I went Boxing Day shopping online Christmas Day at Best Buy Canada I picked up the Marantz SR7010 for 1400 that's 1200 off of the Canadian price. I'm really hoping this unit is a huge upgrade from my SR5008.
Sounds like a pretty decent deal. Congrats! The biggest benefit of the 7010 over the 5008, other than the additional channels, is SubEQ HT. You now have an excuse to get a second subwoofer, since your new AVR can individually correct two subs. You may have slightly more overhead and better resolution for Audyssey room correction, but I'd be surprised if the difference is obviously audible. Ultimately, though, I think SubEQ HT will have made the upgrade worthwhile. You'll achieve more consistent bass across your seating area, so you're not limited to a small sweet spot. Hopefully with the addition of your new AVR and a second subwoofer, your wife and guests will hear from their seats pretty much what you hear from your primary listening position.
