soundhog,

I guess you are kinda answering my Q2. You make some good points to account for some of the price differences. The 950 would probably retail 1300-1500 as-is in a B&M. How expensive the faceplates and balanced connections would vary quite a bit, it depends on which model. IMO, most of the balanced connections are more external connectors than the more expensive true balanced, dual-differential circuitry inside.

If you say life is too short for this seemingly simple "pointless to defend against 3-4k prepro" exercise, then why did the Outlaw thread on HTF go to 90+ posts? In a similiar, and much shorter, HTF thread on the Rotel 1066 vs 3-4k prepros, several Rotel 1066 acknowledged that the other prepros were better sonically, especially in 2 channel, but they choose their 1066s for price/performance (not straight up).

bossobass,

So 3-4k prepros is not enough competition for your 950, so you would only take a 10k prepro staightup? And for no apparent reason?