Nad t187 v. Onkyo integra 5508/80.803

How would i characterize Onkyo's sound? I find myself describing what isn't. It isn't in your face and super analytical. Nor is it soft and veiled. The treble may roll off a tad. The bass is tuneful and detailed, but this can be very room dependent. I guess I would describe it as aneutral, and I mean that as a complement.

Seems like onkyo owns the "average price pre pro market". As if you want to step up to something that is historically more audiophile labeled brands (although i have not heard any of them hence this thread) you would have to step up in price e.g

NAD
Anthem
cary

I would definitely look at Denon, Marantz and Pioneer Elite in the $ 1k range before concluding that Onkyo owns this segment of the market. I bought a used Elite that doesn't have HDMI from an AGoner recently because I valued it's "i-link". It sounds great but Pioneer has changed to Class D amplification in it's latest AVRs so that is an issue. The AVR that
Preceded the Pioneer was a Denon In the $1k range ( I gave it to my daughter and still enjoy listening to it when I am at her place. It has a more in your face sound than Onkyo that works better with movies and some types of music.
For $3k I would be considering a separate prepro and amp. Marantz and Parasound would be my idea of a good pairing.

Richardfinegold which Marantz would you choose to pair with the Parasound? AV 7005? The new SR 7007?