Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners What components for an M3 stereo system?

Brian, no need for the concern; both the Marantz and Onkyo units have inaudibly low distortion(i.e., below 1%)when operated within their designed power limits. When I mentioned mid 90s of dBs, I certainly didn't mean accompanied by significant distortion. Note that Alan pointed out above that on music(rather than pure test tones)distortion has to be greater than 1% to be audible.


Incidentally, that additional distortion rating at 10% is, somewhat surprisingly, part of an established organization's standard. It's the JEITA(Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association)rating at "maximum" output, but it can also be noted that their "maximum undistorted" rating is at 1%. Some makers include that 10% number as an extra rating, but this doesn't really mean anything of significance; any amplifier will have 10% distortion if it's operated far enough above it's original design limit.

That's good to know. I won't be so worried about the distortion then. I'll relist them again here, just so they are both in one place to make them easy to find again.

Onkyo CR-525

Marantz M-CR603

I'm just afraid neither one of these will play bass like my Pioneer Elite will. I think I need more power.

Here's another link to the Sherwood RX-773. I think this is probably the best option for a receiver. Now, if they only had a matching CD player.

I bought a used Harmon Kardon 380i stereo receiver about 8 years ago for $40.



You can find its specs in pdf here:
http://www.eserviceinfo.com/downloadsm/46951/Harman/Kardon_HK380i.html

At 30 wpc at 8 ohms, it plays very solid in my home office with both pairs of speakers to which it is attached (Tannoy Revolution 3s and Angstrom Legattos).
My office is about 8' x 15' and i've never had a requirement for more SPL.

There are more used ones out there, dirt cheap.