Kieran, I am a relatively new 950/7100 owner who did upgrade from a Sony receiver to these separates. I thought I would be hearing improvements but my penny-pinching wife just said HA! When it arrived, I played one of her CD's and brought her down to listen-- she couldn't believe how much improved it was-- she heard things on the CD she never realized was there!!

In regards to Xyzfla's poundage comments, I was just reading the latest Home Theater mag. (June 2003) where Mark Fleischmann (the reviewer) commented in his review of the Harman/Kardon AVR 325 A/V Receiver "... If I could condense everything I know about receivers down to four words of advice, they would be these: Buy by the pound. A heavier black box is more likely to house a beefier power supply, and that suggests greater dynamic prowess, among other benefits."

Hope this helps, and remember-- you have 30 days to test this combo IN YOUR OWN HOME AND SEE IF IT WORKS FOR YOU. If it doesn't, send it bacK!!