Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo M80TI Amplification

I'm just purchased a pair of M80ti's with the intention of using them both for music and movie playing and was trying to determine what size/type of amp I should buy. I see these speakers operate from 10 to 400 amp range but don't know what I need. My room is about 12 feet by 17 feet and I like to have the option to play music loudly from time to time. Any suggestions/guidlines ?

Thanks

HELLO,

I put in a request to Alan, a little while ago...To do a definitive piece on the M80's. Much has been written here about them, but I would still enjoy reading a complete post outlining the thinking behind the two tweeters and mid's, the best A/V receivers for them, and how they deliver more bass, etc.
With so many posts inquiring about them it seems like a good idea.

LT

I think Axiom has powered the M80s with up to 1,000 watts during testing. I imagine as much power as you can afford is the correct answer. If I were going that route and wanted loud I'd go with monoblocks.

My M80's and all the axiom set are powered by the 3805. In HT, they go to higher volumes than is comfortable to listen to.

In stereo go up REALLY loud.

I do not know what reciever you have, but if you have decent amplification, you may not need any additional amplification. Test them before buying anything additional.


Oh and BTW, the M80's sound Verrrrry sweet. You are in for a treat.

I have a Nad C370, in 4 ohms i believe it delivers around 180 wpc. It will go louder than I would ever want to listen. You dont need ALOT of power for the 80's. But i believe that you would be much happier if you got something that is capable of deliving the power that they crave to be driven with 10 watts would definetly not be enough to fully enjoy these speakers though.

Thanks for the reply. I'll be anxious to see what he say.

Thanks, I can't wait to get them. Actually I don't even have an amplifier so I want to get started on the right foot.

Hopefully, he will have time for a "refresher course post" for us. From what I understand he's a busy guy.

Is an amp really needed? Are you going to go with seperates or use that amp on your reciever? Most have found that an Denon 3803 or 3805 will drive the Axioms really well. Unless you have listening levels that are REALLY high, why the amp, that is unless you like the seperates sound. As you can tell, I am not a huge fan of amps.

When people answer this question they usually refer to how loud you intend to play your music. I found that with my M80's more power is better, even when not playing at high volume. I've posted this before so excuse the repeat info for the regulars.

I started with an Outlaw audio 1050, which is rated at 65W x 5. Most people say the 65W rating is very conservative and compares to most other manufacturers 80w ratings, I can't verify this. Anyway, the M80's sounded good, I thought, with this receiver. Then I borrowed a 2 channel 150w Threshold amp, wow huge difference, even at moderate volume. More punch, A LOT more bass. I ended up purchasing a used Aragon 4004 2 x 200W for $600, an older amp but very highly regarded. Sounds great, yes it will crank very loud, but I don't listen to it that loud very often, the wife has something to say about that. Lots of overhead, it can step up and deliver dynamic material, very tight and powerful bass, as well as detailed mids and high's.