I haven't heard the Onkyo stuff but if I had a friend that had a budget around $1200 I'd recommend that they look at the Rotel RA1062 integrated amp and the Rotel RCD1072. That combination might be a bit bright with Monitor Audios but let your ear be the judge.

I'd also look at the Jolida JD 1501A hybrid integrated amp and a Cambridge Audio Azur 640C V2 CD player. I bet they would sound good with your Monitor Audio RS6s.

Review of the Jolida JD 1501A For some reason this direct link doesn't work so go to http://www.affordableaudio.org and find the Jolida JD 1501A review under June 2007.

Review of the Cambridge Audio 640C

Jolida is located just north of Washington D.C. in Annapolis Junction, Maryland.

Marty,

I have heard the Onkyo gear of which you speak and while it maynot be considered "audiophile" it is certainly NOT low-budget. The sound was very listenable, very musical...I enjoyed it.

As mrlowry suggested check out the Rotel 1062 and 1072 combination. For only a couple dollars more you'll get a system that is even more musical. The Jolita and Cambridge that Jackfish mentions are also good choices.

Go to: www.unitedhomeproducts.com
www.listenroom.com
www.soundscapemd.com

These are small specialty shops in the Baltimore/DC area that are deffinately worth the drive. Between the 3 stores they carry all the brands mentioned. All very helpful.

If you want to contact me directly let me know, I'd be glad to talk in detail.

Mike

Marty

Dont for a second fall into the trap of an asshole sales guy belittling good equipment just so he can sell you what he wants to.

The Onkyo is perfectly valid hifi equipment and has been well reviewed both in the US and the UK, i would defiently take a listen.

The secret is going to be finding a hifi store that will let you audition at home, that service is priceless, its really key on Speakers but it helps for other bits.

I would suggest that you listen to the Onkyo and make your own decision, other combos that are worth consideration

Pioneer PD6, amp and CD/SACD.
NAD 355 amp and matching CD ( 541 i think )
Marantz 5001 and matching amp

A different combo but one that would sound great in my opinion would be the OPPO DV 980 & Onkyo 805 receiver ( $580 from Amazon ) this setup would cost $800 total, the beauty of this setup is that you can run the Oppo as DSD via HDMI straight into the Onkyo. The Onkyo also has a great audio stage with a sweet powerful sounding 130 watt amplifier. The 805 & 875 are both fantastic bargins.

Alan