Hi all, I'm looking for a receiver to be used with my Axiom m2i's but will also be used later for surround sound.

I've been looking at these one's so far:

Harman Kardon AVR225
Harman Kardon AVR130
Onkyo SR501
Pioneer D812K

I like the AVR130 and Onkyo because they have a variable crossover. I like the style of the AVR225 but it has a fixed crossover of 100hz. Isn't that a litte to high? Is there much of a difference between 100hz and 80hz? I'd prefer to get either the Onkyo or the Pioneer because I can get them from the store I work at for a discount. I can also get the AVR130 for a discount, but I'd have to order online. I'm trying to keep it around $200. Right now I have a cheap Pioneer VXX-108. It doesn't even have Dolby Digital.

A variable crossover is always good, but a fixed 100Hz isn't too bad in many situations. All those receivers have either Dolby PLII or Logic 7 to reconstruct surround from stereo sources; if you have lots of stereo material, surround speakers, and like music that's important.

If you don't have a sub, I'd say that's the next highest priority, considering you have M2is.

Do you think the Harman Kardon would have a lot better sound quality over the Pioneer or Onkyo?

I doubt there'd be a significant difference. An exception would be if you considered Logic 7 significantly better than PLII at providing surround. Opinions differ on this.

You could check out any reviews or comments on sites like http://www.ecoustics.com/, http://www.eopinions.com/, or http://www.avsforum.com/

Mike, operating within their power capabilities, none of those receivers you list will have any "sound quality" of their own; they'll simply amplify transparently without adding or subtracting anything audible.

Although testing shows that a 80Hz crossover is about the best compromise, being high enough to allow the sub to handle the frequencies which it does best and low enough to prevent the sub from being too localizable, 100Hz isn't bad. This is especially the case if the sub(if you have one)is in a corner more or less behind an M2.

As Joe mentioned, the presence of Logic7 on the HKs is something you might want to give extra weight to.

I have a Marantz receiver (SR7000) and it has been great. I tested it head to head against yamaha and the yamaha seemed a little brighter sounding. I preferred the smoother sound of the Marantz. My only complaint is that it has a fixed 100 hz crossover. It would be nice to be able to cross over at 80 or 90.
That said, you should check out the new Marantz's. In my opinion, they look good and sound good.

Hi MikeS, I also had the choice of the Pio 812 and the Onkyo 501 and went with the Pio. It also has a 100hZ crossover. Its very good with movie soundtracks but some people don't think its good with music.

I gathered this from browsing reviews: Be wary of Amplifier ratings. The Onkyo only pushes out 35 Watts/channel with 5 channels driven into 8-ohm speakers according to tests. The Pio may not be more than 60 Watts/channel. Harman Kardon tend to be more realistic about their power ratings. Try the Home Theater Forum for more ADVICE/INFO.

Just a couple of other thoughts. I don't see Denon on your short list (1804 or 2803) and a side trip the the AVS Forum might supplement your research.

Even a Denon 1604 might be a good choice. You've got a budget (which is good), now shop for features. dakmart.com has good B-stock Denon prices sometimes.

I'm very happy with my Denon 1603. The only problem I've noticed is no pre-outs for an external amp, which I don't need at this point.

Lots of other stuff to upgrade first!