I have done a lot of research on this topic and generally the consensus on my main point of reference (avs) is quite the opposite to what you said. I was solely convinced that lossless playback on a reasonably good grade equipment would outshine my meridian, hence the reason why i started looking for a new pre-pro (and fast at that!)
Part of the trouble is that many here have DSP loudspeakers so it is impossible to compare systems even if we wanted to. Even with analogue amps and speakers it's not a terribly practical comparison to perform. A lot of us have also heard DVD-A at its very best in an all-digital Meridian multi-channel system and it is very very special. We would love to be able to enjoy lossless soundtracks with movies.
I've found with AVS that there are golden nuggets of information to be found, but it does tend to be "fanboy central". I suspect (but don't know) that many Onkyo owners are either jumping on to the latest and greatest(?) bandwagon because it's the latest and greatest(?) bandwagon or are there because they don't have the $$$ for really high-end kit. The Onkyo may sound great in many systems, but it will never be a Meridian (or Lexicon, etc.). Whether these high-end manufacturers are letting us down or doing the right thing in their cautious approach, I'm not going to debate any more. I just wish owners of Meridian processors knew where they stood.
nevertheless as most things are i really do intend on buying the onkyo and judging for myself that.
Please let us know what you think, even if (as is inevitable) it is a subjective opinion.
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