The often debated: Pre-pro/MC Amp or AVR/MC Amp or Just AVR

[ldgibson76]

Hello fellow members.

I would like to pose my dilemma to the AVR/Pre-pro/Multi-Channel amp connaisseurs.
Initially, my plan was to replace my aging 50" Samsung 720P plasma with a 63" Samsung plasma, but, life intervened and money was diverted to other pressing issues. But the upgraditis symptoms never subsided. They have intensified! So next in line is the AVR/Pre-pro quandary. You must understand, I'm under tight fiscal restraints orchestrated by the wife. Purchasing anything electronic would be vetoed in an immediate fashion! followed by a tongue lashing
So the upgrade must be clandestine in nature. You see, purchasing a larger flat panel would be too obvious, but a new pre-pro or AVR, there's a good chance that she wouldn't know the difference.
Now, I'm currently using a legacy AVR as a pre-pro and multi-channel amp combo.
Marantz SR9300

Marantz MM9000 and Belkin PureAV 24502 3-in-1 HDMI switcher.


Room size: 18 x 11.6 x 8
Speakers: 6.1 Klipsch Reference RF35 Towers; RC35 Center; RS35 Surrounds; RS25 Rear; RSW10 Sub.
Seating position: Approximately 9 1/2 ft from the TV (dead center)
55% music listening, 45% movie viewing
Music preference: Jazz; Jazz vocals; R&B; Movie Musical Scores/soundtracks; Classical; Alternative
Movie Preferences: Action; Suspense; Family; Comedy.
Please view gallery to get a visual of the room and current setup.

Priorities are:

Smooth/seamless HDMI switching
Hi-Rez audio decoding
Quality 2 channel playback
Ability to accommodate 10 components
User Friendliness-easy adjustments and calibration (bass management)

Here's my choices:
1) Replace the Marantz SR9300 with the Marantz SR6003 and continue to use the Marantz MM9000 170W x 5 amp.
http://us.marantz.com/SR6003_Spec_sheet_11182008.pdf
Pros:
a) 3 HDMI inputs, all repeating
b) Decodes all lossless audio codecs
c) Audessey MultEQ
d) Easy integration because of existing Marantz macros in Universal Remote.
e) Currently on sale for $600.00 (very attractive)
Spouse Detectability: Very unlikely!

Cons:
a) May have to sacrifice some of my devices due to lack of inputs (ultimately, not a bad thing).
b) Known to have some HDMI handshake issues with gaming and some bluray products.
c) Only 3 HDMI inputs, I have 4 HDMI compatible devices.
d) Made in China! Say what you want, but I've seen and experienced the China-made products from marantz and I can tell you, there is a difference in the quality compared to the older Japan-made products. In particular, the attention to detail. Those who have had older Marantz products and then purchased new Marantz offerings will likely tell you the same.

2) The Onkyo SC-885 Pre-Pro w/the Rotel RMB-1095 200w x 5 amp.
http://www.onkyopro.com/model.cfm?m=...eamplifier&p=i
http://www.rotel.com/NA/Products/Pro...tails.htm?Id=2
Pros:
a) True separates combo! High quality components!
b) Plenty of inputs on the Onkyo to accomdate my component heavy system.
c) The RMB-1095 is an awesome amp, great buy! From what I've seen, the Rotel will maintain higher resale value over models from Outlaw or Emotiva because of price point and demand. Not knocking the Emotiva or Outlaw products at all. Both manufacturers make fantastic products.
d) The Onkyo sports the Reon-VX HQV chip.
e) With diligent research, the combo can be had for $1500-1800.00.
Spouse Detectability: Unlikely

Cons:
a) Discontinued models and most likely must purchase used or refurbished.
b) Known lip-sync issues with the Onkyo pre-amp. (too many variances to determine the reason)
c) Documented DSP/DTS-HDMA handling issues (subjective at best)
d) Popping issues during switching (rare occurances)
e) Must totally reprogram my MX850 remote
e) Unimpressive OSD. (when compared to other makes) Still functional though.

The AVR route: Pioneer Elite SC-27
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...uro?tab=BPros:
a) ICE amps! All-in-one solution! Ice amps virtually eliminates concerns regarding the quality of the amp section.
b) Has more than enough inputs to accomodate my boxes.
c) Extremely good looking AVR. Love the tall profile
d) THX Ultra2 Plus certified.
e) 4 HDMI inputs and almost limitless versatility!
f) On sale for $1599.99!

Cons:
a) Must reprogram my remote.
b) Because of the SC-27's tall profile, it may have to be relocated in the current configuration and require repositioning of my components which means a total rewire/cable management project! (the horror!)
c) Because the All-in-one solution, if anything new comes down the line that is considered a "must-have", and it will, may require replacing the AVR. With a pre-amp/MC amp combo, replacing the pre-pro will most likely be the solution and least costly.
d) Matching the SC-27 Ice amp section with Klipsch Reference speakers.
I've yet to here ICE amps with Klipsch Reference speakers. Not sure if the two are a good match.
e) Out of the three choices, because of the Pioneer's tall profile and glossy front panel (she's always notices shiney things) maybe the one upgrade that could be recognized by the wife, and then the gig is up! I would be made! I'd be in the dog house for the rest of the year, or until she too, received something very shiny ! If you know what I mean!
Spouse Detectability: 10-25%

So now you guys have the three scenarios. Based on my current system, room and circumstances, what would be the best move.

And if anyone has a better solution, then by all means, share!

Please forgive the usage of smiley faces! Just tryin' to convey the emotion of the mission!