Onkyo 595 vs. 696 (or "Will I Kick Myself Later) (1 Viewer)

[Matt Wallace]

After finally getting the WAF - thank you, Die Hard SE - I can shed the shackles of Pro Logic and run free with the rest of humanity and into the digital domain! However, I'm having a hard time with convincing myself that I can go with the 595 instead of the 696. Budget constraints have forced me down to these price points and preference for Onkyo has got me to these two.
What I'm looking for is experiences from owners of both these units and specifically why they chose one over the other. I've been reading all of the threads, so I've seen pros for both, but what I'm looking for is how tangible and useful - or useless, for that matter - the differing features have been, in your experience ( composite to S-Video conversion, pre-outs, power differences, on-screen display,etc). Also, recommendations for good pricing is always appreciated. TIA for your help!!
Matt
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"And I say I'm dead, and I move"....

 

[Paul Wu]

Well I don't own any Onkyo gear, but I would really recommend buying a unit with pre-outs. That will allow for a future upgrade to an external amp. I bought a unit 2 years ago without this feature, and now I'm kicking myself, well actually last year I was kicking myself. After being sore, I decided to stop doing that and just live with it.
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Paul Wu
"There are three kinds of people in this world; those that can count and those that can't."
Good day, eh, for those that would like to see Strange Brew released on dvd, please click here, and add your name, eh.

 

[Chip E]

And, the 696 has preouts... (hint hint)
- Chip
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[Matt Wallace]

Paul - Glad you stopped that
Chip - Thanks

.. Do you have the 696?
Matt
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"And I say I'm dead, and I move"....

 

[Tony Lai]

My advice is to upgrade.
If it's a small amount to go from one model to the next and you MUST have that feature - go for it.
You'll sleep better knowing you won't be kicking yourself for being so scummy in the first place.
T.