I think an awful lot depends on the speakers you are using, the music you like, the volume you listen at and probably other factors. I had an eight and it sounded good. I still have a G7000 and while it sounds better with some speakers than others, I really like it. Also I seem to see quite a few 7's, 8's, and 8 deluxe show up, but G7000 seems to be one of the more rare G series models.
Also, my g7000 is the best match yet with my University horn speakers. I have tried Sansui 2000x, trio wx-400, philips ah7631, sansui g5000,onkyo tx something or other. I can't turn the volume far, but wow does it sound good.