I didn't know Adam88 was your brother. Did you all run your T Amp off batteries or an AC/DC converter? If you ran it off of 4 AA batteries, I'd guess the Onkyo would sound a bit more natural or open. If you ran the T Amp off a 3+Amp 13.8 volt power supply, I'd be very surprised if the Onk came out on top (assuming you were running some efficient Axiom speakers.)

I've had my share of Onkyo receivers and amplifiers. I had a TSDX (dislex) 797, many M282 2 channel amps, and still have the Big Onk, an M504. The T Amp more than holds its own against all these Onks. Which Onk were you using? Batteries, right?

Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.