The 1050 is a good receiver for the money, but it is not a 950. I have had the 1050 as a pre pro, I have also used a Denon 3300 as a pre pro with the Outlaw 750. The Denon and Outlaw 1050 were really close. I would not have picked one over the other to use as a pre pro. When the 950 was put in line with the Outlaw 750 it was no contest. If you really can't hear the difference between the Outlaw 1050 and 950 when used as a pre pro than you dont want to spend your money on seperates. Move on and fine yourself another hobby.