which receiver would go nicely with m60's and the rest of my soon to purchase axiom home theatre? I currently use a sony str-de445 80 watt receiver and klh 100 watt mini speakers that came with my sony 400 disc player for free. when I crank up the volume on Megadeth, I hear crunching static, is this clipping? I need at least a 100 watt receiver and some new speakers>

I don't think you necessarily need a 100 watt receiver, just one that really delivers the power. The Harman/Kardon line, for example, doesn't hit 100 WPC until the 7200/7300, but it still puts out clean power. You should probably look at the H/K line above the 430, the Yamaha 1400 and 2400, and the Denon 2803, 3803, and 3805.

Not a Panasonic, which is a CR best buy?

Don't know much about it, and I generally don't rely on CR for a/v reviews.

if it means anything - most people in pro-a/v stay away from panasonic and jvc.

I may be wrong with this prejdice, it has been ingrained in my psyche to stay away from these two.

my 2

^billy

To answer your other question, that crunching sound probably is clipping. Turn the volume down until that goes away or you will be buying new speakers sooner than you had planned for.

It might just be that the receiver is putting out a signal too strong for the speakers and they are being over driven.

I should've closed the Panasonic post with Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink, say no more, I guess.

Figured that out a little while after I posted my reply. Guess I'm just gullible.

I have the Yamaha RXv1400 with the M60's, Qs8's, VP150. EXCELLENT. I paid full price for the Yamaha. You can find them online cheaper, but Yamaha won't honor the warranty. I've been burned before so I paid full list price, $799. Worth every penny IMHO.

Greetings,
You might also want to consider the Yamaha htr-5790, which is the distribution equivalent of the rx-v 1400. It is available online from J&R Music in NYC, an authorized Yamaha dealer, for a lot less than MSRP.
b.

Take a look at ecost. They are an authorized Denon etailer for refurb/b-stock. Right now they show the 2803, 3803, 2805 and 3805 as being available. Most everyuthing I have read (and personally experienced) with ecost has been favorable. You can get a top notch unit and save some serious $$$.

Ray

I agree with Ray, I just recieved my Denon 884 (which is basically an 1804 (thanks John)) for $292 which included the 1 year extended warranty and the $6 handling fee. This thing is a beast. Keep in mind I am coming from a very entry level Sony STR DE 595. The 884 is still considerably bigger and heavier than my dad's 1604 which is also a very fine reciever by the way. My recommendation would be to go with a Denon reciever through ecost.