About 8 years or so ago, I stumbled across this forum as I was looking to get my first “real” stereo system. I wound up getting a pair of m60’s and an HK3480 receiver and was truly thrilled with the sound. After awhile, we built out a home theater system in the basement, and the m60’s we’re moved downstairs and were joined a VP150 and QS8’s, sub, and Onkyo receiver. The sound is truly better than at the movie theater.

Alas, I missed having a stereo in the living room, so I’m finally ordering a new pair of speakers for a dedicated two channel setup. I’ve decided to get these speakers in real wood, so I’ve ordered a few samples from Axiom (Walnut with Cinnamon, and Cherry Nutmeg), and waiting for those to arrive gives me time to finalize the speaker choice.

I’ll be dusting off the old HK 3480, which I think should provide plenty of juice for my small to medium sized living room. I really loved the sound of the m60’s, but sometimes would have liked a little more bass. So this pushes me to ordering the m80’s. I think the new omni-directional speakers would probably be way overkill for me, and would bust the budget to boot.

Anyway, I don’t think I have any real questions, I’m just excited to be ordering some new speakers. Feel free to comment though, I’d love any feedback that anyone might have.

M80s in real wood. Done deal. No need for a sub and you will have all the awesomeness you could ever want(we won't hound you to upgrade).

Frank, long time no see; good to hear from you again reporting from the center of academic excellence. Welcome back!

The comment I'd have would be that a "dedicated two channel setup"(presumably for music primarily)isn't in my view the way to go. My own listening is probably about 99% music and I never listen to two-channel source material using only front speakers. Extracting the surround ambience(using DPLII,etc.)that was picked up by the microphones and mixed into the front channels(there was no place else to put it)and sending it to the surrounds where it belongs significantly increases the realism and enjoyment of listening to great music.

I'd suggest providing for QS surrounds and using one of the Onkyo or Denon HT receivers which are available at very reasonable prices as factory refurbs.

Nice! If you enjoyed the M60s, you will be very happy with the M80. Walnut if a personal favourite of mine. I love the grain highlights. I think it stands up to the best of the wonderfully grained exotic woods we have access to these days.

You could always throw in a pair of EP500's or 800's for good measure..... run them next to your 80's, Just throwing that out there


Good luck on making your decision on buying your new speakers... Make sure to share photos!


You dont happen to work/go to/ or are affiliated with U of M in any way are you? I always wanted to go to college there.....

Yeah, Alex; that was the reason for my "center of academic excellence" comment(and where I got my J.D.).

Congrats, Frank! Post pics when you get the speakers all set up. You're going to have a fantastic two channel system!

Finally we can agree on something.... Even though i have not gotten any of my education from that institution..... when i was growing up my uncle took along with him regularly to do research for his PhD., many years ago before almost all research was available on the interweb.....

Thanks for the nice comments. I've been reading the forums on and off for years, and can't wait to finally hear the M80s. I really liked the sound of my M60s, especially when paired with a small subwoofer. I'm hoping the M80s will achieve that depth of sound without the sub. Or course, I already have the wiring in place, so if I wind up needing a little something extra, ordering an EP500 would be pretty easy.

Oh, and no, I don't work at or attend UofM. I actually went to school nearby at one of Michigan's arch rivals -- MSU. I take no end of grief for that fact at work.

Wow! Welcome back, Frank! M80's in real wood sound like an excellent choice. Those are the finishes I was curious about, too.

I don't know when I'll start assembling additional systems of that scale, but I certainly envy your ability to indulge the hobby a bit.