Is anyone using a Pioneer SC-27 and M80's? I've been suffering AVR upgrade-itis and I've been eyeing the Pioneer. I currently have a an older Denon and it drives the M80's fine but I can get a pretty good deal on the the Pioneer versus a comparable spec Denon.

I just want to make sure the Pioneer will handle the 4 ohm load.

Thanks in advance for any help/opinions.

Hi Joe, if I'm not mistaken(double check), both Tom(tuttle) and Catbrat are using "lower" model Pioneers to power their Axiom's(not M80s however) without complaints. I know that's probably not too helpfull being different speakers, but the receiver you're referring to is quite a step up from the ones they are using. I know Alan usually recommends some of the other brands, you might also pm him and get his opinion.

I think Tom (Tuttle) has an Onkyo.

Mine is the lowest cost of the Elites VSX-21THX. The MSRP is $800. I only power the M22's, but I haven't heard any complaints with this one from anyone.

Joe, any modern receiver can "handle" a 4 ohm load(which incidentally, the M80 isn't over the majority of its frequency range); the question is how loud and how long. If your Denon drives your M80s at the levels which you use, there's no good reason to suspect that the SC-27 wouldn't do equally well in that regard.

Thank all of you for the replies. I think I am going to give the Pioneer a try.

Hi Joe,
You might want to read one of my previous posts for some background info. I have experience with the SC-05 and it's successor the SC-25. Hope that helps. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

I'll be interested to read your review if you end up trying one.

Cheers,

Thanks Dan. That thread was an interesting read but now I'm having second thoughts. I've had 3 Denons in a row and was thinking of trying a Pioneer this time. Decisions...