Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater m80's, which receiver?

Yes, I would strongly suggest you have a look at Rotel Receivers or even better Rotel separates.

thanks guys so far.

I'm looking to spend under 2 grand canadian.

FYI, this is a Rotel Price List

Steve, welcome. The first point is to disregard any nonsense that you might have read elsewhere about HKs "sounding warm"; regardless of how often a myth is repeated, that doesn't make it true. In order for that to happen there would have to be a significant rise in frequency response somewhere in the upper bass/lower midrange area, and it simply doesn't exist. All of the receivers which you've mentioned will give you accurate reproduction; the sound will only be "warm" or "bright" if the material being played fits that description(or you make use of the bass or treble tone controls). All of the receivers you list have been used successfully with 4ohm speakers, depending as always on factors such as room size, listener's distance and average listening level chosen by the listener. Get the receiver with the features you want that fits your budget. In the rather unlikely case that more power was needed, you could consider adding a separate amplifier of 300 watts or more in the future to be fed from the pre-outs of the receiver.

Hi Craig,

I have no experience at all with Arcam, at least in terms of reviewing them or testing them. The brand seems to have a good reputation, mixed in with that kind of "high-endish" notion that if it's British, it must be better.

My own direct experience with some British electronics that we tested and reviewed when I was editor of Sound&Vision (Canada) has been quite the opposite but I am not suggesting that is the case with Arcam.

I have no idea whether the Arcam is spec'd to drive 4-ohm loads or whether it might have current-limiting that would limit its power output. For tests using the M80ti's, I'd much prefer using a known model of receiver that from past experience we know will drive the 4-ohm M80s without problems.

Regards,

I keep leaning towards the 3805. I just can't audition any of these anywhere as I live in a small town. I wish I could find a spot that would let me try like axiom did with the speakers. The free shipping and 30 day trial is what won me over with axiom. Basically it was risk free. Turns out I love the darn things too.

So much so, the long term plan is to get another set of 60's for another room. And the future bar area will get something as well, perhaps some small bookshelves in each corner.

Meantime, funds are getting really tight, and I need to get the qs8's/vp 150 + receiver first. I wish axiom would get those "electronics" done and start selling them

Steve,

Glad to hear you love your 80’s. They are dandy speakers.

With the money you have set aside, separates will be a stretch. My personal opinion is that they are not necessary, but if funds are available, separates are the way to go. Once you buy the amps, they will be last forever and you wouldn’t feel the need to upgrade. When new technology comes around, the pre/pro is all you would need to upgrade. Unless you don’t mind buying used electronics, you will not have enough money to go this route though.

That being said, $1500 US will go a long ways toward a good receiver. My list would include the NAD 773, HK 7300. I don’t much care for Denon. I think they are overpriced for what you get. In your price range, NAD and HK will most definitely drive those 80’s till the cows come home. They have massive current supplying amplifiers. There is no other brand that will match that…..until you go up in $$$$. I also wouldn’t let the THX badge weigh your choice. It’s overrated.

If you can pull together another $500 US, you could get yourself a good NAD or Rotel pre/pro, a 5 X 75 amp, and a 2 X 150 (NAD) or 2 X 200 (Rotel) amp for the mains.

Good luck….

does the nad 773 have any type of eq?

What electronics are you talking about?????

I have seen this mentioned several times on these boards only to have NO further description.

Rumor has it Axiom is working on a non speaker electronic item. Perhaps an amp, pre-amp, or giant glowing tube that pulsates with the music!