I have always purchased onkyo and decided to replace the 602 with a denon 1708. Set up is quite different so i was a bit frustrated at times until I became more familiar with the controls. The sound from the Onkyo 602 was fantastic so I was worried the Denon 1708 would come up short. I am absolutely satisfied with the Denon unit. It sounds cleaner and has a more "flat" output. The unit can be used to bi-amp the front speakers if you so choose. All channels sound very clean. The 3 different night modes come in very useful when the kids are sleeping. (in case you watch movies at night) I use the unit to power 2-klipsch SB2's (mains), 1-klipsch RC25 (center), 2 bose 161 (surrounds), 1 klipsch RWD 10 (sub). Very very satisfied with the Denon 1708. Great product.