Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater A downside to the M80s?

I was just wondering if there would be any downside to getting the M80s over the M60s considering I have a smaller room ( 15*20*10)?

I am considering the relatively small increase in cost vs the futureproofing the M80s provide(for a larger HT room down the road)

Thanks again, in my first post here I couldn't believe how helpful everyone seems to be on these forums and sincerely appreciate the expertise you all so willingly provide.

The only thing you would have to consider is being a bit more selective in what you power the M80's with since they are rated at 4 ohms. Brands that have been proven to drive the M80's without issues have been Denon (the most popular and affordable among M80 owners), Sherwood Newcastle (Axiom sells online), Harman Kardon, Rotel and many others.

IMO there is no downside in going with the M80's over M60's.

if you can afford the m80's go for it. great speaker.

One more vote for the M80's.

The M80s sound great at low volumes and the sound is very detailed so they should be fine in a small room.

Briliant!

I am probably looking at using either a Denon or an Onkyo to drive them. The Onkyo TX-SR806 seems to have caught my eye (Since it is only a few dollars more than the 706)

I live on the east coast in Canada so the fact the Onkyos run hot will be welcome in the winter months :-)

Mandrake,

Onkyo are not generally recommended with the M80's because of people having issues with certain models (shutdown/protect mode) in the past. This Onkyo model might indeed be able to handle the M80's but Denon has been proven to work very well with the M80's. What Denon model were you considering?

I wouldn't think you would have an issue with the 806 - it is THX Ultra 2 which means it is rated to handle 4 ohm speakers. Since you have a small room, you won't need much power to achieve ear splitting levels.

The biggest drawback to getting the M80's is you won't be invited to the M60 Owners Club (and we are WAY better than the M80 club)

I've owned both 60's and 80's, they are both great speakers and sound very similar. Either should bring a smile to your face.

Haha, well...I guess I can always slum it with the M80 crowd ;-)

In regards to the amplifier, I was hoping the Onkyo 806 being rated at 4 Ohm would be ok. As far as Denon is concerned, I would probably be looking at the lowest model that is rated at 4 Ohm. (I think it's the AVR 989 at FS/BB but I can't find anything on the Denon Canada website specifying any of their 7.1 amps as 4 Ohm capable)

Mandrake, the Denon AVR 989 is virtually identical to the 2809, both I believe are considered "high current capable". They'll be fine as many here have proven.

Most Denon models have proven to have no issues for many years, you won't find anything on the website. My 5yr old 2805 has no issues at levels most people would never listen.

Don't let people convince you the Onkyos won't work. I had a 905 driving my m80s for quite awhile and worked fine. Not to say there's anything wrong with the Denon choices, but don't count the Onkyo out of the running.

A downside? I'll let you know next week.

The downside is the part that touches the floor.

Someone's been studying Confucius

my room is about the same size as yours and the m80's sound great.

Mandrake, far too much concern is expressed about 4ohm rated speakers in general and the M80s in particular. Many receivers, certainly including the Onkyo 806, will work very well with them. If you do want to get the 806, note that the best buy at the moment appears to be the factory refurb available for about $600($U.S.) from Accessories4less . They are an authorized dealer and now ship Onkyo to Canada, although that wasn't the case previously.

Mandrake, the Onkyo receivers that I have had, the 875 and now the 876 have never had a problem working with the M80s. The 806 has Audyssey Dynamic EQ and if you like listening at low levels of music (I am forced to) Dynamic EQ is the most amazing piece of software for bringing out the surrounds at low listening levels.

The only down side to owning M80’s is that when friends ask you to come over their house and watch a movie, you have a really hard time saying yes. It’s a psychological condition called Axiomitis. In extreme cases it can cause individuals to be come hermits. They love their Axiom’s so much they don’t ever leave the listening environment (except for beer and pizza or to go out and rent a new movie). The condition is far from fatal but temporarily hearing loss and marginal weigh gain from loud passages and lack of exercise are common.

There is no real cure. Some folklore tells the condition has become so bad for some individuals that wives have been know to go to electrical panels and shut off power to the whole residence just to break the spell.

But think of the progress you'll make you on your Netflix list!

Peter, you always bring such a wealth and depth of knowledge to your posts, that so many can't hope to rival it.

Peter, thanks so much for helping get me in contact with your brother Adam. He was very helpful in letting me hear his M60's. I just hope i did not piss off his neighbors (too much) with the volume!

He hasn't mentioned anything other than the burning bag of dog poop the day after your audition.

I'm glad you were able to give the Axioms a listen. I just hosted an audition myself and really enjoyed it.