If I have a low powered Recvr (like Onkyo 595 or HK 320) which speakers would suit me M60s or M80s. Suggestions please...
Neither of these amps is underpowered, if memory (and a little research) is to be believed, the HK is a 65w, and the Onkyo is 70w.
This is enough power to drive any Axioms. It will depend more on the volume level you desire and the size of the room you are attempting to use. The room size is more important to the equation, especially if you are trying to "fill" the room, or provide ambience or background music.
I drive a pair of large towers with a 40w NAD...and I drive them hard on occasion, with no complaints. The room is about 12x20.
Regards,
BBIBH
I would concur with your advice, BBIBH. If it's a really big room and you want concert-hall levels, you might be pushing a 65-watter close to its output limits on peaks, but in a 12 X 20 room, either receiver would be fine. I'd lean a little toward the Harman Kardon, but only because a recent Onkyo I used ran awfully hot, and I didn't hear the cooling fan kick in.
And thanks for the welcome.
Alan Lofft
Axiom Resident Expert
You are more than welcome!
Actually the room size is mine, not the original poster. My NAD/Axiom/Rega resides hear. I have a dedicated room for my "toys" as my wife calls my hifi system!
Regards,
BBIBH
Thanks for the suggestions!
I ordered the M60's with VP150 and the Onkyo (got an excellent deal on the Onkyo). HK is more expensive....
Can't wait enough to connect these babies.
My room size is 18 Length X12 Width X9 Height. I hope M60s will suffice. Someone suggested me that M60 might be a safe bet as I need not worry about frying the Amp (8 Ohms vs 4 Ohm for M80's).
Well, in reading the specifications on the Onkyo 595 (which you mentioned was 1 of your short list models), it states "Full bandwidth power to all 5 main channels High-current,low-impedance 4-ohm drive for all five channels ". To me this is definitely an idication they have designed it to drive lower impedances. Most modern amplifiers will drive 4 ohm loads, but some may not do it well.
Remember, impedance is variable over the frequency spectrum. While a speaker may be rated 4 ohm, it does not always represent a 4 ohm load to the amp.
But the point is moot, as you got deal, and it better suited your budget. Remember to purchase better than the thrown in interconnects and speaker cables. Don't go overboard, but you may want to look at other posts. There has been a fair amount of discussion on this topic.
Regards,
BBIBH