The 8160 is 80wpc at 8 ohm at 20 to 20. And it is 4 ohm capable. It has a higher signal to noise ratio than the 9010 (106 to 95) so in theory it should be quieter. The newer Onkyo 2ch receivers have gotten pretty good reviews. But they are what they are, budget receivers. I think that if you pair the Onkyo with a decent DAC you will get pretty good sound.
I'm sure the Onkyo will be un upgrade from my 15 year old Sony receiver which is going to run a 3rd, completely lofi system!! And amazingly the old Sony with the Totems doesn't actually suck! (source is Squeezebox Touch and its internal DAc is fine by me. However the Onkyo also has onboard DAC as well)
So now it's just a matter of new receiver with warranty vs 'better' used int amps (Vincent, NAD, Cambridge) in the 200-300 range (w/ potential problems).
