Bruce, the M80s aren't "power hungry" and in fact are slightly more sensitive than average, requiring a little less power. Denon and Onkyo receivers(e.g., 2808 and 705)are probably mentioned here more often, but that isn't because they "match" Axioms better(any well-designed receiver does fine, and no worrying about matching is needed), but because their combination of features and price are most attractive to many of us. If the features and price of the 1700 look good to you, there's no good reason not to go with it.
