First off - this is my first post, and I'm a total n00b when it comes to audio. Here is the set up.

My room is ~ 15X18 - with a 3x4 out-cropping on one end, 4 6-0'-6-0' windows, and a 10 foot opening to one side to a 14x20 foot dining room/entry.

The opening will be to the side of the system, and all, save one of the windows are behind or in line with the seating area.

Annoying the neighbors isn’t an issue, I couldn’t get the speakers loud enough for them to hear - so think of the joy, not of the pain

Now for the questions…

I've all but decided to get the Epic 80 system, I'm sure this is adequate, but is it too much? Would the Epic 60 be good enough?

If I go with the E80, what A/V receiver should I go with? I was informed (by Brent from Axiom, who was very helpful by the way) that the Sony DE7ES (as a Sony employee I get a discount) wouldn’t run the M80's because they ran at 4 ohms. What receiver do I need? What do I need to look for in a receiver to power them?

I think that just about covers it. Please chime in with any other information you might think I'll find useful…

Thanks!!

ZeN

Most people seem absolutely thrilled with the M60's and I doubt you would see much of a difference until you wanted to play *extremely* loud. Upgrading the E60 package to include the VP150 instead of VP100 might be a good investment, though.

Depending upon your discount, I personally would still try very hard to still use an ES series receiver. They seem like good products and a good value for you. I'm surprised that the M80 load is an issue. If so, fixing that half of the equation would probably mean a move to separates or a significantly more expensive receiver from another manufacturer.

I agree...

I'd go with the M60's and upgrade the center to the VP150. Your room isn't all that big, and the M60's will get plenty loud enough for you. The M60's are also 8 ohm, so you'll have more receiver options.

I agree with Tom and Craig. Either speaker will suit your needs. (I have the M60s in a larger space). I also agree that you should consider upgrading the center speaker to the VP150. I originally ordered the VP100 but quickly upgraded to the VP150. Here is a post to my observations.

Finally, with the caveat that I haven't heard any of these subs (including the Axiom), the consensus of this board -- and many others -- is that you should also consider subs by Hsu Research and SVS.

Good luck and please let us know your final decision.

Thanks for the help guys. I think I'll still end up going with the E80 set - will look into the other subs too. I'm not looking at the differences in sound and features between the Yamaha RX-V1300, Onkyo TX-SR800, and Harman Kardon AVR 8000/7200. Ignoring the differences in price, whats the recommendations here?

Thanks guys!

ZeN

Hi ZeN,

If you are considering the M80s, the Denon receivers will drive them, as will the H/K 8000, 7200, and AVR525 (I'm using the latter at the moment, and it's fine with the M80s).

The Onkyos are not stable into 4 ohms (they'll shut down or severely limit output power) and the Yamahas are iffy because some of them have a 4-ohm switch that limits their output power into 4 ohms.

As to Sony ES, I've heard they are good quality, but I don't know anyone who uses one.

Regards,

I'd be surprised if the Sony ES receivers were unable to power the M80s. The 4ES and 7ES both say "Impedance 4-16 ohms" and have a 4/8 ohm switch on the back.

Here's a link to the rear panel, if anyone cares to see it.
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-AsKb61SeB53/ProdView.asp?s=0&cc=01&g=10420&id=morephotos&pi=2&i=158STRDA7E&display=XL#morephotos

Thanks Alan!

I just found the HK8000 at Fry's electronics for 999.99 - I think I'm going to head back and pick it up (I sure hope its still there, was their last one)

JasonG,
Thanks for that link - I spent quite a bit of time on the SonyStyle web page and couldnt find anything that said they would handle a 4 ohm load - I really kinda hate their page set up

Wish me luck!

ZeN

Yeah, Sony has one of the worst websites of any company out there. Just try to find information about their tape drives from the main site!

I am now the proud owner of the HK 8000!!! Yay!! Now if I only had some speakers to hook it up to... :P

BTW the 8000 was the last one in Fry's franchise inventory (or so the story goes) and it wasn’t an open box buy, or display unit… Lucky me!

ZeN

Congrats, ZeN!

Don't break your back when you move that thing.

I actually tried to buy something from SonyStyle once. That's a mistake I won't repeat.