I just read the review of the M22s on the Audioholics site. This one quote has me wondering about the A/V recv I was going to buy. Quote "We do however recommend users to match these speakers with warmer sounding electronics if possible." Now I have heard that these speakers are very detailed. Great, that's what I want. I was planning on getting one of the new Panasonic digital amps, the XR-50 or 70. I have heard people say the Pana digital amps are very detailed also. Based on the quote from the review and your experiences, would you stay away from the Panny digital amp or would it work fine with the M22s? Any other suggestions for an amp? I need to stay under $400.
Thanks,
Jerry
your $400 budget is gonna restrict you a bit, but you should be able to get something nice that will power your system just fine.. the denon 1804 is a good receiver, and the HK's are supposed to match well with the axiom speakers.. although i am not sure if there is an HK receiver under $400..
i am sure you will get sevreal more recommendations
bigjohn
I've seen the Pioneer 912 under $400, sometimes under $300 on Ebay.
Jerry
Well if this guy wants a "warmer" sounding reciever I doubt Pioneer is the way to go. Isn't Pioneer supposed to be bright? This is all of course if you believe that amps sound different.
Heck, I'm supposed to be bright as well, but I've got my dull days.
jds22 I have the onkyo 601. It's on sale for really cheap ($249.00) at Ecost
here
Also,
Audioholics has a review of it driving M80s. I have the M22s with it and I have had 0 problems.
Other than the typical upgraditis I'd not have any impulse to change my receiver.
I'm currently using with with M22s, QS8s, and a VP150 with NO problems at all.
jr
I second the Onkyo 601. At first, I was really interested in the Panasonic digital amps as well, but numerous sources told me to stay away from those until the technology's been around for a few more years. Not totally sure why, just that they don't play as loud and as cleanly, and you get some strange "artifacts" in the sound sometimes. Anyway, I got my 601 in December for $349 from ecost.com, and it's killing me that it's now a $100 cheaper!!! Apparently, these units have been selling like hotcakes. It's a good sturdy unit with all the standard features but without a lot of bells and whistles. In other words, Onkyo put their money where it matters most. As far as the signal goes, from what I've heard, it's not as bright as Yammies, but a little brighter than H/K.
My one complaint is that the remote seems to have been designed by a third-grader. Still, for $250, it's a steal. -JT
i got an ONKYO 701 at macmall.com for $429 bucks. i will hook it up this weekend and give my impressions. you guys with 601's might be able to help me with set-up since they should essentially should be very similar. i think the 701 has a little more power, and a few more bells and whistles, but not a whole lot more.
bigjohn
Jerry, you can safely disregard a rather silly piece of advice in a generally fine review. It does say "if possible", but since electronics don't come in various temperatures, it isn't possible. If the digital aspect or other features of the Panasonics attract you, they should be an excellent choice; "matching" is pure myth.
Big John, just let me know if you have any questions. Be glad to help you out. -JT
Jerry, Alan normally recommends Denon and HK, but you likely won't make a mistake with Yamaha or Onkyo. If you are interested, ecost is an authorized Denon etailer and has refurb / B-stock 1803s and 1804s for less than $300 and the 2803 for $429 (my recommendation to you). This is based on my last look a few days ago. Several folks here use the 1803/1804. I had an 1803 before upgrading to a 3803 and it performed admirably with an M60/VP100/QS8/SVS 20-39PCi setup.
Hope the info is helpful