I switched from an Onkyo TX-something-or-other to a 950/770 combo and noticed better “clarity” in each channel when in surround modes, plus, when such sounds as enhanced gunfire were played at near “theater” volume levels, that clarity was maintained. With the Onkyo, fine detail in the loudest passages was lost. At low volumes and without a surround mode engaged, I noticed little difference. There may have been a difference, but when listening at low volumes in an environment with its own ambient sound providing some acoustic masking, noticing any difference would have been difficult.
Because I changed my processing and my amplification at the same time, I cannot definitely attribute the positive changes solely to either unit. Likely the clarity while in a surround mode was due to the 950; likely the maintaining of that clarity during high output was due to better amplification.
I think you will be pleased. But if not, the shipping cost is small enough that, if you return the 950, you’ve spent no more that you would on a couple trips to a dedicated audio store for auditions. Come back once you’ve had a few hours of listening to the 950 and give us your impressions!
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