I am using a Denon 3808 with a Home Theater 5.1 on Zone 1 and Algonquins on Zone 2. I want to connect my Axiom M80s through the Zone 3 pre-outs and need to choose a stereo amplifier to drive these -

Options are -

1) Harman Kardon HK 990 - stereo integrated amplifier rated 300w/ch at 4 ohm - individual power supply for each channel - price here is US$ 1350 equivalent.

2) Onkyo A-9755 - another stereo integrated amplifier rated 300w/ch at 4 ohm (yes, specifically states this) - independent power supplies for each channel - price here is US$ 700 equivalent

3) HK 3490 Stereo Receiver - several redundant functions and less capable but much cheaper than the HK 990 at $420...

Any thoughts on which of the 3 someone would choose much appreciated since I have no clue. in particular, please comment on HK 3490 vs. Onkyo A-9755.

Key points -
1. Would happily pay the extra $200 for the Onkyo if a much better choice but worried since in general Axiom recommends avoiding Onkyo for the M80s (though I suspect this stability concern vs. relates to Onkyo receivers that are rated for 6 ohm and have some indication for rating at 4 ohm rather than for a somewhat higher end stereo amp such as the a-9755)
2. if the onkyo is out as an option, not that keen to spend the extra $930 for the HK 990 vs. the HK 3490 unless HK990 is a much preferable solution and 3490 not really suitable
3. play the M80s to music only in a 30 ft x 20ft room

Many thanks.
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A-9755 SPECS - I am told model not available in the US - here are the specs if that clarifies matters for someone...
AMPLIFIER SECTION
Power Output ........................................................................................ 300 W/Ch (4 Ω, 1 kHz, JEITA)
Dynamic Power..................................................................................... 330 W + 330 W (3 Ω, Front)
270 W + 270 W (4 Ω, Front)
170 W + 170 W (8 Ω, Front)
Total Harmonic Distortion .................................................................. 0.08 %
Damping Factor .................................................................................... 25 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance
Phono MM .......................................................................................... 2.5 mV/50 kΩ
CD ....................................................................................................... 200 mV/50 kΩ
Output Level and Impedance
Rec out................................................................................................ 200 mV/2.2 kΩ
Phono Overload.................................................................................... 70 mV (MM, 1 kHz, 0.5 %)
Frequency Response ........................................................................... 10 Hz-60 kHz (+ 1, - 3 dB, CD)
Tone Control .......................................................................................... + 10 dB, - 10 dB, 100 Hz (BASS)
+ 10 dB, - 10 dB, 20 kHz (TREBLE)
+ 10 dB, 50 Hz (LOUDNESS)
+ 2 dB, 10 kHz (LOUDNESS)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio.......................................................................... 100 dB (CD, IHF-A), 70 dB (Phono, IHF-A)
Speaker Impedance............................................................................. 4 Ω-16 Ω
GENERAL
Power Supply........................................................................................ AC 220-230 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption............................................................................. 125 W
Standby Power Consumption............................................................. 0.3 W
Dimensions (W x H x D) ..................................................................... 435 x 144 x 431 mm
Weight .......................................................................................... 17.6 kg
RI (Remote
Interactive) remote
A-9755
INTEGRATED DIGITAL AMPLIFIER

I really like the look of that Onkyo. I don't think it would have any trouble driving the 80s given that it's a digital amp and is therefore more efficient that standard amps.

I'd question some of these spec's - they're not FCC compliant, they're
JEITA, "Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association".
Power Output ........... 300 W/Ch (4 Ω, 1 kHz, JEITA)
Dynamic Power........... 330 W + 330 W (3 Ω, Front)
270 W + 270 W (4 Ω, Front) @ 1K ?
170 W + 170 W (8 Ω, Front) @ 1K ?

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Yeah, but I don't think that Japanese specs are necessarily any worse or better than the FCC's. It's like looking at Euro horsepower (in DIN) versus US horsepower.

I have no knowledge of U.S horsepower vs. Euro in DIN so I will not comment on the analogy; I’ll assume your comment is correct.
As for the FCC vs. JEITA, It was not my not intention to suggest one was better than the other, even though everything I have read over the years suggest the FCC specifications are more accurate and transparent.

11nyc, I'm assuming since you are looking at integrated amps, that you need a volume control for the M80's in zone 3.

Perhaps there are vintage integrated amps from elite manufacturers that you could consider?

I use a separate power Amp to run my M80's, an Aragon 4004. It works great, tons of power, great bass response. You can find them used for about $600.

Hi 11nyc,

I just looked at your PM so I might as well answer it here. First, those "Dynamic Power" Onkyo specs are a crock. There is no standard test, or rather, it's the power output for a few milliseconds. The real spec should be "Dynamic Headroom" which is stated in dB.

The Onkyo power output is measured at 1 kHz, a cunning way to mislead consumers and state really high power output by not driving the amplifier across the full audio spectrum, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. I'd avoid the Onkyo.

I've recommended H/K for many years because their amplifiers don't shut down or go into current limiting with 4-ohm loads.

Your room is huge, so I wouldn't scrimp on high-power amplification, especially if you want really high decibel playback levels.

Regards,

Alan

They sold me on the looks alone.

I guess I will have to wait for the HK 990 to arrive here (in Singapore, pre-Christmas I am told) - unless someone familiar thinks the HK 3490 thinks it is adequate.
Unfortunately, no returns here and no trials possible by borrowing the amp, i.e., unless I take the M80s along! So a little gun shy but will also see if I can find the Aragon 4004.
Many thanks..