Wayne, depending oh how (dis)satisfied you are with your present system AND how far your finances will stretch, I would recomment the pre-processor/power-amp route instead of the receiver route. If you can not afford to purchase both the pre-processor and the power-amp both at the same time, purchase whichever you want or need (replace the weakest link?) or can afford first.

I am using a Sony STR-DB940 as a pre-processor in my system. I am also using the rear rurround channels' power amps for the rear speakers. I am also using a Sony NS700p DVD player and a Sony 705ES CD player (both of which may be replaced by the upcoming Sony 999ES DVD/SACD player). The 705ES feeds directly into a Sony TAP9000ES 5ch preamp, the output of which feeds to a couple of monoblock power amps I built many, many years ago. These power amps drive a pair of modified Acoustat 2+2s.

The DB940's front channels feed into a Nakamichi 610 preamp, which also has an input from my turntable. The output of the Nak also feeds into the TAP9000ES. A somewhat complicated setup that is designed for maximum quality of the front L and R channels.

For my use and priorities, the DB940 and how it is setup is giving me more than acceptable service. I have forgone the purchase of the 950 because it would have to replace the 940DB and the Nak. and so I would have very high audiophile expectations for it. I am more interested in a higher-end Outlaw product than the 950. I would still have to puchase a phono stage preamp as well to play my vinyl. This is getting expensive.

Although I spend more time watching TV/DVDs, I have much greater expectations (higher standards) when I seriously listen to music, thus my equipment purchases are more governed by sound quality rather than the latest AV developments.

So, back to you, Wayne: I would like to know more about your present system; what kind of DVD and CD players, what speakers you are using and how power hungry they are and how satisfied you are with them. Where are your priorities, music (2 or multichannel) or home theater? Is whatever you watch DVDs on of high enough quality to make use of a better DVD player?

If you don't want to purchase a pre-processor and power amps right away, you can purchase one or the other now and use the Sony 930DB as the other on a temporary basis. If you used the 930DB as the power amps, you would have only 5 channels for now, unless you had something else to use as two additional power amp channels.

Let us know more about your present system and your priorities and goals.

Paul

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the 1derful1