Thanks for responding. I misread this hi-fiworld.co.uk article:The Sony STR-DN1080 receiver is a good one, especially for the money, and it has a lot of features generally only seen in higher-priced units (like native DSD decoding for SACDs). It pairs really well with the Sony UBP-X800, which you can get refurb for $100 and change, and you'll be able to play anything with that combo.
Massdrop was selling the STR-DN1080 for $300, but the deal isn't currently live.
"The TX-NR609 measured very well in all areas, although performance with SACD was disappointing. It plays the DSD layer but with CD quality."
http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/av-receivers/39-av-reviews/270-onkyo-tx-nr609.html?start=3
...I thought it was DVD-Audio that my Onkyo wasn't decoding properly but I misread the article.
I'm guessing the the STR-DN1080 has that covered by now (or hopefully still has that covered for both formats this far out from the demise of DVD-A), but as I say that's still a guess on my part as I don't know enough about the technology or that particular AVR to know.
As for massdrop, I'm in the U.K. so I don't think I could make use of it. :/
I have already picked up a UBP-X800. I read that they have a higher than average failure rate, so I bought it new from a specialist audio equipment franchise that still has brick and mortar outlets and paid another £30 on top for their special 6 year coverage.
I'd have to disagree with that...
To each his own...
I was originally intending to pick up the Perceptions box set and was thinking I might just keep the discs I wanted and put the others on eBay. Also was thinking I might buy the regular Doors CDs just for the cases so that I could replace the CD's with the DVD-A's for storage with my other discs.Also, you can get the Perception box for under $100 used. I'd strongly recommend that route instead of getting a few of the SACDs.
In the end I just opted to buy the DVD-A/CD combo digipacks for Waiting for the Sun, L.A. Woman and Morrison Hotel and also bought the Rhino 2017 Singles Blu-Ray for the tracks I like from Strange Days.
Not sure what to do about their first, self-titled, album. Does the 5.1 add nothing to it? Wondering if it's worth picking up the DVD-A or to just pick up the SACD for the stereo remix?