. I tried, but only was getting 1/2 the sound. Pls advise thanks jeff

hey, I should try bi amping my front with my rear amps

how come i never thought of that?

i guess that's why i'm not a star.