Jeff, well said. I am certainly not looking to buy a receiver again only to use it as a pre amp but if it were sonically better then I may consider it. The high end separates are out of my price range. I currently have a 12 year old YAmaha receiver so I am th8inking that the 950 would be leaps and bounds better anyway

I have my Rocket 750's being delivered this week and I also got a good deal on an Adcom GFA 7605 amp so I really only need a good pre. Rather than futz around with research I'll just order it and if I don't like it then send it back. I ordered $4k worth of speakers which I have never heard of those would be much more difficult to send back.

I'm not looking for all the bells and whistles or the latest gadgetry. I only want very realistic music and movies in a 5.1 system in a well built quality product.

Thanks for all the advice, it was very helpful.

Joe