IMHO i just don't believe that a $500 receiver will sound the same as a $3000 pre/pro. it can't happen. you are dealing with much more robust power suppies, much higher grade capacitors, more advanced chips, etc...

the KEY is great amplification and you can't dump $5k into a set of speakers and run them with a $500 receiver because those speakers will reveal the true level of mediocrity that receiver occupies.

on that same point a 950 with a very high-end 5 channel amp, like a cary (properly matched), can sound about as good as a $3000 pre/pro, such as the anthem.