well folks, couldnt wait any longer. I ended up pulling the trigger on an used EAD encore processor. Yeah it does not have the full 8 channels, but it is upgradable if my wife ever lets me put 2 side speakers in the room.......never.......

doesnt have all of the bells and whistles, but it should sould better sonically. got it for the same price as the 950, so i am pretty excited.