Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Stereo Speaker Advice

Hi all,

I'm in the process of putting together a "music first, home theatre second" setup and could use some advice.

I've recently purchased an Onkyo TX-SR606 receiver and would like to pair it with either:
A) a pair of bi-amped M80s
B) a pair of bi-amped M60s and a pair of M22s

The reason I'm contemplating the M60 + M22 setup is I don't want to compromise the audio fidelity I can get with the M80s but I don't know if this receiver has the power to run the M80s adequately. (I read a forum post from Mojo stating the M60s lack some of the mids and highs that make the M80s shine, but pairing them with M22s really open them up)

Later on I will spec out the rest of a 5.1 setup with either M2s or QS8s and a VP150. Maybe an SVS sub...

Do you think the M60s or M80s will sound good with this receiver or am I trying to power a Porsche with a Lada engine?

Thanks,
Chris.

How do you plan to bi-amp? Unless your doing it correctly, I would not waste your time.

M22s+M60s will present a 4 ohm load, just like the M80s. How were you planning to hook this all up?

I experimented with M82s and found the modest improvement over M60s alone to not really be worth the hassle (in my room, anyway). I wound up trading in the 60s for 80s. On the other hand, I liked the M22s so much I kept them for my computer set-up.

First, the "bi-amp" on the 606 uses the internal amp for the rear channels. Complete waste of time, but do what you want. It won't hurt (and it won't help).

Second, I decided to go with the M60's over the 80's due to my Onkyo 705's aversion to 4 ohm speakers. The 606 is the same.

Finally, I often listen to music with just my mains (no sub) using the "Pure Audio" mode. They sound terrific.

Chris, welcome. If the "bi-amping" that you mention is simply hooking up the back surround channels to the mains, forget it. This isn't biamping and is still limited by the available power from the one power supply section in the receiver. Available maximum power isn't doubled, as some imagine, or increased in any amount.

As to whether this available power would be enough for your use with M80s, this would depend on how hard and for how long you work it. In most cases it should be sufficient for the M80s, which are slightly more sensitive than average and require less power than many other speakers, whether rated at 8 ohms or 4 ohms. Factors such as your listening distance, sound level you use and dynamic range of the material you play are key factors.

Darn. My cover is blown. (I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to audio equipment) The bi-amping I was referring to was indeed with the rear channels of the 606 receiver. I guess it would be a waste of time...

I didn't know Onkyo receivers don't play well with 4 ohm speakers... I guess that limits my choices to the M60s or M22s with a sub. Thanks for the info!

I've come to realize the bi-amping thing via the receiver isn't worth while. Thanks for the explanation as to why.

Dewd mentioned that Onkyo receivers don't work well with 4 ohm speakers. Are there any Onkyo/M80 owners out there that managed to get them to play nicely together? I've heard that the M60s have slightly subdued mids and highs compared to the M80s which have a more balanced overall sound. I don't want to look back with any regrets so I'm open to suggestions to all you knowledgeable forum folk out there in Axiomville...

My room is approximately 25 ft across by 15 ft deep but the entertainment centre is offset to the left side of the room. I can re-arrange things once I get a game plan going. I won't be "rocking out" very often so music levels will be kept to nominal levels...

Cheers,
Chris.

Chris, you say you've "just purchased" the 606, which I understand has no pre-outs. Why not consider returning it and finding a receiver with pre-outs, you may not find it necessary if you listen to moderate levels (see John's post above) but having pre-outs will ensure you can run what you like adding an external amp if necessary. If you like Onkyo, I believe the 705 has pre's, but there are several other choices out there as well depending on your budget.

I would suggest going the M60 route and see if you really find anything lacking, I only noticed the difference due to a direct comparison to my M22s which prompted me to run them with the M60s I had ordered and found that sound more to my liking, thus the gtg with mojo and the review you read.

I soon learned to enjoy the M60s very much while waiting for my M80s to arrive. I suspect you would not even know you are missing anything at all with the M60s, unless very familiar with the Axiom sound and really enjoy the upfront sound. I have also since learned my M22s are more forward/open than the present M22s so the results of M22v2 and M60v2 might be less like the M80s than my attempt at the M82.