Denon AVR-2808CI or Onkyo TX-SR805?

I can't speak to the Denon, although I have an older model. I absolutely love my 805. All the processing I need, easy to operate menus, lit remote, 3 zones. That said, I am not using the amps. I will try the amps for my surround speakers this week just to try them. Many online retailers let you try for 30 days without penalty, such as JR.

I cannot speak to the HDMI issue since I only have component input on my older HDTV. It runs somewhat hot, but not excessively so in my rack. I have had no popping noise, no need to unplug or reset, no failure of any kind. I was told that this 805 is made in Japan, and the models below are made in China. I don't know if it matters, but I feel better about the quality.

And, another thing, the Multi-EQ XT Audyssey really does make a difference for surround sound.

I currently pass the 2 channel signal from the CD->DAC->Modwright pre-amp and bypass the Onkyo. I use the Onkyo for multi-channel SACD and DVD-A from the Oppo->-HDMI->Onkyo->Bel Canto monoblocks for the main left and right(via a HT bypass on the pre-amp) and Outlaw amps from the channels other than the main left and right. The front speakers are Von Schweikert VR-4JRs. In pure audio mode it is extremely quiet with excellent S/N ratio. It is not quite as realistic using the other 2 channel set-up but very close. I A/B compared the two when I first got the Onkyo and was very pleased. I may send the Modwright in for upgrades and will use the Onkyo in the interim. I won't be missing much. It is well built, quiet, dynamic and has good separation of channels. I highly recommend it.

Just for fun this afternoon I was moving gear for better accessibility and hooked up the Oppo 980 and the Onkyo 805 on Pure Audio. Simply, it sounds great and almost as good as my dedicated CD playback route. You will enjoy it! Have fun!

Caution: I bought an inexpensive refurbished 605 through the onkyo website. they were very helpful, friendly and prompt. It failed the first day. I guess that's why it was a refurb to begin with. Also, it was made in China, the 805 was made in Japan. Was it just bad luck? Probably, but I ended up spending the extra to get a new 605. Just like with the 805, never a problem. The 605 is not as powerful, nor is it as advanced, but for a small room with old cheap components, its fine. The refurb saves you over $400 and comes with a 30 day return policy and a full warranty. Either way, it's an amazing piece of equipment, and not just for the money, it's just amazing as a pre-pro or a receiver. I only wish I could turn off the amps, since I'm not using them. It would save electricity and eliminate the heat. By the way, the heat is not an issue in a well ventilated rack.