onkyo vs. Marantz A/V recievers which better?


I am looking at purchasing a HT receiever (7.1). I am down to two models: Onkyo TX-SR804 or Marantz SR5001. The price point are about equal. I am new to HT scene, and not sure which is best to purchase? My listening will be 90% movies, and look forward to creating a second zone that doesn't require an external receiver. Speakers B&W 601, 603, and LCR600 Series 3
dvdgreco
I would NOT second the Yamaha recommendation, as I've NEVER been impressed with their ability to create a transparent view into music. All of their HT products as well as their Integrated receivers have a veiled sound to me, which creates a separation and involvement with what I'm trying to hear.

Of the two choices you're interested in feedback on, I'd select the Marantz over the Onkyo.
I am now looking also at a Denon 3806 and Harmon Kardon avr645. How do these rate compared to the Marantz and Onkyo. I would greatly appreciate if someone could provide a link to any customer driven reviews on any of these models.
I 2nd dawgbyte's response concerning Yamaha-thought I was
upgrading a few years back went from Harmon Kardon avr-85
to Yamaha-rxv3000-IMHO--there was no comparision in sound-
I sold the Yamaha--purchased a HK-avr7200-there is truth
to the high current sound that HK- promotes-highly recommended.Good luck.
I have the Denon AVR 3806 and I have no complaints. It produces solid two-channel sound and the video picture quality is very good. Rock solid performer.
Three year warranty on the Marantz should tell you something. For 2-channel quality audio the Marantz is the better choice over all receivers but the Arcams IMHO.