Nad t187 v. Onkyo integra 5508/80.803

I bought the Onkyo a while back. I need XLR connectivity, so the NAD was a non-starter. Also, a new NAD t187 sells (IIRC) for about $3K, while the Onkyo can be found new for app. half that price. Together, the delta in price and feature set might eplain why you don't see these two units compared/cross-shopped more often.

Marty

I've owned both Integra and Onkyo AVRs for the past decade, in the 1K price range for both. They have great feature sets reliability and video
Processing.
From a purely audio perspective I've been happy until I hear something in the same range that bests them. The differences usually are not that profound. I've owned some Pioneer Elite and Denon Receivers that were slightly better, but those manufacturers have also significantly changed their
Products sine then. The Onkyos have had a fairly consistent sound for the last decade or so.

How would you characterize the Onkyo sound?