hmm, perhaps Ill try converting my cds to the highest quatlity ACC that the ps3 can do and see if that tames the "brightness" a bit; I read that it does help.
I really like the looks of that marantz for $300, I might just have to wait if I dont find something used that I can make use of...
I found a Pioneer VSX-816 for $125, it does have optical inputs and preouts, is this a good choice for my very limited budget? My purpuse is 2.0 stereo with digital inputs on the amp to use with my ps3, also it has preouts for my UPA-2...