Obviously I'd rather a universal player without DACs - pipe the data via a digital interface, but if that wasn't (as it currently isn't) an option I'd rather have an analog multi-channel preamp (not really a processor at that point) and full range speakers all around.

If I went with the 950 right now I think I'd do like someone (Merc ?) here did and also insert a Sony analog preamp between 950 and amps, via the unity gain bypass input. Then tie the DVD-A into the Sony.