Well, I never believe in coincidences, and when events occur that coincide with particular happenings in my life to a degree that I cannot ignore the synergy, I act ... even if out of nothing more than sheer curiosity. While perusing the internet this morning, I came across an ad that was advertising the Onkyo TX-SR805 AVR at a price of $629.00. They also had the new Sony BDP-S500 Blu-ray player for $629.00. Karma? Kismet? Curiosity (as noted in my initial post)? Whatever the explanation (or some may say "excuse") I went out today and purchased both for a test-drive. Will receive some 1.3a certified HDMI cables later this week and will try and find time to set the thing up next weekend by bypassing my 990 and using the Onkyo as a pre-pro through the pre-outs on the unit to the inputs of the 770. Would try it sooner but that darn "work" thing keeps getting in the way of the important things in my life! If anyone is interested I will try and get back here to post what will be my admittedly subjective impressions of the experiment once I have had a sufficient chance to evaluate them. I figure that even if I am not impressed with the Onkyo when compared to the 990 in my main set-up, I can either return the Onkyo (will probably keep the Sony - I have run that through the 990 and it is an impressive unit) or relegate the Onkyo to bedroom duty with my mini-HT system I have in there.

Later!

Mike