Hi All,

So I am tentatively planning on purchasing a pair of M80's for an apartment I am moving into. Here's the catch though: the media room will be pretty small, probably around 12'x12'. I realize the the M60's are probably a better bet for a room that size, but I would prefer the M80's since I know I will be moving out in a few years (most likely to a larger place), and would rather not have to buy twice.

So will the M80's just push out too much air for an enjoyable home theater/gaming environment in such a small space? What are your thoughts on this?

Also, I currently have a Onkyo TX-SR606. I really have enjoyed it, and would rather not upgrade. Do any current owners have the M80's (or 60's) paired with a SR606? What are your thoughts?

Best,
Sam

The M80s will push as much air as you ask them to. You're in control of the volume. 12' x 12' is a bit on the smaller side of ideal for the M80s -- the cabinets are deeper than most people are prepared for when they see them for the first time -- but it's definitely workable.

The TX-SR606 doesn't officially support speakers with a nominal ohm rating of less than 6, so whether or not it will work well with your M80s (4-Ohm rated) is unknown. Since the room is small and the M80s are an easy load, chances are you'll be fine. Once you move into a larger space, I think you'd start to trigger the protection circuitry.

I agree with the Lion. Although he needs to get some better eye drops.

My own, somewhat recycled from Peter's comments:
I have a set of M60s and like the M80s, they are capable of pushing clarity at incredible volume levels but they also sound wonderful at lower volumes. No speaker can be too big unless it doesn't suit the decor of your room (darn wives...) I actually own two sets, one in a large open concept cathedral ceiling area and another in a small, cozy TV room. They are phenomenal in both.

The amp is a question mark but considering you are talking about a small space and you live in an apartment (and I assume you have some respect for your neighbors) then I would be willing to test them out and see if your amp performs at the volume you want. If you find the amp won't push the levels you desire to a 4 ohm speaker, then you can always take advantage of the 30 day return policy and replace them with M60s and still have unsurpassed audio. Also, as mentioned, a bigger home someday could provide the excuse to buy another amp.

Future proofing in what respect? Either speaker will perform well in large spaces.

The M80 delivers a little more performance (deeper bass, more detail) and that is independant of room size. There is no future proofing against upgraditis.

Well, Sam, it sounds like you know what you want, so it is unlikely you'll be satisfied with less.

However, don't underestimate Peter's comment about the size of the enclosures. The M80's are quite deep. As long as you're not trying to get optimal sound at too many seats, you should be fine. If you just want 2-3 people to be able to sit on the couch across the room, it will be great.

Likewsie, the combination of the M80's and a future, larger space is probably going to force you to upgrade the 606 since it doesn't have either a terribly robust amplifier or pre-outs. If you want to retain the 606 for a longer period, I would suggest the less-thirsty and still excellent M60's.

Get the M80! I have the 2xM80+ 4x QS8 + VP150 in 12'x13' and I like it!! When you move to something bigger you will only have to get a power amp! :-p

If your AVR is not capable to handle the M80, just get a poweramp, getting a new AVR would be useless.

The Onkyo 606 does not have pre-outs, so an external amp is out of the question.

should be added on ebay then!

Sam, welcome. As Peter said, you're the one in control of the volume, so the M80s can't overpower you in that size of room, although they certainly wouldn't be essential at this stage of your listening.

The 606 has substantial power, including at 4ohms, and you should be able to have sufficient capacity for the volume that you'd need for that room with a rather close listening distance. Unless you'd employ an extremely high volume level(capable of causing permanent hearing damage)which can shut down most amplification equipment you'll be fine.

Thanks for all the excellent advice. Before I purchase the 80's (or 60's) I will definitely try to demo them in either NYC or Maryland, which should give me a better idea of which will work best. Both space and my girlfriend are the major constraints...

Also some good food for thought on the 606. I suppose in the wost case scenario I just trade out the 80's for 60's (and then buy the 80's to compliment the 60's when I get a larger space!... and a new receiver to play with as well, haha). All good stuff.

Again, thanks, and I look forward to stalking the forums in the coming months!