Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners m80 receiver question

I asked a similar question over in the avs forum but I didn't get a response so here it goes:
I have a huge space to fill (20x20x20)for a music only system. I have decided on m80 towers but I have a question about the receiver. I may want to upgrade to 5.1 in a few years when SACD and DVDA are a bit more affordable so I am thinking I will want a 5.1 receiver. I know the m80s are 4 ohms so the receiver needs to be able to handle it. I was thinking of the HK 135 and adding the Onkyo M-282 amp. Will this work? Any suggestions?

Hi Jess. Welcome.

I'm pretty sure that the HK135 does not have pre-amp outputs, so you would not be able to add an external amplifier to it and continue to have it do the surround processing. The HK235 and higher models do have that feature.

But if Pre-Outs are a driving factor for your strategy, you may have other receiver options. It is even possible that simply buying a very robust receiver (a higher end HK or Denon) would provide enough oomph that you don't need to fuss with external amps. I think one of our board regulars (mdrew?) has M80's in a huge room driven by an HK7200 and seems quite pleased.

I'd be tempted by this Denon 2803 at Dakmart for $479.

I mis-typed...I was looking at the AVR_235...it looks like it has preouts. My other thought was to forget 5.1 and go with a Onkyo TX8511 with M-282. I know the M80's are biampable and I thought I could take advantage of that by using the reciver amp and an external amp but if I get better sound with a more powerful receiver I could go that way. I wanted to spend less that $550.

If you can get the HK 235 and the Onkyo M-282 for $550, I'd do that in a heartbeat, given your criteria. That way, you can continue to use the HK for future surround processing and you have a robust power source for your current 2-channel setup.

If you think it will be a "few years" before you get the itch to go 5.1, I'd just get a good stereo receiver with plenty of current. By then, you'll most likely have changed your mind again, I know I do on a frequent basis. I've also screwed around with some of the new SACD's, and DVDA's, and just go right back to good old stereo. Nothing beats my 80's at about 140 DB's playing some Audioslave when I'm working. I have them in an area that's 28X32 with a 22' vaulted ceiling. Hell, when I'm working on my basement I can feel the vibration downstairs. I just love it. I'm actually looking at the HK 3480 stereo receiver to drive the 80's and move the 7200 downstairs when I get done with the HT room. The 3480 is rated at 150 per channel at 4 ohms. it'll definitely make them talk to you - even if your out in the neighbor's yard. You ought to check it out. it lists on the HK sight for $449 MSRP. I suspect you could find it for a lot less on line somewhere.

Oh and BTW, the M60's would have been more than loud enough for even my space. You don't need them. Or maybe you're like me, you just buy what you 'want', and not what you 'need'?? hahaha

I subscribe to the theory 'more is more'...the m80's are just too cool;)

If I get a SACD player will a stereo receiver like the HK 3480 play 2 channel SACD? or do you need the processing of a home theatre receiver?

Most, if not all are hybrid and play either surround or stereo.

My 80's are running through the 7200's second zone, which is straight stereo and all the SACD's, and DVDA's I have will play through the second zone as long as I select its input as stereo. If I select 8 channel direct as the second zone input, they will not play as the second zone will not pass that signal.

I just noticed that you can pre-order the 3480 from one call and get it %10 off. They have it listed for $399 and with the discount, it's $360. They also have many other HK's at some pretty reasonable prices. The 7300 is $1382. Or the DPR 2005 is $950. Both 7.1 top of the line AVR's.

Good luck.........mike

JandR music has the HK 3480 for 299.88 with free shipping.