Is there a flagship class model coming out soon? I really hope so, we need competition to those affordable $7,500 AVPs.
They finally announced the Integra DRX 8.4 yesterday... it is a 7.2.4 AVR
For those who want more channels (esp. subs) we will have to wait for the RZ90 and its "9" series siblings I suspect.
Still at US$3200 and including Dirac Live - we have some competition in the marketplace.
With DLBC multi sub that rises to US$3700...
Let's see what street prices are like - it would fill my needs perfectly, especially if it support DL-ART come October.
Compared to the X4800, it has substantially more power, and 11.4 channels powered.
Also compared to the X4800, it has fewer seperate sub channels, 2 vs 4
For the OP, seeking 5 channels, there most likely is no cheaper option than the Storm (or a custom PC)... 5 sub channels is an unusual requirement.
But with DL-ART, and full range speakers working cooperatively, chances are 2 subs will be plenty. (finding space for the 2nd is alread difficult in my environment)
Pricewise the X4800 is cheaper, even with DLBC Multisub (US$3300 vs US$3700) but the amps in the Onkyo are both a step up in quality, and more channels / quantity... so the value seems reasonable.