Hi ksimple,
Axiom's top-of-the-line model is the 4-ohm M80ti tower speaker. One of the reasons you see only Denon or H/K frequently mentioned is that most other brands (Onkyo, Sony, Pioneer, ) won't drive 4-ohm loads without shutting down, overheating, distorting or invoking protection-circuitry current limiting. The latter limits the receiver's power output into 4 ohms to a fraction of its rated output.
Denon and H/K A/V receivers will drive 4-ohm loads without problems, which is why I recommend them. The new NAD will also drive 4 ohm loads. I don't have enough customer feedback on the new Yamahas (1400 and 2400) although early reports suggest they drive 4 ohms without current limiting. Beware the auto-EQ however. Shut it off.
I spoke to an Axiom customer earlier this week who had bought an Epic 80 home theater system, and later purchased a Pioneer Elite receiver (don't know which model). It refuses to drive the system and simply shuts down. He had spoken to Axiom, but figured the Pioneer would be okay. Nope.
Rotel seems to be fine, as is Parasound. And don't be seduced by the auto-room-equalization systems. They have the potential to make good speakers like Axioms sound bad and give erratic readings.
Regards,
