fmcorps,

I have no experience with the 950, but I have owned the ref 30 for about 9 months now. I use Martin Logan speakers and the Outlaw 750 amp. Sound is subjective, but I will just say that this set up sounds incredible, at least to my ears.

Something I don't hear much discussion about is the ref 30's system A/V presets. It's so much more than something in the features list. While the ref 30 doesn't have any DSP modes, it has the following listening modes: surround, stereo, THX, and mono. You can then configure that particular mode with any number of speakers, 1 to 7. A nice way around DSP modes, this allows for 28 configurations, and you can do what you want with them.

Here is where the presets come in - you get 40 of them (actually, 40 for each of its two zones)! You can configure source (video can be different if desired), sound mode, number of speakers, EQ, sub level, center level, and rear level. For example, you can have a preset called MOVIE - SURROUND, 6 speakers, a bright EQ, rears flat, center -1, sub +2. Because it also allows for a direct mode, to bypass any processing, I have a MUSIC preset. But, for times I want to use my sub for music, I have a preset called SUB. For watching movies at night, I have a NIGHT preset so I don't bother my neighbors (as much). Very flexible, and very simple. With my MX-500, instant recall of system configurations requires only one button press. How easy is that?

I hope you do get a chance to audition both and compare them head to head. I didn't see too many comments on the ref 30 here, so I just wanted to help. Yes, it costs more than the 950; you should be able to find them now for under $2K. Good luck

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