It appears that the 950 Preamp/Processor will have a 7.1 input and 7.1 output. Sounds great, right? The problem is, there is absolutely NO 7.1 software out there, nor is there likely to be any for the foreseeable future. I think that the SACD specs (or possibly DVD-A) may be able to accomodate 7.1, but all the SACD and DVD-A players being made today have 5.1 outputs. So it really doesn't make any sense to include 7.1 capability on the 950 unless it has a 7.1 mode that can convert 5.1 or 6.1 sources into 7.1 channels. I think there are a few processors on the market that can do this (the Sunfire Theater Grand II).