I have a few questions, and I'm looking for some help.I can barely sign in to a message board...
I'm setting up a new 5.1 system and I'm looking to save some money on probably the most important part of my system...Probably not that smart...Well here goes; I'll be matching a Sony 52' XBR 4, Sony Blue Ray BP350 model, 2 Axiom T2, T150,2SQ-8,and a DP-500 SUB and I'm struggling with the receiver. I love Axiom products but I'm in over my head as far as technology. I embarassed to say that I actually purchased a Sony STR-DG820 to push this set up. After asking around, I was basically laughed at by anybody in the know..It was returned today. I have a pretty large credit at Circuit City. I was thinking of getting the Denon 7.1 AVR 989..With 24 months no interest, $350 credit and 10% off, I'll pick it op for around $800 to $900...Any thoughts???

The Denon receivers are very popular and will do a great job driving Axiom speakers. The Denon manuals have a bit of a learning curve, but we can help you out.

The Axiom models I think your talking about are M2's, VP150, Qs8's, and EP500? How big is your room? You might want bigger left/right speakers instead of m2's. Also, you might consider the EP350 sub as well to save money.

I agree with Randy. Dial back the sub and dial up the mains. The Denons (that model in particular) are pretty good.

The T2's are the new in wall version of the on wall system. You are correct, they are the M2 but actually in the wall. They don't offer the W3 as of yet.The problem with the room is I have a very open floor plan. Nothing is sealed off, the room itself is average 16x18 but it flows into my whole first floor which is probably 40x60x7. The room has no real enclosed area. So I figured the DP500 would seal the room.

Ah, right, the T2s. Not much choice there, right now. I would still strongly consider the W22s in that application.

I'm trying to keep the clutter to a minimum. The wife is anti tech and feels we don't need any additional system. This is just unacceptable. I will mainly be using this set up for the day to day t.v. room and videos. What I'm trying should be half way decent for a newbie, correct?????

Oh, absolutely. You'll enjoy it. I wondered if there was some WAF involved here...

I'll double check everything before I pull the trigger... I wish they offered the M3 version for the in wall T series. I have those inside and out and they are what sold me on Axiom. I'll be a lifer with their products.. Maybe by the time I blow up the T2's they'll have come out with the newer version....Thanks for the input...

You could try doing the T150 for all of the main speakers.

Sounds like most of us.

This new system will be great. Is it the T2's or W2's as you mentioned the W3's not being available which they are, but T3's are not.

Sorry, it's getting late and I'm caught up in obsession mode. The T2'S are all they have out for the left and right. I have a couple sets of the M3 Bookshelfs and the outdoor version of the same. If I could get the same speaker (M3) in the T series with the T150 =(VP150)my life would be perfect...

Oh yeah, but there's no reason you could turn the T150 on its side and use it as a left/right. You could also do the in/on walls as suggested (where there is an M3 equivalent), but those might not pass WAF.

That's a good idea, will that be over kill? I'm sure there is no such thing... What about the highs in the mid? Isn't the mid supposed to be where you get the most inportant signal? Again I have no real idea what I'm talking about...

DJ, welcome. It isn't you who should feel any embarassment about the Sony 820, which would likely have served you well; its the ignorant individuals mindlessly applying old audiophiles' tales who misinformed you.

John, that was my first thought, but I know nothing of Sony receivers.

DJR. Your post prompted me to go to the Denon site because I am looking at Denon for my next receiver. The 989 is a lot of receiver. Go to the Denon site and do a comparison of the 789, 889 and 989 and see if you would be giving up any features you really need by stepping down one or two models. Denon has a very nice tool for doing side by side comparisons. You might save yourself quite a bit of money doing that.

I don't know the efficiency of the M2's, but I am willing to bet that the 90 watts per channel the 789 delivers would be enough to drive them. Other than that, there are a couple of slightly downgraded components like the DACs. From what I understand, there is no longer that much difference between mid line and top tier DACs.

If you looking to save some money and still have a really nice receiver take a look at This Denon. Don't listen to those who you think are "in the know".

In room - 91db of sound from 1 watt of power measured at 1 meter (under the specs tab on the M2 product page).

So yes, most any receiver with even modest capabilities will drive the M2s quite loudly (beyond where most of us would want to listen to them assuming you're not sitting extremely far away from them).

Jason

Thanks for the insight. I was just worried about spending what I consider a huge some of money and not getting the performace. The specs on the STR-DG820 met my leyman needs. I would hate to be wrong. With the promotion the 820 cost only $340. After more research the price just got me nervous.At the time I was also focused in on the Bravia Sink which would allow for one remote. I will probably get a nice universal to help out with that. So I'm still a bit stuck.

DEFINITELY get a decent universal remote (a Harmony or URC).

The Sony might "spec out" all right, but I'm a big fan of the Denon reliability (if not the manuals).

You'll love this new system!

I'll just say almost 5 years ago I bought a Sony STR-DE?something or another, about the same price range you are looking at and the difference in dynamic output and features was noticeable compared to the Denon1804 I ended up buying, the Sony sounded very anemic. I guess there could have been something wrong with it but it lacked a critical feature my wife wanted, 5/6 channel stereo.

Thanks for all the help. I'll end up just fine I'm sure. I wish I logged on to this forum a month ago. I have been pulled in so many directions and have read endless reviews...This should be fun, not a part time job.....Thanks again.

We're the best!!

Oh, wait... I didn't help you at all!

Thanks for all your help....