If you can track it down, the Sensible Sound (Issue #99) reviewed the Onkyo TX-NR700 & 800 and was very impressed with the quality of parts and overall 2 channel amplifier design of the TX-NR 800. The reviewer's conclusion was that the 800's amp was good enough to be used standalone. The only drawback seemed to be that the unit ran very hot.
Best regards,
Rich
Best regards,
Rich