Thanks for the reply! Option two does sound like the least expensive, time-consuming way to go. I've noticed that the 805 does not actually have main in / pre in labelled sockets. It does, however, have multichannel inputs (like many other AV receivers). Am I correct in assuming that these bypass the pre-amp stage and will allow me to use the 805 as a power amp essentially?
If not then I may be out of luck since I definitely do not want to run the signal from the NAD through 2 pre-amps (the one on the NAD and then the 805).
Additionally, through further reading, it seems that there may be option 4. If I plug the 805 pre-out into a line level input (eg Aux in) on the NAD and then all 2 channel sources into the NAD, I will effectively be able to use the NAD as a separate 2 channel system. The issue is with 5.1 where the front speakers would be driven by the NAD....would I gain any benefit driving the front speakers with a dedicated 50 wpc from the NAD versus the 120 wpc of the Onkyo (split across multiple channels)? And secondly, would pre-amping the front channel signal twice (Onkyo pre-amp then NAD pre-amp) introduce deterioration in sound quality?
Is there a way, perhaps, of using the tape loop on the NAD to accomplish my goals. I read on another thread that the tape loop is essentially the same as the "processor/HT bypass" feature marketed on other amps...
Thanks,
El Duderino