Here's my advice - based on lots of past and current experience.

Can I assume that the "dbx expander" is a dynamic range expander - as opposed to one of those noise reduction units? If so there is absolutely no need to use it on any source that is already dynamic range gifted. For old tape, vinyl, and radio sources for sure. But not much else.

So for all of those old analogue sources go out and buy a good used NAD pre-amp (like the 1130) and connect all of those sources to it. Then put the expander either in a tape loop on the pre-amp - or between the pre-amp and the 950. I do exactly this with my turntable and Pioneer RG-1 dynamic range expander. Works like a charm. (The 1130 or its brethren can be had for as little as $50 off ebay.)

As for equalization. Use it only on a speaker by speaker basis. So with a single stereo equalizer I'd do the front mains - and insert it between the 950 and the power amp. I use one equalizer channel for each of the ten main speakers in my set-up. (ps. without a corresponding "analyser" capability, chances are that a regular equalizer will do more harm than good. I use one Numark EQ-2700 to handle all of the analysing - and slave the other 4 equalizers through it during calibration. It was designed with this in mind. Used ones can go for as little as $10 - $30 on ebay - with the calibrated mic.)

Good luck.

Jeff Mackwood