OK fellas, let's not lose site of the original topic.
Gonk Did you ever find the thread? I searched under Ref30, reference 30, b & k, and a few other ways to look, but found nothing 'cept a reference to the cost of a used one.
Just a little background info. I had been using a Yamaha 2095 as the pre until I stumbled upon a Ref30 for $1600. Being a bargin shopper, and wanting the biggest bang for the buck, I grabbed it up. Sound is far superior to the Yami. The sound from the 30 is just what I was looking for. If the 950 could match that sound, it would save me a good $700. I have very revealing speakers. Mains are Klipsch LaScalas with Hersey's as surrounds.