Mix,

Another option to put in the mix (excuse the pun) is a used 950. Based on some threads here and elsewhere, some people are selling them. It's probably no more of a hassle for you to upgrade a used 950 than to upgrade a used Acurus ACT3 or Aragon SoundStage. The 950 upgrade would be a one-timer to fix its hiss. But if you want the option of more firmware upgrades over the life of the pre/pro, I imagine the cheapest "current" DPL II pre/pro with that option, may be the Rotel 1066.

Will