 A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 150
veteran
|
OP
veteran
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 150 |
I've had my M80's since the v3's came out. They are powered by a Denon 55w per channel receiver. At times I worry about possible distortion and resultant speaker damage at certain peak levels so I want to upgrade to a more powerful receiver or amp to protect my speakers.
I have read about the benefits of having sufficient power and reserve power for peaks in these threads. I do not listen at reference levels, and my listening is strictly classical, but I do listen with sufficient volume that allows me to hear the full spectrum of the instruments in an orchestra.
If I upgraded, say to a 125w per channel receiver (e.g. Denon's X-4000 or X-3000 or the like) would I hear more detailed and quality sound from the M80's at a level a notch or two less than reference than from a 55w receiver? If so could I get a similar result with less power than 125w? (I have a sub with its own power supply). Or would the obverse be necessary? My goal is quality and detailed sound from the M80's.
From what I can determine from my reading I am thinking anywhere from 90w to 125w per channel should be sufficient. Thanks for your comments. Happy New Year.
|
|
|
Re: A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654 |
Lee, there shouldn't be a good reason to worry about "possible distortion" if it isn't actually occurring. Your present Denon should be able to cleanly handle brief peaks on the order of 103dB with your M80s. The question as to whether they're being called upon for more than this(disregarding the low bass frequencies handled by the sub)should be determined by measurements with an SPL meter done with the sub disconnected, but leaving the crossover in effect so as to continue to relieve the M80s of the lowest bass burden.
The increased maximum power levels which you're considering wouldn't have any effect on "detail", but would simply allow playing brief peaks at a level about 3dB higher(e.g., 106dB rather than 103dB)with low amplifier distortion. Speaker distortion itself would of course be slightly higher.
Upgraded features may be good reasons to consider a receiver such as the X4000 with Audyssey XT32, but the increased maximum power capacity alone isn't likely to justify the purchase.
-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
|
|
|
Re: A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 912 Likes: 4
aficionado
|
|
aficionado
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 912 Likes: 4 |
I've had my M80's since the v3's came out. They are powered by a Denon 55w per channel receiver. At times I worry about possible distortion and resultant speaker damage at certain peak levels so I want to upgrade to a more powerful receiver or amp to protect my speakers.
I have read about the benefits of having sufficient power and reserve power for peaks in these threads. I do not listen at reference levels, and my listening is strictly classical, but I do listen with sufficient volume that allows me to hear the full spectrum of the instruments in an orchestra.
If I upgraded, say to a 125w per channel receiver (e.g. Denon's X-4000 or X-3000 or the like) would I hear more detailed and quality sound from the M80's at a level a notch or two less than reference than from a 55w receiver? If so could I get a similar result with less power than 125w? (I have a sub with its own power supply). Or would the obverse be necessary? My goal is quality and detailed sound from the M80's.
From what I can determine from my reading I am thinking anywhere from 90w to 125w per channel should be sufficient. Thanks for your comments. Happy New Year.
I would suggest that if you are happy with the AVR you presently own and it has "pre-outs", it would probably be more beneficial and less costly to purchase a separate multi-channel power amp, i.e from Outlaw or Emotiva which offer really good equipment at reasonably prices PLUS the significant advantages of actually having the power you need with all channels driven and the ability to handle any type of speakers. Of course, if you want to really get in to it and you are capable of spending the extra money, then, of course, the Axiom amps are the next level. It has been discussed many times but generally AVRs state power levels using one or two channels driven only and when all the channels are functioning, power levels significantly drop. Separate power amps negate that problem.
|
|
|
Re: A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 150
veteran
|
|
OP
veteran
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 150 |
I am appreciative for your comments. My receiver has no crossover adjustments or handling ability...it is quite old. The M80's therefore must handle this on their own. There are no preout's either and it is a stereo receiver. I am quite certain an upgrade will be a reality in my near future. The main question has been answered and that is my power concern. Thank you both.
|
|
|
Re: A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 309
devotee
|
|
devotee
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 309 |
Of course, if you want to really get in to it and you are capable of spending the extra money, then, of course, the Axiom amps are the next level. I find this statement rather bold. Can you please explain to me why and how the Axiom ADA 1500 - 5 channel, with 300 watts per channel and a $3100 price tag is the next level compared to the Emotiva XPR5 - 5 channel, with 400 watts per channel and a $2300 price tag? Add to that the incredibly positive reviews for both products...why is it that the axiom amplifier is "of course, the next level"? I mean everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but you stated it more matter of factly, then mere opinion, so I'm just curious why you feel this way?
2 Axiom M80s v3-custom
1 Axiom VP160 v3-custom
2 Axiom QS10HP
2 Cerwin Vega CMX 12's
Pioneer SC-57
|
|
|
Re: A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 309
devotee
|
|
devotee
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 309 |
on a side note: the fact the axiom amps are made in Canada and are a killer product, make it worth the few extra bucks  I want one!
2 Axiom M80s v3-custom
1 Axiom VP160 v3-custom
2 Axiom QS10HP
2 Cerwin Vega CMX 12's
Pioneer SC-57
|
|
|
Re: A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 912 Likes: 4
aficionado
|
|
aficionado
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 912 Likes: 4 |
on a side note: the fact the axiom amps are made in Canada and are a killer product, make it worth the few extra bucks I want one! Well, it seems you just partly answered your own question. The Emotiva products are manufactured in China while the Axiom amps are designed and built from the ground up in Canada or if you prefer, North America,hence the significant cost differential. The highly regarded Bryston(which has a big linkage to Axiom) multi-channel amps or for that manner any of their products, which are also designed and built in Canada will cost you $4000-5000 and more and given their reputation and quality, I am sure their buyers understand that. I see on many forums how people constantly complain about Chinese built products and why we can't get stuff built here? Well, here we have it, BUT, once again, with higher labour and other costs, expect to pay for it.
|
|
|
Re: A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,281
connoisseur
|
|
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,281 |
The one thing I find attractive about the Axiom Amps is the size. I have an Emo XPA-3 and its huge, no way I could add more channels, I don't have room for that. With the Axiom I can always send it in and upgrade as well. As for the manufacturing of the axiom, true it is designed and assembled in Canada, I am sure the parts are made elsewhere , but still good enough for me. Maybe at tax time 
DOG is GOD spelled backwards.
What others think of me is none of my business.
M80 V3 MY GLOSS Cherry
|
|
|
Re: A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 912 Likes: 4
aficionado
|
|
aficionado
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 912 Likes: 4 |
The one thing I find attractive about the Axiom Amps is the size. I have an Emo XPA-3 and its huge, no way I could add more channels, I don't have room for that. With the Axiom I can always send it in and upgrade as well. As for the manufacturing of the axiom, true it is designed and assembled in Canada, I am sure the parts are made elsewhere , but still good enough for me. Maybe at tax time As a follow-up, as far as the small parts especially, capacitors, resistors and even some of the circuit boards, I would definitely concur it is pretty much a given that these have been manufactured overseas for many years now and placed in equipment regardless of price. The Emotiva XPR5, I am sure is a great amp and sounds great too, however, at just under 100 lbs. and for optimum operation requiring multiple dedicated circuits, it just isn't very practical for most applications. Emotiva, unfortunately, doesn't supply a forklift truck to get in to position on your equipment rack.
Last edited by casey01; 01/05/14 07:47 PM.
|
|
|
Re: A Few Receiver Questions to Power M80v3's
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 309
devotee
|
|
devotee
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 309 |
and for optimum operation requiring multiple dedicated circuits Originally I was planning on buying one, but this is one reason I'm starting to look to an Axiom amplifier. The XPR 5 needs it's own 20A breaker and 20A outlet. I kind of like the fact how big it is! Just based on it's beastly size alone, it makes my penis feel an inch bigger! haha  But in all seriousness, like mentioned before, the fact the axiom amplifiers are built in house makes me want to spend the extra and support them. Being made in china doesn't make a product poor. hell, apple products are made in china. It's just that I like supporting Canada's workers, not China's, if I can help it. sigh, I've had to retire my Rotel RMB-1095. Somethings been going on with it for years and it's been band aided by a local electronic repair guy to many times to count...so I put it in storage  I'm massively craving my power back now. It is very noticeable at the high levels I like to listen with. It's going to take me forever to save for a proper power amp 
2 Axiom M80s v3-custom
1 Axiom VP160 v3-custom
2 Axiom QS10HP
2 Cerwin Vega CMX 12's
Pioneer SC-57
|
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics24,943
Posts442,465
Members15,617
| |
Most Online2,082
Jan 22nd, 2020
|
|
|
0 members (),
485
guests, and
3
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|
