Great thanks, understood on Onkyo and dropping that - went to the HK display at a store (limited options I am afraid locally) - added option is HK 980 and less expensive than th e990). So choice is b/w -
1. HK 990 (willing to spend the $1350 if necessary though wld prefer to avoid)
2. HK 3490 ($420 as mentioned earlier - doesnt show 4 ohm, says 120w/ch at 8 ohm but supposedly stable)
3. HK 980 ($550 - 80w/ch at 8 ohm, 100w/ch at 4 ohm - you will recall room is 30' x 20' which you said needs high power - guy at shop recommended this strongly over the HK 3490 since dedicated amp, heavier duty components etc - admitted he is not sure whether this advice holds for Axiom M80s which he has heard of, but has not seen or heard).
Pls advise whether hk 980 better than hk 3490 (I am indifferent to that $100 extra), or if you think the HK 990 well worth biting the addl. $800 bullet...
Many thanks again.
