I have a meager setup compared to what many have on this site: I have a pair of m22s and a Dayton 12" sub running on an Onkyo 304. Considering the fact that I spent <$500 on this setup, I'm pretty dang happy with the results.
As a college student, money is always an issue! Lately, I've been checking up on the used market with hopes that I can perhaps find a center channel to complete my 5.1 setup (my father is giving me an old pair of Bose 100s to use as surrounds).
Anyways, I woke up this morning and checked my usual websites and to my surprise, I saw a pair of used M80s that I could actually afford! My jaw literally dropped when I saw the buy it now price, so I pulled the trigger!
My birthday is coming up next week so I treated myself to a little gift
Now, I just need to figure out if my receiver is going to be able to run this sucker! If not, then its okay, I figure I can hook the speakers up to my father's system (onkyo 605) and sell my Onkyo 304 and M22s to fund a new receiver.
BTW the Onkyo 304 runs at 65 watts/channel @8ohms. I will probably be running it as a stereo setup until I can find a center channel.
Just did some research and found that Onkyo is not a good choice to run the M80s. I typically research before purchasing but got excited when I saw the deal on eBay. (I never really researched M80s since they were way out of my price range) I'm pretty bummed right now.
Will it be safe to run the M80s at a moderate level on my receiver (Onkyo TX-SR304)? I would really like to at least be able to listen to them, but it looks like I may have to trade/sell these and try to get M60s.
I have also run into a thread stating that Denons might be a better choice as far as receivers are concerned. I really only have around ~300 for a new receiver or a power amp. (I was saving for a flatscreen, when I ran into the m80 deal) I ultimately want to upgrade to a 5.1 system.
What do you guys recommend I do?
What color are they? I'll straight up trade you my M60s for the M80s if they are boston cherry? Sounds like a GREAT solution to me.
Seriously though (in case you don't want to swap
) I don't know much about the power req's of the M80s just that my receiver will handle them just fine. Then again, I wasn't on a college student budget when I bought it. I am sure others will have more useful information (again, it you don't want to swap...)
EDIT: I checked Fleabay and the only ones that sold recently look like they ARE boston cherry! Sweet... So, ya wanna swap? (nudge nudge....)
Hi Holler,
Onkyos often shut right down when connected to a 4-ohm load like the M80s, so I wouldn't advise it.
Regards,
The M80s are indeed in Boston Cherry. If I were to trade for M60s I would be looking for black and perhaps a little extra for my TV fund
(If indeed my Onkyo can power the m60)
I still need some time to figure this out, I also don't expect the speakers to come until next week since I just purchased them from an online auction site this morning!
All kidding aside, I think that you should keep them. The price seemed pretty good (didn't look at the shipping, but still...) Focus on the receiver/amp side and see what comes up. Maybe you will come across a deal there too.
I appreciate all the quick replies!
Nick, I tend to agree with what you've said since I don't think I will be able to find another pair of M80s for this low a price. With some birthday money I can probably find a good deal on a Denon AVR or a decent amp. I can probably hold off on that flat screen till Black Friday as well.
I guess my biggest issue is that I wanted to stick these speakers in my dad's theater, (until I find my own place) but he will not be able to put these to use since he has an Onkyo 605.
Any recommendations for an amp/receiver that can run these speakers for ~300? Also, I'm not very keen on how a power amp works, can somebody explain how I would hook one up to my 304 or my dad's 605?
It'll work at fairly low levels. I wouldn't stress on it.
Also--when I was in college, I had some speakers from a mini-system that I put radio shack drivers in. What is the world coming to? Durn kids these days...
It looks like you bought a pair of M80s for $450 plus $100 shipping for $550 total. They cost $665 each as new or $599 each from factory outlet. If they function as good as they look on ebay, I would say that you got yourself an incredible deal. I would not sell or swap them if I were you. You may end up kicking yourself for doing this. You should not feel rushed into putting together your HT system. Take your time, evaluate various receivers, consider your budget, and don't be pressured into buying any one unit.
John
Thanks for the advice! ihifi, I noticed you're from CT, I'm located in Enfield - how about you?
I live in Guilford and work in New Haven. You will be more than amazed with your M80s.
John
Congrats on your M80's! Like others, I wholeheartedly recommend keeping them even if it takes you awhile to save up money for an appropriate AVR/amp to drive them. I personally had a bad experience driving M80's with an Onkyo TX-SR805, to the point where I returned the 805. The long version of that story is
right here.
I am currently running my M80's with a Rotel RSX-1057 and it does a great job at it. The RSX-1057 may be a bit over your current budget, though when I was having issues with my Onkyo setup, Alan recommended Sherwood Newcastle, Denon, Harman/Kardon, B&K, Rotel, NAD, and McIntosh.
Wow it's unfortunate that one of Onkyo's top end models still has trouble running the M80s. I actually ran into your thread earlier and looked into those brands that you had mentioned.
I did a little browsing around and found a few receivers within my price range: a Marantz SR4001 and an HK AVR247. Both are a little low when it comes to wattage but have pre outs so I can eventually get a power amp.
I'm not really familiar with how power amps work, but would it be possible to buy a stereo power amp to run the M80s and use the receiver to run the rest of the speakers?
For now, I intend on using the M80s in a 2.1 setup (powered sub), do you think either of these receivers will suffice? Are there any other specific models I should look into?
Sorry for the loaded questions, but I really value what the members of this forum have to say.
Quote:
I'm not really familiar with how power amps work, but would it be possible to buy a stereo power amp to run the M80s and use the receiver to run the rest of the speakers?
This will work fine.
Wid,
Did you notice that this guy has "...9' flat ceilings with berber carpet..."?
That sounds much more acoustically friendly than the mirrors I have on my 8.5' ceilings.....
I was extremely surprised when Halo reported problems with his Onkyo particularly given the Onkyo's ratings. However, many others report problems with popping noises, etc to the point where they add cooling fans. Alan's right. Stay away.
I know there are others using an Onkyo receiver with the M80s with no problems. It wouldn't have been my first choice with the M80s but don't hesitate to at least try the 605 with them. It very well might work if you don't drive it to hard. The worst that will happen is the 605 will go into protect mode, give it a try.
Did you read the link from Audioholics where they used the 601 with the M80s?
What practical purpose do these mirrors serve?
That would have been a tough job to do
Quote:
What practical purpose do these mirrors serve?
If he has to tell you then you don't need to know 
I think one of us needs to take Mojo under our wing and show him the ropes
Well, I did ask you before to adopt me
.
Holler, congratulations on your good buy on the M80s. I can understand your excitement since I certainly didn't have such excellent speakers when I was a student. However, what you "found" about powering them isn't necessarily correct. Any modern amplifier will work with the M80s; the question is how loud and how long. The typical modern receiver, such as your 304, has significant power capability at 4 ohms, regardless of whether it's officially rated at that impedance. Try it first before you assume that there'll be a problem. You may well find that you have adequate amplification for most(or all)situations. If not, there's plenty of time to think of a future replacement.
Hey all! Speakers arrived today in great condition. Thankfully he sent them via FedEx because UPS has been absolutely destroying all my packages lately.
I have them hooked up to an older Yamaha (HTR-5640 - 75w) and having it running in stereo. I noticed that no sound (or barely any) is coming out of the woofers.
Initially I assumed it was a crossover problem, so I disabled the subwoofer and set the main speakers as 'large' and still nothing. Any ideas?
Edit: I snapped a quick pick of the M80 and its little brother. A Bose 100 is sitting on the shelf, neglected and replaced.
Holler:
Make sure the two straps that connect the two sets of binding posts are in place!
Barely any? The word "barely" scares me.
Are you sure the music has a bass component to it?
Is the channel level turned up?
Is the bi-amp bar installed on the back of the M80?
Put a 9V battery across the terminals and see if the cones move in and out.
Ah I see, I didn't have the bi-amp bars put in to connect the 2 sets of binding posts.
Just to confirm, should I have a total of 2 bars or 2 for each speaker for a total of 4? Also, what is the proper way to install them?
Holler:
The two top connect to the two bottom:
Thanks Mark. Unfortunately, the seller only supplied me with 2 bars total. Will get in contact with him asap.
Yeah, I'd say so... for the time being, you can just use very short pieces of wire between the bottom and top post for the ones you don't have straps for.
That's exactly what I would have said, good idea. Using some short speaker wire is every bit as good as the binding post staps.
Hey, I've got to be useful occasionally.
Whoops, that was it for the month.
Hooked it up as you suggested and the speakers look and sound absolutely beautiful. I was kind of worried that these speakers might be too much for me, and maybe they are
, but so far I love them! Thank you all so much for the help!
I know the feeling. Congrats!
Onkyos often shut right down when connected to a 4-ohm load like the M80s, so I wouldn't advise it.
Really?
Even the 901? Or the higher end model?