I recieved my m80s about two weeks ago and must say I am very happy with them so far (previously owned a pair of ohm frs9 ) I could tell the difference right away. Currently I own an HK avr30 pro logic reciever (11years old) my plan was to wait until the new hdmi 1.3 recievers come out next summer. But I just can't wait that long I want to experience movies in digital surround sound. I am looking at the denon avr1907 $350 or yamaha htr5960 $320 What do you think of these recievers? I want to keep it cheep because I still plan on buying an hdmi reciever next year and will move the other one to the basement.

Thanks for your time
Larry

I don't own 80's, however, Denon and HK's are more popular and have had less problems driving the 4ohm 80's.

Larry, both of the receivers that you mention should serve you well on at least a temporary basis. Since you're pretty well certain that you'll be getting another receiver next year, however, let me suggest something that I'm familiar with that'll be even more cost-effective. Get the very nice Shoponkyo.com 503 factory refurb . The listed price of $159 is a great deal, but if you register for "Club Onkyo" you get 10 points, which are worth $10 off on a purchase, plus they're having a Thanksgiving week-end only 10% off sale on refurbs. Together these would reduce your cost to about $133, with free shipping.

Hi dapman,

I'm delighted you like your new M80s and it's no surprise that your aging H/K drives the 4-ohm impedance. While I appreciate JohnK's frequent and knowledgable contributions to the Axiom site, I should tell you that most Onkyo AV receivers go into severe current limiting when connected to the 4-ohm M80s; indeed, many shut down.

Another AV receiver option to consider is Sherwood Newcastle. Axiom now has a relationship with Sherwood and we've bench-tested most of their models at our lab. Even the entry-level AV receivers drive the 4-ohm M80s with no current limiting and lots of output. Look at the Sherwood R-671.

Larry,
The Denon 1907 would work just fine. I have the older
model 1905 and it drives my M80's with no problem.

Thanks for the advice

I was a bit surprised to see how easily my HK avr 30 powerd the m80's I would love to keep the unit but it's out of date for movies. I can't wait to hear these speakers in surround sound.

Larry

I’m beginning to think John has been right about wattage requirements. Not fully yet, but I’m at least more open to his comments lately. The demise of my 7300 left me without sound for the HT. I thought I could live with the ‘little’ 46” TV upstairs until I got the AVR replaced, but one day without the 80’s inspired me to try and get them running again. I dragged my old Kenwood surround receiver that is about 15 years old, beat to hell, volume knob flopping around, and covered with sawdust out of the garage and slid it into the rack. I had to trim off some of the braids of my 12 gauge wire just to get it to fit into the speaker clips on the Kenwood. The receiver is rated at 100 wpc, but I know it isn’t anywhere near that (it can’t weigh but 15 pounds max). It’s also just a straight analogue receiver, so no surround for me that I can live with. It has Dolby, but it sounds like crap. Anyway, it’s playing the 80’s just fine. I can crank the hell out of them without clipping or going into protection. This has also made me appreciate just how much low end grunt the 80’s have. They really do play some low bass. When I was lying on the floor screwing around with connections trying to get this receiver to input different sources, I’d switch it on to check my connections from time to time going from dvd to satellite to HDDVD. I could have sworn that the sub was on even though it couldn’t have playing - it’s not hooked up. The LFE coming from the 80’s was very impressive. This is the first time I’ve ever listened to movies with two channel. Everyone who has 80’s ought to try this. You might just be surprised.

Oh-oh, Mike... the manufacturers' Men in Black will be there any time to help you forget what you know. If someone holds up a air pressure gauge, don't look at the flash.

Bren R.

What r u talking about???? I didn't write that crap. Who are you anyway? Where am I?? WTF

Those old Kenwoods were built pretty good. I had a Basic M2A amp that had no problems driving the M80s. I would be willing to bet most vintage, 15 to 20 years old or older, could handle the load the M80s present.

Vintage stuff--muscle cars and muscle amps. What happened?