[JimC]

I have previously inquired about receivers or pre/processors that would
be good performers in a system with both audio (stereo and SACD
surround) and HD video. It was suggested that it would be some time
before receivers and/or pre/pros would incoporate or be compatible with
all the most desirable HDTV and SACD features/codexes. In other words,
those units intended primarily for video didn't include features I would
want for SACD surround, (such as adjustable bass management for
front/surround/center channels, good level matching from multiple
positions, etc.). Also, few "audio-centered" units seemed to include all
the possible video functions one might want in the future, such as HDMI
1.3, etc. - Since I don't upgrade very often (new electronics maybe
every 10 - 15 years), it didn't see, to make sense for me to replace my
existing system with one that lack features I may want in the next few
years, despite that fact that some of those features won't be in general
use soon (e.g., HDMI 1.3, deep color, etc.).

Recently, however, some new receivers coming on the market seem to
include lots of such capabilities and features. For example, from the
reviews and specs of the new Onkyo TX-SR receivers, e.g., the TX SR-705
and SR-805, I can't think of much else that I would want in the near
future. They all include HDMI 1.3 compatibility, 1080p upconversion,
multi-channel bass management, etc., and the 805 includes Burr-Brown DAC
circuitry, HD tuner, etc., etc. I think that some others also include
many of these features. - I'm aware that I can't get a system that's
entirely "future proof", but these units seem to go a long way. At a
minimum, the switching capabilities of these units could be an
improvement over my existing rats-nest (three banks of multisection
swithing units connected to multiple cables.) - Does anyone have any
comments regarding these, or other such units?

Since I have three stereo power amps that I use to drive my Maggies, I
probably wouldn't use the power amp sections provided in such a
receiver. - So, I might prefer to get a good pre/processor rather than a
receiver if it would provide higher quality audio. - However, I don't
see any pre/pros on the market that have anywhere near the versatility
and features of these new receivers. Also, I don't really want to
invest multiple thousands of $$$ in a low-volume "hand crafted" unit
from a high-end manufacturer.

Any comments would be appreciated, including suggestions regarding
units from other manufactures (Sony, Pioneer, HK, Outlaws, Rotel)
expected on the market in the next six months that would have similar
capabilities. Basically my major concern relates to the quality of the
audio of the preamp sections (not the power amps) of units such as these
from Onkyo, comparable to the better current Onkyo units? If the answer
regarding audio quality is negative, I suppose that I could still use my
old Carver preamp and external power amps for stereo.

Jim