rmbg - yes I remember we both were discussing our reservations about the 2 channel sound on our 950's and considered returning them at the same time.

With the wife and kids out of town I'm going to experiment with this tonight. I'd be happy enough to get a decent sound in 2 channel even if the great HT sound was compromised a bit.

BTW, do you connect your CD player directly into your two channel pre, or is it still connected into the 950?