I just bought the new Onkyo 609 stupidly without hearing it as there was no sound room at Richer Sounds Brighton branch !! (there once was ) based on the track record I have read about on the 608 .II was talked into buying the 609 by a staff member but I must say I am disappointed in the sound I have it hooked up to an impressive set up , with quality wiring, and have replaced a older Yamaha non HDMI AX 750se which had an awesome sound but unfortunately after many years died on me ! The ONKYO I have played around with for many many many hours trying to simulate the presence warmth attack and solidness of the Yamaha but I just cannot do it , it is clinical precise but lacks warmth and mid range prowess , it leans to a very treble sound and does not have the natural sound of the Yamaha. Annoyingly my old NAD 304 sounds a zillion times better playing music CD's I have been told to let it wear in and warm up for longer and see if it sounds better , I cannot imagine this happening and am totally frustrated at wasting my time efforts and cash and am wondering whether I should have actually bought a Pioneer . The more expensive LX83 .The ONKYO has all the gizmos and on paper looks awesome but Im not convinced I havent made a mistake , my ears are more reliable than any reviews (yet to see one saying that) .I eagerly await what hi fis review out this Tuesday for the ONKYO just 5 days !!! The problem seems to be these days with so little sound room availability is being able to audition something before parting with large amounts of cash. Can anyone offer me any advice what to go for or comment to this ??