Just a note re: the Sony 9000ES. I have had one since 1999 or so, and it has been a pretty good performer in my theater, but it's showing its age now. The remote control is awful, and it has some lipsync problems with dolby digital sometimes, especially from HDTV feeds for some reason. Also doesn't switch component video. The upgradability factor of it was a huge plus. I paid about $1550 or so for it (new) and I got 4 years out of it. I upgraded the firmware 3 times with a serial cable and a laptop. All 3 updates were significant improvements. I had it mated with an outlaw 750.

I'm dumping the 9000ES now for a new preamp. I think I'll buy a 950, but I'm a little worried about its age. Not sure dumping a 4-year-old piece for a 2-year-old one is a smart idea. Sorry, guys, but that's what it feels like to me. I'll probably still do it, as it seems to be an outstanding piece that can stand toe-to-toe with virtually any multi-channel pre-amp. But, it doesn't quite have the state-of-the-art-newness-factor that I'm looking for.

FWIW, Eric