Gena: I would be interested in hearing what your decision process was for the 703.
After looking for over a year, my situation boiled down to a receiver having at least 4 optical (audio) inputs, the Dolby Digital and THX signal processing, and NOT having any video upconversion/ switching (DVI or HDMI).
The Rat.
M80s, VP-150, QS8s,
SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO,
Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880
Sony 60" SXRD HDTV