One is a 9 channel and one is a 7 channel. I think I'd get that figured out before you spend any money. No point in buying amplifiers you won't use. Also understand that one of the things you pay for is multi zone capability. Do you need that? In other words, it seems like you haven't really decided what you need in a receiver. I'd get that out of the way first and then go shopping. I've made the same mistake. The receiver I use goes way beyond what I need and use. I could have saved several hundred dollars and not changed a thing by having a more clear idea of what I really needed. The marketing can be appealing. Make sure you don't make your decisions based on marketing. As to the brands, they are both respected, big name brands that should provide similar satisfaction.
