Hi Chris,
Keep in mind that you have the power to start on an upgrade path at any time you wish, and your complete path may take many years to complete, if it ever comes to an end at all.
So with your Onkyo, you might match up a decent pair of speakers that sound good but would sound even better with a better source to push them. Then you can think about ways to upgrade the source by adding power.
I didn't mean to contribute to your disatisfaction with the Onkyo and actually think they are fine machines. However, one of the nice things about the Outlaw is that you can easily take the next step by adding an amp and using the pre outs on the back, turning it into a pre-amp for the next stage of amplification. There is probably a path you could take that would lead to many gradual changes over time, 'cause, lets face it, once the "bug" bites, will you ever be completely satisfied with what you currently have.....:-)
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"Art is not a mirror, but a hammer."
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"Art is not a mirror, but a hammer."