Amp(s) for Marantz SR7001 and Axiom Epic 80

[DBooger]

I’m assembling a 5.1 HT using Axiom M80 / VP150 / QS8 / EP500, as well as two 8-ohm satellite speakers to an adjacent room. I understand that I need external amplification for this system. Sure, the dedicated HT room is only 2,500 cubes (“clean” drywall walls, reasonably thick pile carpet, limited leather furniture) , but as Tim Taylor would say, “More Power!”

On the low end, could I run two Outlaw 2200’s for the towers, and kick everything else to the receiver? I think (?) this receiver will let me “bi-amp” the center channel.

On the high end, could I simply dump all “speaker out” to an Emotiva MPS-1?

Is there a middle path? What would you do? Thanks!

 

[Jey Jockey]

Booger, I own the MPS1 and it is a superb unit. I also have recently converted to m80's with the DMC1 doing pre-pro duty. The sound is incredible, imaging and soundstage is jaw dropping as is detailed highs and mids and deep well controlled very tight punchy bass.

The IPS1 may work for you as well, but I LOVE the power and headroom the MPS1 provides.

My HT is 20x14', very dead accoustics and around 2800cu.ft. The MPS1 has only shutdown once when I cranked the snot of it to rediculous ear bleeding levels which one would never be able to stand, it actaully hurt!

 

[DBooger]

Thanks. Man, I was starting to think I used the wrong secret word or something!

There may be lower-dollar solutions, but I'm leaning towards the Emotiva. Thanks again.

 

[Jey Jockey]

Another thing to remember is that the M80's are 4ohm speaks and MOST avr's will not be able to handle any kind of volume without either distorting, clipping or shutting down, they are not an easy speaker to drive to get their maximum potential from, they love lots of power.

 

[jcPanny]

Inexpensive Amp

I would try out the new Axioms with the receiver first. You may find that it is adequate for your room size and listening preferances. I am running a pair of 4 ohm Onix Ref 1's off of my lower end Yamaha receiver without any problems.

If you substituted the Axiom M60's for the fronts, you should have no trouble driving them with a receiver and save a few bucks.

Also, for $180, the Behringer A500 is an inexpensive outboard amp to use for the mains if necessary.

 

[mdrew]

I'm running M80's off the SR8001. It drives them fine and doesn't shut down with the volume pinned. (roughly 105 db's with the ep600 off, at 12' in an 1800 CF room.)

 

[DBooger]

Panny / Drew -

I've consulted my tea leaves, chicken bones and snake oil, and have decided that the m80's will all but give me a holographic sound stage, if I can get them enough juice. A pair of Outlaws is attractive from the $$ standpoint, but I hear the siren song of "More Power!"

Thanks for your reply.

 

[mdrew]

They love power and will take about as much as you could ever find to throw at them (upwards of 700 wpc). I was running them with a Rotel RB1080 and they played very nicely together. You ought to ask the Axiom board members for other options. That’s usually where I hang out. Nice crowd. I don’t normally visit this sight.