1... I would suggest considering the
Onkyo TX-SR875 for $1119 shipped. It will sound every bit as good as the Marantz... maybe a little better when really pushed.
- More power: 140W/Ch x 7 ch
- Better video chip: Reon-HQV™ HD video scaling up to 1080p
- HDMI V1.3 repeater (4in/1out)
- Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding
- Top line of Burr-Brown DACs for clean sound
... and if you really want to step up go for the
Onkyo TX-NR905 at $1416 shipped.
- Massive Toraoidal transformer plus 2 separate transformers for Audio & Video Processing
- Reon-HQV™ HD video scaling up to 1080p
- Built-in HD radio
- Network capability for audio streaming, and USB front input
I believe both of these are a step up to the Audyssey MultEQ XT.
More power... more features and they both cost less with a 30 day return option to boot.
I and several others here own the 805 and could not be happier. I also own the NAD T785, but it would cost a LOT more. If I could send it back and get the 905 I would... just to save money.
If you dead set on the Marantz you can get $75 off and free shipping at
OneCall.
3... Why not the Panasonic PT-AE2000U at 1500 Lumens vs 1000 and 16000:1 CR vs. 15000:1. Both are LCD models and the Panny has been highly reviewed and well respected. Projector People has it for $2599 with free shipping using their SPRING100 coupon... and you might find it cheaper elsewhere. Projector Central has a
comparison between these two units and they are pretty much equal, but to me the Visible Pixelation and other features tip the scale to the Panny. I absolutely love this pj... it is in my HT room.
4... IMO... paying $1000 for a Blu-ray player right now is way too much. Personally I would opt for spending as little as possible until at least OPPO releases their Blu-ray player. It will probably be much less than all the rest of the respectable ones and better, if OPPO carries on its tradition. Otherwise I would probably not spend anymore than the
Panasonic DMP-BD30 at $499 shipped. Shop around, you may find it cheaper. Look at the
reviews on it though... outstanding compared to many others.
You will save a good bit here... spend some of it on a SVS PB13-Ultra or a PC-Ultra. You will be miles ahead with either of these subs.
You may can save some on the LCD as well... again, check out
OneCall. They have some good deals going all the time.