Denon Receiver/M80ti Help - Axiom Message Boards

Hi all. I've been reading the forums for a while and the axiom community has a great vibe. I've learned quite a bit.

So I'm about to buy some M80ti's for my great room. As you can imagine, I'm very excited. I've decided to purchase a Denon receiver to power my M80ti's (instead of a separate amp) based on many posts throughout the forums. I was originally looking at a Denon 3805. I was all set to buy when I decided to check the back of my Panasonic HDTV, and lo and behold, I found a "digital in" port in addition to the component video in ports.

So then I thought about getting a receiver the appropriate Digital in/out video capability to take advantage of that feature on my TV. Problem is, I can't find one with the appropriate ports. The 3806 has HDMI ports, but they look like a different a interface than my digital ports on my TV, HD cable box, and HD satellite box.

Here are my questions -

1) Are the component video ins and outs "good enough", or should I be looking at a receiver utilizing the digital in/outs?

2) Is there a difference between "digital" and "HDMI"?

3) Is it worth the extra expense to buy a receiver w/ HDMI/digital in and out capability vs. one without (like the 3805)?

4) My DVD player only has component video outs. Does this mean if I don't have analogue - HDMI upconversion on my receiver then I can't watch movies properly?

5) I have a huge room (roughly 34' X 17' X 15'- maybe about 7500 cubic feet ) that the speakers are going in, but It is all hardwood and there is very little material other that a couple of couches to absorb the sound. Can I get away with the M60's or should I go ahead and get the M80s?

6) Lastly - Should I abandon the whole all-in-one amp/receiver and get separate units?

I realize many of these questions are judgement calls - Give me your opinion. Thanks in advance for the help.

Well, let me give you one man's opinion.

1. I believe that unless you are an "expert," you will see no difference. I have yet to figure out (with the exception of a projector) why you would want to do any video switching/ upconverting in an audio receiver. Let the video equipment do that.

2. HDMI is digital. Are you referring to the audio on an optical cable?

3. No, see #1.

4. Run the component cables to your TV. Run the optical cable from your DVD to your receiver. Make sure that you don't have (or compensate for) lip sync.

5. I'd get the 80s and be done with it.

6. I've been looking at this issue for months and still remain undecided. I'm sort of leaning toward buying a reciver and using the pre outs to drive external amps for the fronts and maybe the center.

For what its worth and I hope that it helps.

2) I'm guessing that it's DVI on your equipment. HDMI adds audio (sometimes) and may add some other wonderful DRM stuff, although I think modern DVI also has that. Is the connector about an inch wide female type with 3 rows of pins and either 1 or a cross of pins on one side? If so, it's DVI.

5) 80s.

6) You may want to get separates, but if you're only running the pair of 80s (as opposed to Dennis's 5 80s, 2 QS8 type deal) you probably won't need them.

2) HDMI carries both digital video and audio.

3) If you have a lot of components with HDMI out, then it is nice to have a HDMI switcher, or a receiver that can combine those, and then send just one HDMI cable to the TV. In my case my DVD player is the only thing, so I just run it directly to the TV.

4) I'm sure your TV has component inputs, nothing wrong with that, component still gives you a great picture. Not sure what your meaning when you say "can't watch movies properly" If your DVD player is 480p progressive scan there won't be a ton of difference in the picture of HDMI versus Component. I have a 720p/1080i upconverting player and I do notice a difference via HDMI compared to 480p component.

5) My room is bigger than yours and my 60's do fine.

6) That is your choice, probably depends on your budget. I love my Denon 2805, does everything I need for now.

In reply to:
My room is bigger than yours and my 60's do fine.

My room is smaller than yours and the M80s do a great job

.

Seriously with a room of that size I would go for the M80s if budget is not a huge concern.

I would recommend getting the M80ti's. I have my sound system in a very large room (about 60x20x9 feet), and the M80's create a very nice soundstage. I am using a Denon 3805, but would eventually like to get something like the Earthquake Cinénova Grande Seven-Channel Amplifier (300wpc!).

Wilco, with a 34'x 17'x 15' room I'd certainly go with the M80s, no doubt.

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In reply to:
I have my sound system in a very large room (about 60x20x9 feet), and the M80's create a very nice soundstage.

60'x 20'x 9'?!? That would certainly be, what I would consider to be a huge room indeed. Now I see why you are using four 80s Richie.

Get the 80s.

I use a 3805 and components for video with no problems.

Ratpack, Kcarlile, Sirquack, and Wid - Thanks for the replies.

It is DVI on my equipment. So, I've decided on the Denon 3805 using the component video solution. I ordered the M80ti's last night, and I'll add the 500 sub soon.

Thanks for all of the help.

Did you order from the Factory Outlet to save 10%?

Congrats on the M80s, I sure you will be pleasantly suprised.

Based on the good advice from these forums, I ordered the speakers from the factory outlet, and I also got a fully-warranteed Denon 3805 B-stock receiver from Dakmart. Now I just have to figure out a way to kill time the next 3 weeks while I wait for my speakers...

Rick:

My 60x20x9 ft room is used as a family room with an informal dining area, and yes, there is a kitchen at one end. The four M80ti's and the VP150 (and the EP600) fill it up with sound very nicely! I did not have high expectations with the Denon 3805, but I have been pleasantly surprised with the power of the amplifiers to drive four 4-ohm and one 6-ohm speaker. The 3805 has never become too hot to touch!

Eventually I plan to get a separate amp for the speakers and use the Denon 3805 as a pre-amp/pro only.

It's always good to see another Axiom owner happy with their purchase. I have had my M80s for over two and a half years now and they still bring a smile on my face when I fire them up. To me they are an amazing value.