Finally got some time today to begin the install: 60s, 150, 350 and two qs8's. Running from a Harman Kardon avr 325. Its 7x50.

Didn't get to install the 8's, left my 8 ohm Infinitys up there for now.

Problem is that I don't get nearly the volume I had with the little speakers, and when I turn it up, the receiver shuts off. Its the same with every source. I thought the 325 would be sufficient to run this setup, which was confirmed on this board, by Axiom and by Harman Kardon.

Why would the protect mode kick in? The polarities have been checked and double checked. Speaker size set to large. Brent said there shouldn't be a problem; must be something with the receiver. All amps and features were working fine before this install.

Good thing I have some Emotiva stuff arriving! Yahoo!

Still, I'd like to know what's up, if anyone has ideas. I don't like that something isn't right (and prevents me from LOUD), even for a few days.

Could you have a stray wire strand shorting between two contacts on the back of either a speaker or the receiver?

I checked several times; wired bare and with banana plugs, same issues. I don't usually leave wires hanging. I'll keep looking, though. I can't think of anything besides a short, either.

Does the HK have an ohm switch on the back? Maybe it's on something other than 8 ohms. Otherwise you might be limiting the available power causing it to shut down.

There's no switch on my 525.

No switch. Its all running from one outlet with plug in expansion (6 outlets, 4 used) and a decent strip (4 of 6 used); could it be insufficient current? No breaker is blowing; other components remain unaffected.

Is the HK brand new, or have you had it running with other speakers before?

I've had it for three years, no problems. It was running some small Infinity's and some cheap KLH's for my wife in the kitchen. It could be loud but never clean. The Axioms, even though something isn't right, are beyond comparison, but I can't get any significant volume.

Hmm, I don't know what to tell you, Chaitanya. Unless you are absolutely blasting it in a large cavernous room, you shouldn't be running into problems.

I hope the Emotiva stuff shows up soon.

Does it seem abnormally hot? Is the fan running? I run M80s on my 525, and I've never noticed the fan running. I do however tend to run at fairly low volume.

Chaitanya, that rating on the 325 is very conservative and if everything is operating correctly(speakers should be set "small", although that isn't likely to be the problem)it's certainly capable(as you were told before)of driving the Axioms to an uncomfortably loud(and dangerous to hearing)level. As has already been mentioned, your description seems to suggest a short. If you haven't already done so, carefully re-connect all the wiring, even if it looks like there's no loose strand now.

A more remote possibility is an internal short in one of the speakers. Disconnect one at a time to see if a loud level without shutdown can be had without that speaker connected.

Do you have another older receiver, or can you borrow one from someone temporarily to rule out the Axioms?

Thanks for the idea.

I connected an old Onkyo; everything worked although it sounded pretty horrific. Glad its not the Axioms.

Puzzling. The HK works with the small Infinitys but not the Axioms, and apparently there's nothing wrong with the Axioms. Weird.

Just keep on trying various scenarios...

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. Its not running hot. It doesn't get a chance to run much at all; even the default volume @-50 shuts it down when first powering on. I can gradually raise it, but too high and it shuts down.

Don't know if I can rewire today; had to delay delivery of the MMC1 and LPA1 until I'm back in town next Tuesday.

As JohnK mentioned, set the M60s to small and see if that does the trick.

Reset the receiver and possibly you need to recalibrate settings and processing??

I had a H/K AVR110 which ran my M60's, VP150 and QS8's with no issue to 100db's without distortion. H/K receivers are solid with plenty of power, mine was 45w/channel if memory serves. I moved to a Yammy RX-V4600 which is supposed to have top of the line parts and it pushes something like 130w/channel. I prefer this receiver and it does go a little louder but the H/K definitley gave it a run for the money.

Good luck

All is well. During the rewire I saw that the SBR run was being pinched under a couch, likely happening after my wife's frequent cleaning. The back surrounds are the KLH's used in the kitchen, and the cable was small and cheap. Replaced the cable and wolah.

I won't say that the 325 produces 'dangerously loud' audio-- at least not for me, but it sounds just great.

Now on to 'sounds completely awesome!' with Emotiva.

I set up the old Onkyo and the Infinitys in my warehouse. Sweet. Much better than Pod>iKick/ Boomtube (which is a nice portable sys btw) The HK will run a 5.1 in the main office; a little home (theater) away from home.

Good news! Glad you found the problem and that everything is working for you now.

It's always nice when the problem turns out to be a simple -- and cheap -- fix. Enjoy the peace of mind.

Thanks to all, esp my wife who keeps things impeccably clean with two young children and lots of wire clippings. She loves the new additions; not nearly as obtrusive as she anticipated (only 1100 sq house, 2000 cu living room with LOTS of art and toys.

Won't be in town when FedEx delivers the Emotiva(s), so they'll deliver to a neighbor who hopefully doesn't have time to install them in his livingroom :-)

After a good money making weekend and travel to NorCal, it'll be great arriving home knowing an MMC1 and LPA1 are waiting next door! I'll post some pics after the install (QS8's go up then, too). Sweet!