I like to tinker, I flip avr's quite often. Ive done the same with blu-ray players, tv's, until I kinda find what I like. Once I do I buy the new upper tier and use it for many years. Its kinda how I ended up with my sub, my display and my Oppo. Ive had two marantz (6005 and 6007), two Denon's (varying power ratings and Audyssey versions), one Onkyo 818 and I bought my dad a 809. I basically buy 1 or two years behind so I get great deals.
After all that, my determination is I want something along the lines of a 1010, with XT32 and Sub EQ. I could get an X4000 now, but Im just going to use the 6007 and watch and wait. I was wondering if the upper tier Onkyo's had gone to 2 year spans kinda like Denon has done on their upper line.
To be honest, my favorite out of the bunch was the 818, it performed well, when we watch movies I push em hard and it sounded great. I also like the heft and beef of the Onkyo. To be honest, my Klipsh towers of course do not need a lot of power, but like I said once Ive figured out what I want and its a long term purchase, I kinda overbuy. If i was buying now the 1010 or 3010 would be the choice, so at this point I guess Ill just wait and see. Im not counting out a 7008 either, I could always grab it next year at a discount. IMO, XT32 is a must and Id like Sub EQ because I plan to add a second VTF15 next year as well. Once the AVR purchase is down, I'll have pretty much everything I want in my HT.
When it comes to looks, Marantz wins.