Now that you've pointed out the weak spots between the speakers and AVR might overlap I would expect using the pre and adding a separate amp, (particularly in my opinion a 770 or 755 with your current speaker sensitivity) to get a lot more ‘detail’ out of your AVR and speakers. Then again go ahead with the Outlaw 950/7100 and I think (you'll think) your speakers are a diffrent and better behaved animal). Beyond the rules of thumb that if x & y remain constant 100 watts only gets you 3 dB more. (My version of math), I was truly shocked at how much more the Outlaw (770) got out of my VA Beethoven’s than the Pioneer Elite Flagship (built in amps) , or a B&K Sep amp (model unknown) and one more I’ve forgotten at the time. Regardless that x amount of clean power should do about the same….the Outlaw stomped all those that I listened to in a demo room the size of my space with better acoustic treatments than I’ll ever have, when paired with the speakers I purchased.

That said, I would expect to ‘hear’ a difference if you started there. (a sep amp). But if my ‘guess’ about the description of what you and your wife are hearing (and are dissatisfied with) is anywhere close to correct. That possible ‘lack’ in the high lows and low ids, with a lack of bass impact, will not be much improved if you keep the AVR and the speakers together in your system since neither is helping the others ‘weak point’. . I do think adding the amp would help, how much, not sure? I really think that just calibrating could (possibly) make the whole system sound like you just plugged up a new one. The lack of liveliness you describe, Can honestly be that affected, - if the speakers have been trimmed terribly out of balance to each other.

At Outlaw you get the combo price, but you also do get a discount once you have purchased any Outlaw item (excepting cables). If your wife (bless her) is willing to keep working at this. The amp and quite possible getting a SW on line, might be a start to more drama in your listening. The SW does not ‘have’ to be expensive, or large, having any SW on line, helps dramatically with DVD HT impact. The good thing about them, is although many might argue with me, even if you pick up a cheap boomy one, you can pull it back, just to the point of beginning to help fill in, - - and it will still impact the whole favorably. Being basically non-directional, they are much easier to stash in (non-optional) wife approved spots, than all other speakers whose placement is critical to the final product.

If you picked up the AVR used, (non-returnable) and would rather try to keep it for a while, (if me). First step I’d purchase an SPL meter at Radio shack (about 39.00) and calibrate (immediately) your speakers, - then purchase the Amp when feasible. Next get a SW in there. Next, save for a new pre, which has strengths in the area that your speakers might lack. To keep from doubling the problem.

The last two paragraphs are coming from the angle that your speakers are the part of your system you wish to keep from upgrading the longest. There are those who have been at this a long,long time who will argue.
Prioritize the speakers first always. Put the largest percent of budget into that purchase. Personally I think they are 100% accurate and yet still wrong. I would never feel the satifaction that I currently have in my system if I did not have my Vienna Acoustics on line. BUT having heard the same speakers run with some other front ends. Yes I picked them because they sounded better (than other choices at the store) , but they sound BEST after being paired with my Outlaw combo.

It’s a vicious circle. I wish I could plop my 950/770 SW, VA speakers down in your LR for a week. To prove that all the hard work and detail and tweak that separates demand are worth it. (Your wife would never dream of climbing into the attic) Other than the fact that this process can be cruelly addicting, (some people) once they get ‘one’ system tweaked and running, can live with it (with out this constant work) till they feel 15 years down the road, they have become hopelessly outdated. (you don’t have to work this hard forever).

I would listen to Llamas and Boblinds on the Tivo, ( I hear TIVO raved about constantly) even the Pres of CES (I’m pretty sure) called “that box a gift from God”. Unfortunately, I have Direct Sat. and am not familiar with most Dish products. And have not used a PVRD since my VHS went off-line. There is some great stuff coming, but right now I don’t’ (think) I care about time shifting enough. I’ will wait on that portion of my system for a long time (till the best tech price drops) . Just content to spend big bucks on a HD STB when they ever get around to resolving the current crops problems.

Sorry for the LOOOOOOg post, have to get back to Moms tonight to replace cables on her new 60XBR800. So I’m rude to Outlaws BW and not editing for precise razor content. (NOT MY strong point ask any here )