I'm in the market for a new HT, I have decided on M80's x2,VP150,QS8x2,EP500 or EP350 not quite sure on the sub yet.
My question is what kind of a receiver to match up with the Axiom Speakers? I would kind of like to keep the cost of the receiver to around $1000.00. I was kind of leaning towards a Onkyo SR-805, would this be a good match? I really don't want to throw away a $1000.00 .. I want to get the best bang for my buck .. so to speak.

I know that the Onkyo's are not Axiom's recommended receiver due to the 4 ohm load of the M80s but there are a few people running them. I would also recommend the Denon 3808, there are more of us running this one on here with the M80s. I guess it comes down to the features you want. I beleive the biggest reason to get the Onkyo is for the video processor, Reon vs Faroudja in the Denon, for upscaling. The Denon offers an ethernet port for updates and is network capable to stream directly from a home network or for listening to internet radio stations. Those I think are the 2 biggest differences.

I have the Onkyo 805 and have used it to drive 4ohm speakers (although not M 80s) at moderate spl levels 75-85db while it never shut down it was very hot to the touch.

The 875 is lowest Onkyo model number that has the Reon chip; the 805 doesn't have it.

I stand corrected, then I see no good reason to go for the 805, other than I will guess it is a little cheaper.

Second vote for the denon 3808. it is MSRP $1599 but you can get it for $1098 shipped if you call the people at 6ave.com

You have to call them to get the price.

I have the 3808 and it powers my m80's vp150, and qs8's with no problem.

I vote for the 3p500 if you can swing the cost- but if not I am sure the new ep350 will be fine.

Thank you so far for the input on the receivers.It narrows it down for me so far to either the Denon AVR-3808 or the Onkyo TX-SR875. And yes I can swing the cost for the EP500, I just wasn't sure if there would be a big noticable difference between the EP500 and the EP350. Again thanks to all for your time and input!!

Just get two 350's for about the same price as 1 500, and you will get a flatter response across all seats in the room when placed correctly.

Bryan, there's no need to be concerned with finding a receiver to "match" the M80s or other Axiom speakers. Clean amplifier power is usable universally with all speakers and the Axioms don't have any unusual requirements which would narrow your choices. The 3808 and 875 which you're now considering are available for nearly identical prices(using the factory refurb 875)and the decision might well come down to whether you want the Reon processor on the 875 for superior upscaling of DVDs and standard definition TV. If not, the 3808 has some other features that would probably make it the choice.

As to the sub, or subs, as Randy suggests, the EP500 would have slightly lower extension than a pair of EP350s, but the 350s would have the ability to smooth out the room response by placing them at the midpoints of the front and back walls or the sidewalls. As is true of any speakers, the two subs playing the same sound would result in a 3dB increase in level when they're widely separated(not within about a quarter wavelength at the bass frequencies involved).

Is that true? Nice. I wonder what they would do for the 4308CI? I'd like to find that at a great price.

Give 6ave.com a call and see.

If you call and ask for the best price, 6ave will sale the 4308CI for $2050.

I looked at the 4308 before I bought the 3808, which I am thrilled with. The 4308 was nice, but the additional features didn't make the 4308 worth the extra $900 for me.

OK - but I didn't factor in the adrenalin or the extra man points.

Sweet, I just got 6ave to sell me the 4308CI for $1899.99! Now to get a second job.

Is that adrenaline or testosterone I smell......?

Ha ha, probably both.

I finally had time to sit down and get into some of the features of my new 3808. I must say, I'm really impressed by the new Denons. I've never owned an older Denon receiver, though, but so far it is surpassing my old HK7200.

sdmoel, you're gonna love your 4308!

Both indeed! Ha.

I think my man hood just got extended 2 inches (in my mind). Ha. It's been a long time since I have upgraded recievers. I can't wait.