That was a good review of the Pioneer, very helpful.

I am also considering retiring our Onkyo 797 from 2002. I plan on going to a 7.1 setup and our unit is not so featured.
I also want to consider some of the newer sound formats (or newer video switching capabilities) for the same and again, the older Onkyo is out of date in this regard.
It also has a global crossover but it is sadly also fixed (either on or off at 80Hz), so i don't use it.

We're looking into possibly getting another Onkyo and an external amp (again future considerations for power requirements of various speakers, and more of them).
It was interesting to read how the newer Pioneers still seem to have some of the same, 'outdated' features from 2002. I would never have guessed.

"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."