There is a very good, and worthwhile advantage to use multiple subs. The ‘extra’ .x just helps set the subs up with the audio processor, but you can do that the old fashioned way too.
The only folks that advocate 7 channel over 5 channel on this board are those that have 7 channel and have been watching Blue Ray and HD/DVD since day one, or, have large rooms. The discrete 6 and 7 channel sound tracks on many BR and HD/DVD disks add another level of enjoyment over typical 5 channel sound tracks that are matrixed into 7 channel with post processing. Definitely go with 7 channel.
The 4308, in my opinion, fills a very small nitch of users at a substantial premium over the 3808. However, if you can swing it, the 5308 is one heck of an AVR. Don’t get hung up with the WPC rating, as that means very little. What the 5308 has over the 3808 is vastly improved video performance with the Realta chip. The Realta is the current king of the hill, and it commands a hefty price tag.
