I debated and decided to hold out for the 7700/7500 model. I went with the 7125 trade up option. Figured I'd try it out and see what happens.

Right now I'm debating if I want a 7700 or 7500 since I only have the five speakers now. If went with the 7500 when I finally get the second set of surrounds I could get two monoblocks for the front speakers and leave the other five on the 7500, or I could spend the money now.

Based on what I've read I don't see the value in the seven seperate monoblocks, but I'm not that picky audibally unlike some. The only reason I could think of needing it was for convieniance of 'if something goes wrong' I didnt' feel like spending the money on that 'insurance' and seven power cords was a bit of an issue for me as well.

My $0.02