merc,
this is what "great value" is. If 950 sound quality is subpar compare to B&K and Anthem, then what kind of value is it? In one of my rooms I do have 3 year old H/K AVR-65, which does have DD,DTS, 5.1 input and pre-outs, bass management (which you can setup independently for various speaker groups AND inputs/decoding modes) and amp section to boot. The whole enchilada now can be had for ~$250. Why would I change it? BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE CRAP! The main reason people going into separates is sound quality. As far as features, Technics receiver will have more features then BAT preamp, but it does not necessary makes it a better product.

I am looking for 950 to provide comparable to B&K sound quality, and based on attention to details they demonstrated in 950 development cycle I believe they will!