Ok, I know that the street price for the Onkyo TX-NR906 is about $1,250
But I just can't remember the best street price for the Yamaha RX-Z7.
Anyone know? Was it somewhere around $1,700?
Don't get me wrong, the Z7 is a very nice receiver, with great power reserve, excellent video processor, very nice cosmetics (nicer than the Onkyo 906), great DSP modes (the best), nice front face and rear too, runs as hot as the Onkyo 906, weight about 13.5 pounds less than the 906, YPAO, etc.
But the 906 is very nice too, it should not be dismiss so easily; with Audyssey MultEQ XT, THX Ultra2 Plus, good Dacs, 3 TI Aureus DSP chips, lots of true power (into 4 ohms too), great HQV Reon video processor too (comparable to the Z7, not a big difference from my view), etc.
I don't think one is much better than the other one. I'ts only a question of preference and finances too.
I know that in the UK, they really like the Z7. And even if it's cost more.
The Onkyo receivers in the UK are heavily discounted, I'm just amazed at that.
It seems that a lot of people are afraid by the heat too.
Maybe Pioneer Elite SC series are into something here with their ICE power.
The SC-07 can be had for very little money (used to be $900, but now I think it's $1,000).
Anyway, any of these receivers, mated with the right speakers, are all top notch performers.