I remember the TA-E9000ES now (just found more on it at Crutchfield) -- it's the Sony pre/pro that requires a separate $600 add-on to have 5.1 analog input from DVD-Audio or SACD (at least the TA-P9000ES add-on unit has two 5.1 analog inputs). I think the E9000 came up in a discussion here not too long ago, and I remember being stunned that somebody was selling a $1700 pre/pro without 5.1 analog input...
Pardon my slightly off-topic ramble on the Sony pre/pro, just sort of befuddled. I do agree with stott that the 950 should be an exceptional performer.
EDIT: yep, I'm still asleep this morning (must be the snow we got here last night) -- the original post was asking about the 5.1 analog add-on to the TA-E9000ES. The TA-P9000ES does include volume control for the two 5.1 analog inputs. I'm catching on now...
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Gonk[This message has been edited by gonk (edited February 06, 2002).]