I am using an Audiosource amp for my surrounds, and a B&K reference 3 channel amp for my system with the 950.
I can't speak to any personal experience with the 7100 but would surmise it to be similar in performance, for the simple reason it is an Outlaw.
This is my first time at full separates...I went from the older Onkyo which sounded good for a 'receiver' to an 09TX Pioneer which sounded better, a NAD T751 that sounded a bit more warm than the Pioneer but not really better, and then used the NAD as a pre-pro which it did quite well especially since it had 6 analog channel input capability.
Now with the 950, the sound has reached a new plateau. And not a small change either IMHO.
In all modes it sounds better. It may not have a Rega Planet/Theta/Martin Logan, 2 channel sound (I am running M&K 750 theater system) but for the price of all the components, it is way and above anything else I have heard recently with a receiver in the group.
The sound has more depth, clarity and a lower noise floor of anything in my personal experience.