I have a Sony STR-945 that can suposedly handle 4ohm load. Not even close. I've put an order in for a H/K 635.

Not so fast, spiroh! The amp sections of the STR series receivers are weak - but the processor sections, at least on the STRDB1070 or better are very good. They can handle a 6-8 ohm speaker load if the speakers are easy to drive, like Axiom M3s, M22s and even M60s. If you already have one of these receivers, you can ease yourself into separates by using the receiver as a processor, and running from the preouts in the receiver to outboard amp(s).

I have m80s but there is a switch on the receiver to run either 8 or 4 ohm load.

You could fry an egg on my STR receiver at "fairly" loud volumes even into a 8 ohm load, It clipped more then a tight a$$ shopper on coupon sunday. I could not imagine 4 ohm, valid point on the processor I would think. But in terms of power, my Sony is great where it is now, powering my old little Polk bookshelves in my garage!!!

I had the STR595 and it got extremely hot playing stereo for only a few songs. The Denon upgrade was well worth it. Never gets above room temperature. Despite the Sonys' weak amp section, their CD players are excellent.

The only Sony receivers that are worth anything are from the ES line. I remember the techs showing me how easy it was to fry the amps on the STR's. The H/K should be an upgrade over the Sony; however, having it drive a 4ohm load may be asking too much of it. It might be best to eventually get a separate 2ch amp to take the strain of your new H/K receiver. Good luck!

The bright side to this whole thing is you get a new #635.

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Hi spiroh,

Sony builds excellent DVD players, CD players, and video displays but I've never recommended Sony receivers of any sort. Even the ES line always seemed to have some kind of design glitch, some of them apparent in press demos. No-one I know in the biz uses Sony A/V receivers.

You'll be fine with an upgrade to H/K or Denon.

Regards,

If it helps you in your decision...I had a Sony receiver. I had it repaired three times...until finally that last time a spark and a big puff of smoke came out of my receiver. Needless to say I'd had enough and moved onto a different brand. An H/K at the time actually. Big step up in that heavy duty feel. And yes, it is an upgrade.

But my Sony 53" RPTV has been going strong for nearly 8 years without any problems. Go figure.

I bought my Dad an ES series receiver. We took it out of the box, turned it on, and it worked for about three minutes. Then it blew...(literally). I immediately returned it to Tweeter, who graciously took it back, and said that they have a lot of people return the Sonys right after purchasing them. However, after getting the new one, we've had smooth sailing at my parent's house on the Sony. It's all a crap-shoot. Just make sure that you buy from an authorized dealer with a good return/exchange policy and stay away from eBay and other bargain basement e-tailers for your Sony needs. You won't get stuck with the bag that way.

This thread does not make pleasant reading for me. About 9 months ago I hurriedly bought an STR DE 597. I say hurriedly, becuase I was busy at the time and wasn't really 'into' home hi-fi - it seemed like the right kind of money to spend and I used it with my old JPW speakers for a while.

Then I decided to buy some new speakers. I initially bought the m22s - 400 bucks seemed like a lot but when I they arrived and I heard the amazing sound I was delighted with the purchase. For various reasons, I sent them back after 20 days and got the m60s instead. All of a sudden I was prepared to spend 800bucks - this was getting seriously out of hand!! I have been very happy with the 60s - the sound is outstanding. They are a little larger in the room than I would like ( mainly cos of the depth), but overall I love them and think they are worth every cent.

From reading posts here generally, I have occasionally fretted that my receiver was not powerful enough for the m60s. In the medium term I guessed I would upgrade to something better. However my short term concern is whether the Sony could be gradually damanging my m60 investment. I am hoping not - my room isn't very big - about 18x13, and I don't listen at scarily loud levels. I do notice the recevier heating up however. Comments welcome !!

PS: Anybody want to buy a Sony receiver?? It will fry great eggs ;-)

If you don't listen at insane levels then you should probably be fine. But when you get a chance, I would definitely upgrade. I paid $60 more and got a Denon through ecost that I haven't regretted one bit. More features, alot more power, and more reliability. I love both my Sony DVD/SACD player and my Sony 5 disc changer, but the old STR595 didn't cut it power wise. I play the Denon at the same levels I did my Sony (actually a bit louder) and the top barely get warm at all.

The H/K AVR-635 only has speaker input for 8 Ohms, and that is at .07 THD 20-20K @ 8 Ohms (according to the online manual). You might want to find out directly from a dealer if you can do 4 Ohms safely. And then dedicate a house fan to cool it if you are able to drive it at 4 Ohms. Also, remember that your THD will go above 1% easily, which is audiably detectible.

You should be aware that the H/K receivers and the Denons are the only ones Alan recommends for 4 ohm M80s. I was initially dubious, but aparenlty they're only saying the 8 ohm thing for legal (?) reasons. I had no problem running my 6 ohm speakers off of my 525.

I can vouch that the Denon 3805 has no problem driving my 4 ohm (sensitivity 86 db) Maggie mains and center. It never gets more than to the upper end of warm. The 3805 really surprised me in this way.
Before the 3805, I had a Yamaha 2400 for about six month. The Yamaha ran much warmer than the 3805 but I wouldn't say it was overly hot but just about what you expect from a receiver.
When I first got into HT, about 8 yrs ago, my first receiver was a 100 w/ch Sony STR. That thing got so hot it could have doubled as a wood burning stove. I called it the "untouchable one".

pmulvey:The receiver heating up isn't good, but as long as it isn't clipping it shouldn't cause any harm to your speakers.

In reply to:

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You should be aware that the H/K receivers and the Denons are the only ones Alan recommends for 4 ohm M80s.

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I would take Alan's recommendation over most; however, it would still be prudent to get other expert's recommendation(s) and not take one recommendation as gospel. mwc: The 3805 is a good machine; I have a friend that uses his to push an all ML HT. Good to hear the Denon reps weren't just tooting their own horn.

I received my new 635 in and I was playing music for 3 hours straight at high volumes and no problems at all. They are rock solid.