You should also look at what Shawn is doing from a Canadian perspective. The Onkyo PR-SC5508, if you can find it at a Canadian retailer, is probably going to cost you over C$3000 (I would be happy if someone could refute this). When I bought my PR-SC886 you could not even buy them in Canada. If a Canadian wants a PR-SC5508 for anything approaching a reasonable price you have to, I think, buy from a US vendor.
My own experience buying Onkyo preamps from US vendors has been mixed. I was ripped off by one (Professional Audio Solutions) and had a good experience with another (Markertek). If I were going to buy a PR-SC5508 (and I might yet) I would consider doing what Shawn is doing and look forward to hearing more from him about his experience with the unit and The Upgrade Company.
