I can get an 801 shipped for $705 and a 901 for $1045. Is the extra power and component upconversion on the 901 worth an extra $340? How about an NR900 for $699?

The 801 has more than enough power for my 17x20x10 room which is very open on back right.

As for the upconversion, you'd have to decide if it's worth it. I don't know if it improves lower signals or is just a cabling convenience.

Did a little playing today with Fellowship of the Ring.

At 65 on the volume (0-100), it was like movie theatre volume, which I usually think is a bit loud during action scenes. But the clarity and surround were awesome...much better than the theatres...and that was my priority goal! (And my son didn't cover his ears like in theatres.)

It was cool because I heard a lot of little details I haven't noticed before. Here's a few:

When Frodo first draws Sting at Rivendell, the metal ringing continues thru the next camera cut.

When the leave Rivendell and the music score builds, my heart raced! The soundstage was expansive. I actually looked right to see the horn section.

When the crebain fly over the hiding fellowship the sound follows them nicely.

When Boromir picks up the ring from the snow, the clicnking of the chain is much clearer and as he holds it up the chain keeps clinking.

Starting trek in Moria, Gandalf talks as he exits stage right. Voice follows him nicely.

In Balin's Tomb, after Pippin's oops, camera move to Aragorn and Legolas. Never heard the sound of Aragorn's torch before.

All the surround sounds during fight in tomb...you always no where that cave troll is!

Walls shake with every step of the troll and really shake when he falls.

When troll is looking around rock for Frodo he snorts. Good bass in that nose!

When Haldir first speaks, it comes from off right to center.

As Frodo enters Lorien and hears Galdriel's voice in his head it was all around me and very spooky! Just like when the black rider says, "Shire? Baggins?" to that hobbit earlier.

Any ways, back to volumes:

75 is way too loud but still sounded clear.

60 was good, but could barely hear torch sound. Wife would like it a little lower during action.

55 pleased the wife, but torch was gone and clinking was getting soft.

Hope this helps.

i have the 801 and i enjoy it very much

what speakers are you running with it???

Wow! Great post MABabs. I noticed the same things on the same movie this morning. I've been futzing with my setup the past few weeks, and I think I have it correct now.

I never realized that the dynamic range of most movies is so large. To get great dialog and subtle sound effects, you have to listen at a pretty high volume. When the action heats up, it's always just a touch too loud. The rest of the movie is perfect.

At least you verified what I have experienced. I feel much better now.

BTW: I am running an HK 630 with M60s/VP150/QS8s and I know... no sub (yet)