To clarify my previous (and brief) reply, when I replaced a 1050 with a 950, I was already using the 1050 purely as a pre/pro -- the 750 and Parasound HCA-800II amps that I am using with the 950 were already in the system. The improvements I heard were only related to the pre-amp and processing roles. Going from a standalone 1050 to a 950 and amp (be it the 7100 or the 770 or a stack of 200's) would offer the additional benefit of separate amplification. Like Xyzfla, I got a 950 in part to gain new features (surround modes, bass management, more inputs, better remote, ...) and to improve the sound of the system. What the dollar value of that sonic improvement and those additional features is depends on the person, of course -- I think I got my money's worth, but some people would probably think I spent entirely too much money on it all.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review