Seth what about the preamp part of the receiver? Do you still think the onkyo is better? (just curious).
No, I don't. But if I was looking for a receiver as a preamp, I'd look at the Marantz SR5004. The preamp has the exact same SNR as the SR7002, and while that doesn't mean they are the same, they are both certainly of high quality for a preamp in a receiver. I seem to remember a review for the SR6004 was done by Gene here, and he mentioned that it would not make sense, cost wise, to use the same preamp section in the SR6004 for a separates preamplifier. Basically, the amp section is available if you want to use it, but you can still use the Marantz as a high quality preamplifier. I would expect good performance from all the Marantz models in their current lineups. The only thing they seem to lack is a phono input, but you can get a phono preamp if that's important.
It's noteworthy that the Onkyo TX-NR807 and TX-NR1007 do have phono inputs. Keep in mind that Onkyos have a reputation for running hotter and have a spotty track record with customer service and reliability on certain models. The TX-SR806 was a particular problem, but I believe the TX-NR807 tackled those issues.
So if I wanted a good cheap preamp/processor, I'd get a Marantz from the SR*004 series. If I wanted a receiver that did everything and more, I'd get the TX-NR1007. The preamp performance differences are probably near negligible as Onkyo has pretty good ones honestly, the Marantz is just a tinge better.
