Both options are only good for re-sale to those who think they make a difference. Audio gear is anything but an investment unless you are buying McIntosh electronics - which are often collected.

If I had it to do over I'd have went with the dual imputs on my m80's.Beause the amp I am using is rated 340 watts into 4 ohms with dynamic power of 640 watts at the same 4 ohm impedance and 850 watts dynamic into 2 ohms, I felt I didn't need it.the dual imputs would have provided me with down the road amplification options.
For my thinking a perfect driver basket would have absolute rigidity and be totally transparent to airflow.Nobody's building it.Haven't seen a lot of driver baskets, but the one that really got my attention was was the oval driver on the polk lsim.I've got steel baskets in my speakers.Like was previously mentioned the sonic benifits of the upgrade for these speakers aren't there, unless you are pushing them right to the edge.

While I agree in this application cast baskets are only different in appearance its the difference I consider to be the investment.
Put 2 M80's side by side. One with cast baskets one with stamped. Now pick one...oh wait that ones a few bucks more....but...I want it. It looks cool and I feel slightly happier with them than I would otherwise.
I don't get the opposition. I couldn't justify spending the $1500 without them looking as good as possible.
Just my opinion.

Can you even tell from the outside?

Covers off, yes.
Worth the consideration before forking over $1500, yes.

Didn't realize that. That's something, at least.

But john said:



I'm confused now...mikesk, do you mean you wish you had them so you could do bi-amping(not bi-wiring)?

Biamping still doesn't double the power.

ok, so without trying to step on anyone's toes, is his above statement uninformed then?

can anyone find a picture of the M80's with diecast vs standard? I'd like to see the difference with grilles off