Peter,
My 3008 arrives tomorrow! Can't wait to check it out. I just sold my Pioneer VSX-9040TXH (which I loved) but the new audyssey XT32 made me upgrade. I've read nothing but good things about the 3008/5008. I shied away from the Denon 4311 due to all the bugs that so far have not been worked out. Onkyo has release 3 firmware updates since release and everyone who owns one loves it.
Hometheater did a review of the 5008
here and they gave it 5/5 stars. For what it's worth, they were drooling all over it. The reviewer even states it beat out an ATI 1505 power amp that retails for $1700.00 Hard to believe, but hey, whatever...
I was going to get the 5008 for the upgraded power transformers, but I will probably go with an outboard amp later on anyway. I doubt you could actually "hear" any difference between the 2 anyway. The only other difference I see is 1 more USB port and 32bit DAC instead of 24bit for the 3008. Again, I don't think they will any audible difference between 32/24 bit. For the difference in price I would rather put the extra funds towards an amp or Wide surround speakers, or something...
BTW, I can't believe the 3008 weights over 50lbs!
As soon as I get my 3008 up and running, I'll post a mini review.
Dana
