I experienced the same issue, although my Denon was older, a model 3600. What surprised me was that the Denon, as a front end, was quieter and had no "pops", the switching was faster, and it had buttons on the remote and faceplate far each input. I am also interested in what others can say about the other pre-pros out there, specifically, how they are better than the 950, which I returned. Do I wait for the next Outlaw pre-pro, or go with Lexicon/Krell/Bryston/B&K/Parasound/etc./new or used? Thanks.