Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Denon 3808CI and M80 Speakers

My question is really two fold. I am looking at purchasing the Denon 3808CI and I am being told from Denon it will not work with the 4 ohm M80 speakers. They said it will heat up and shutdown after a few minutes.I called Axiom and they said it will work fine. So, my first question is, does anyone here have this setup? Second questions is, for the cost of the Denon 3808CI, can I purchase a respectable pre-out and amp? Is there really that much of a difference between the separates and an A\V receiver?

Thanks, Scott...

Seems many people are running M80s very happily on various Denon's of both higher and lesser caliber here in this forum. Denon is probably playing it safe to avoid litigation should someone push the limits to obscene levels with the volume knob or something.

I only have M60s but when Im on boring conference calls I tend to post on almost anything... Someone who knows for sure will likely chime in shortly.

Strange. The Denon manual specifies minimum 6Ohm. So, I guess this is a good question for all Denon owners: are they simply overly protective in their manuals or is this particular model/line different?

My 90W/channel Denon from a few years ago has no issues whatsoever. Companies don't usually change a design that "works" so I doubt very much that this higher end Denon amp can't drive the 80s.

I'll bet that whoever you were talking with at Denon simply goes by the spec in the book and has no practical experience in this area. Try to get to someone who has deep knowledge.

Mojo, as curiosity, does your manual also specifies min of 6Ohm?

Mojo, I agree with what you are saying, but this would be a very expensive mistake if I am wrong and Denon is right. I would really like first hand knowledge from someone that has this particular setup.

Yes, my manual specifies 6 Ohm as well and a dynamic rating of 200WX2 channels into 2 Ohms. Smuth, you may want to read this. And FYI, I've ran M22s in parallel with M80s and M60s in parallel with M80s on this little Denon with no ill effect.

It really sounds like extra caution.

I"m in the process of setting up my HT and should have an answer for you in a week. I'm receiving all the gear right now:

Pioneer Elite 150FD
Pioneer 95 BluRay
Denon 3808
Axiom M80's, 150CC, QS8, EP500 sub.

Right now everything is in transit to my house and I am having an electrician wire the Power to to the TV behind a wall and into a Monster Power Conditioner, so that's why it will take a week... but I'll be able to tell you for sure.

I had the same concerns as you. I was going to buy either the Denon or Pioneer Receivers and from the advise on AUDIOHOLIC, AVS, AXIOM, and several other sites all said the DENON should work fine, so I took the plunge.

- Jeff

Mojo, thanks for posting that info. All those stats make my brain hurt. So it looks like the 3808 will definitely work unless they have some new technology built into it the will not work with the 4ohm speakers.

So, on to the second part of my question. Is it possible to purchase a component set that will produce better sound than the 3808 in the same price range? If so, what are your suggestions?

Also, is there a huge difference in sound between the m60 and m80? I know this is all relative, but is it worth the extra $ for the m80's? I have a smaller room, but I may be moving them to the basement(bigger) down the road.