Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners I bought myself an early birthday present!

I have a meager setup compared to what many have on this site: I have a pair of m22s and a Dayton 12" sub running on an Onkyo 304. Considering the fact that I spent <$500 on this setup, I'm pretty dang happy with the results.

As a college student, money is always an issue! Lately, I've been checking up on the used market with hopes that I can perhaps find a center channel to complete my 5.1 setup (my father is giving me an old pair of Bose 100s to use as surrounds).

Anyways, I woke up this morning and checked my usual websites and to my surprise, I saw a pair of used M80s that I could actually afford! My jaw literally dropped when I saw the buy it now price, so I pulled the trigger!

My birthday is coming up next week so I treated myself to a little gift Now, I just need to figure out if my receiver is going to be able to run this sucker! If not, then its okay, I figure I can hook the speakers up to my father's system (onkyo 605) and sell my Onkyo 304 and M22s to fund a new receiver.

BTW the Onkyo 304 runs at 65 watts/channel @8ohms. I will probably be running it as a stereo setup until I can find a center channel.

Just did some research and found that Onkyo is not a good choice to run the M80s. I typically research before purchasing but got excited when I saw the deal on eBay. (I never really researched M80s since they were way out of my price range) I'm pretty bummed right now.

Will it be safe to run the M80s at a moderate level on my receiver (Onkyo TX-SR304)? I would really like to at least be able to listen to them, but it looks like I may have to trade/sell these and try to get M60s.

I have also run into a thread stating that Denons might be a better choice as far as receivers are concerned. I really only have around ~300 for a new receiver or a power amp. (I was saving for a flatscreen, when I ran into the m80 deal) I ultimately want to upgrade to a 5.1 system.

What do you guys recommend I do?

What color are they? I'll straight up trade you my M60s for the M80s if they are boston cherry? Sounds like a GREAT solution to me.

Seriously though (in case you don't want to swap ) I don't know much about the power req's of the M80s just that my receiver will handle them just fine. Then again, I wasn't on a college student budget when I bought it. I am sure others will have more useful information (again, it you don't want to swap...)

EDIT: I checked Fleabay and the only ones that sold recently look like they ARE boston cherry! Sweet... So, ya wanna swap? (nudge nudge....)

Hi Holler,

Onkyos often shut right down when connected to a 4-ohm load like the M80s, so I wouldn't advise it.

Regards,

The M80s are indeed in Boston Cherry. If I were to trade for M60s I would be looking for black and perhaps a little extra for my TV fund (If indeed my Onkyo can power the m60)

I still need some time to figure this out, I also don't expect the speakers to come until next week since I just purchased them from an online auction site this morning!

All kidding aside, I think that you should keep them. The price seemed pretty good (didn't look at the shipping, but still...) Focus on the receiver/amp side and see what comes up. Maybe you will come across a deal there too.

I appreciate all the quick replies!

Nick, I tend to agree with what you've said since I don't think I will be able to find another pair of M80s for this low a price. With some birthday money I can probably find a good deal on a Denon AVR or a decent amp. I can probably hold off on that flat screen till Black Friday as well.

I guess my biggest issue is that I wanted to stick these speakers in my dad's theater, (until I find my own place) but he will not be able to put these to use since he has an Onkyo 605.

Any recommendations for an amp/receiver that can run these speakers for ~300? Also, I'm not very keen on how a power amp works, can somebody explain how I would hook one up to my 304 or my dad's 605?

It'll work at fairly low levels. I wouldn't stress on it.



Also--when I was in college, I had some speakers from a mini-system that I put radio shack drivers in. What is the world coming to? Durn kids these days...

It looks like you bought a pair of M80s for $450 plus $100 shipping for $550 total. They cost $665 each as new or $599 each from factory outlet. If they function as good as they look on ebay, I would say that you got yourself an incredible deal. I would not sell or swap them if I were you. You may end up kicking yourself for doing this. You should not feel rushed into putting together your HT system. Take your time, evaluate various receivers, consider your budget, and don't be pressured into buying any one unit.

John

Thanks for the advice! ihifi, I noticed you're from CT, I'm located in Enfield - how about you?