Quick thought this morning before I head to work...

I think someone else may have mentioned it earlier in the thread, but one very revealing test might be to demo the AVM20 (either the pre/pro alone or it and whatever Anthem amp was used at the dealer) at home. That would eliminate any possible "funny business" as pointed out by bossobass and would put the comparison where it counts most -- in your home, with your gear. Since your plan is to either keep the 950 (if you can get it sounding the way you want it) or buy an AVM20, the Anthem dealer ought to be more than happy to let you try it at home for a few days. If the old integrated amp still sounds best, then both pre/pros are likely more revealing than you are used to. If the AVM20 still wipes the floor with the 950, you might check with Outlaw about a 950 swap (since some past comparisons like the one psklenar mentioned suggest that there should not be that pronounced a sonic difference between the two, unless perhaps something is wrong with the 950) before throwing in the towel and dropping the extra $ on the Anthem.

------------------
gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review