Hi! I've been lurking for a while as I research my future speaker purchase; I'll be auditioning the Epic 80/500 5.1 system in the near future. I'll be running the Sony STR-DA5300ES AVR, before I pull the trigger I'd like to know if there's any experience among the forum users with this particular combination. I've heard both the speakers and the receiver described as "bright" and I'm interested in impressions from those who have heard them together.
Thanks in advance for your time.
Welcome JN,
I can assure you that you can take these comments, at least about the Axioms, with a grain of salt. For some reason people on other forums, like AVSforum, like to bash Axiom by calling them harsh/bright, etc.. This simply is plain false.
For some reason reason a speaker that is very detailed and true to the original recording, gets a bad rap. To me, this is a good thing. Why would you want a speaeker that actual does not faithfully reproduce the music your listenting to?
Keep in mind, that not all CD's are recorded worth a crap. So if you have CDs that are not recorded with the highest quality, some flaws may come out in what you hear, this is not the speakers fault.
Also, in my experience, receivers don't sound bright/harsh/mechanical, etc. Yes, if you turn on some of the EQ features, or DSP extras in receivers, or mess with your tone controls, this could alter what your hearing. However, flat settings will result in no coloration of the sound.
One thing I would add, is make sure your Sony will have no problems driving the 4 ohm m80's without overheating or going into protection mode. You may want to check with Axiom.. Historically, Denon, HK, NAD, Seperates, and a few others have had no issues.
The Sony ES models usually have a more robust amplifier section, from my understanding. I used an ES model from maybe 6 years ago when I first got my M80s, and it handled them fine. At least, I don't remember it going into clipping as much as the Onkyo that I replaced it with did.
CV, approximately what db are you listening to when the Onkyo clips? Crazy loud or average volumes?
Also, which Onkyo do you have? (sorry for the thread hijack, I'm just curious as the Onkyo question comes up a lot and I'd like to know a few more of the details for future reference).
How were you able to determine that your Onkyo was clipping? Normally, the first 10% you can't even tell.
Well, it fits the descriptions of clipping. In certain active scenes in movies and in music with a lot of dynamic range, the sound would break apart and sound really harsh.
It was an Onkyo TX-SR604. The listening levels weren't insanely loud. I'd say 75-80 decibels normal, though I don't know how high the peaks were.
Thanks for your replies. Axiom recommended the M60's but I kind of have my heart set on the 80's
From what I read my Sony should be able to handle the M80's, I guess I'll have to try them out and see. If anybody on the forum has actually run this combo I'd appreciate some feedback. By the way I haven't seen anybody really bash Axiom speakers anywhere, the 'bright" characterizations have been contained in positive comments.
In most cases any receiver should be able to drive the m80's, they are a very easy 4ohm design, plus being very efficient, will play very loud using minimal wattage.
A lot depends on how loud in dB's, you like to listen. Most of the time your only going to be using 1-2 watts which will be very loud for most situations. Some types of music/movies will give you brief jumps of 15-20dB's, so that is what will determine if your Sony has what it takes. I've never been a big fan of Sony, however, the ES line is suppose to have beefier guts.
Hi,
The Onkyo AV receivers have very aggressive protection circuitry that puts the receiver's amplifiers into current limiting on detecting a lower-impedance load like the M80s. When current limiting is invoked, the power output drops to less than 30 watts per channel, so it could be easily driven into clipping by a DVD soundtrack or any dynamic musical swings.
Regards,
Alan
My receiver is rated at 130 w/ch for 8 ohm loads and at 120 w/ch for 4 ohm loads at 0.1% THD (of course, those are published specs; I've read where the measured output is less) so hopefully I'll be covered at least for my intended use. I'm aware that Sony is notorious for less-than-adequate power supplies but hopefully their "flagship" model would be beefier...
Hi JNieves,
If your Sony has actual per channel continuous power output ratings in the specs for 4-ohm loads (ignore the "dynamic power output" which is a bogus spec for marketing purposes) then it should be fine to drive the M80s.
If there is an impedance switch on the Sony's rear panel, set it to the 8-ohm setting for the M80s so the receiver doesn't limit output power. Don't set it to a 6-ohm or 4-ohm setting. I agree that since it's a flagship model, it should have a more robust power supply capable of driving 4-ohm loads.
REgards,
Alan