Hello, Iam wanting to get a new receiver in the next few weeks as I have some M80's on the way and they are 4ohm. I was wanting to know if anyone is using the 74txvi to power their axioms. I have also been looking at the Denon's but I read that they have a steep learning curve and are hard to setup. My budget is $2000 but I can go a little higher. Anyone have any thoughts on what receiver to get for the M80's. Since they are 4ohm I want something that isn't going to go into protect mode on me. BTW, I don't like HK receivers so they are out of the question. I also like to listen to movies LOUD. Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.

I have an Integra DTR-8.4. It has been great, with no problems since i purchased it (18 mos). It does everything I need.

http://integrahometheater.com/main_page.cfm

From what I've read, the Pioneer doesn't handle 4ohm loads very well if at all. It's only rated by Pioneer themselves to handle 6ohm speakers. There's always the option of driving everything but the M80's off the Pioneer and getting a separate 2 channel amp to drive the M80's. The 74txvi plus two Outlaw M-block amps (link) would come to about $2100 MSRP. That would give you 300watts for each M80 and the rest of the power from the 74txvi to handle the remaining speakers.

The Denons are great receivers and actually pretty easy to use once you've gone through the manual, if you use the auto setup with the mic they are very easy, plus they handle the 80's well.

If you like loud then look into an Outlaw 7500 amp and a refurbed receiver like the Denon 3805 or a new Outlaw 970/990 pre/pro.

Outlaw is like Axiom. You 30 days.

'Cane, there's no way to guarantee ahead of time that any unit won't shut down in an extreme condition; there're too many variables that affect the situation. Generally speaking, the 74TXVi has plenty of power into 4 ohms and it's likely to work well, especially since you have your excellent sub in effect doing active biamping and taking a lot of the low bass load. In the unlikely case that it wouldn't be enough, you could later do as Ryan(BassTek)mentions and add a separate amp just for the M80s. At this point however, you shouldn't assume a problem which probably wouldn't develop. By the way, although the Denon manuals are exceptionally miserable, don't let that stop you if a unit like new 2807 attracts you.

I agree with John. Don't assume a problem that you may never have. I have an Onkyo 703 and Onkyo is generally NOT recommended to drive 4 ohm Axiom loads. I have had NO problems driving my M80s.

Anyhow, my origional plan was to buy a seperate amp, at least for the fronts. That is still my plan but I have not decided what amp it will be.

Echoing Bernard, I have an Onkyo TX-DS797 (older version of the 703) driving two 8 ohm fronts, two 6 ohm surrounds, and a 4 ohm center channel. I've never had a problem. I don't listen at earsplitting volume, but I get it plenty loud enough for me.

My vote is for a seperate amp to drive the M80's. A lot of us use the Rotel 1080 and are all happy with it. They run about $900. I wouldn't hesitate with more power though. The 80's love it.

I'll the second Mike's suggestion of the Rotel amps, I also run my 80s with a RB1080 and really do like the combination.

Thanks for everyone that chimed in on this subject. I'm thinking about going with some Outlaw separates. 990/7500. Seems like a good deal and they can handle a 4 ohm load. Then I can crank these bad boys up and not have to worry about it shutting down on me.

You do get the 30 days and Outlaw CS is on par with Axiom.