I have relative that is about to build his system. He has $2000 budget for two mains, center and a receiver. I recommended the M80s and VP150 for the speakers. That leaves $400 for the receiver. So will the RX-V861 drive the M80s, if not, which receiver would you recommend in this price. I did a search here on the 861 and I could not find to much on it with the M80. Thanks for you input - LJ01

I don't think yamaha is one of the brands that axiom suggests to drive the m80's... Not saying that it won't work but I am not sure.

I don't know what the best receiver is that is $400 or less that will drive the m80's easily. since the m80's are qa 4 ohm load they require a fairly robust amplifier if you plan on driving them very loud or for long periods of time.

If they were to go with the m60's the yamaha would definitely be sufficient.

Also, if you order from the factory outlet you will save 10% so you can stretch the budget a little further.

LJ, as is always the case, any receiver can drive any speaker, including the M80, which is easier than many to drive, while on the other hand any receiver can also be forced to shut down. It depends on how loud and how long the use is. It can be said that in the vast majority of M80 applications the 861, which is a typically fine Yamaha receiver, will do the job. Nobody can give you an answer with absolute certainty in a matter such as this.