Bass management and DVD Audio were things on the top of my list so this is a much more important issue for me. I liked the 965 also and this was a major point that led to my decision to go with the outlaw. It didn't make sense to me to order a more expensive preamp and then also buy a an ICBM unit.I also really like the fact that I can get the outlaw, set it up in my theater, tweak and and play with it for a month and if there is anything I don't like I can pack it up and send it back. It's all about what's important to you.